Catalyst 2960s vs Catalyst 3850

[Brett Williston]

I am a newbie so please excuse my ignorance.

We are bidding out a project.

Will the Catalyst 2960s be capable of terminating a fiber connection?

[Reza Sharifi · Accepted solution]

The 2960 switches are mainly copper switches. The copper ports are used for end device connectivity e.g servers, PC, laptop, printers, etc..

and 2 fiber ports for uplinks

Are you looking for all fiber switch?

what are you trying to do?

HTH

[shillings]

What are you connecting via fibre?

There is a 3750-X all-SFP switch (12 and 24-port options), but not a 3850 series.

[Brett Williston]

Thank you everyone. My local vendor just explained to me the reason for the pricey 3850

[Leo Laohoo]

Brett,

You are asking a "loaded" question.  Sure the 2960S/2960X and 3850 can terminate fibre optic.  It all depends on how you want it.

Both the 2960S/2960X and the 3850 can be stacked.  When we say "stacked" it means that the each switch models can be connected (at the back using a special stacking cable) to form a single logical switch.

Each 2960S can support a minimum of two SFP/SFP+ or up to four SFP.  The 3850, however, can support up to four SFP/SFP+ fibre.  This is on a single unit.

Before I continue droning on, what EXACTLY are you trying to do and achieve?