WS-C3850 vs N3K-C3048

[rockitworld]

Hello everybody,

We wanna build a new LAN which needs a core switch to connect ESXi host and Office edge switch.

It must have 48-port GE and 4-port 10GE phisycal interfaces and can be implemented basic features like: inter-vlan routing, etherchannel.

Due to these conditons, we're considering about WS-C3850 and N3k-C3048.

Would you please give me some suggestions or tell me what's the main difference between WS-C3850 and N3k-C3048.

Thanks for your attention.

[Reza Sharifi]

Hi,

Nexus devices are low latency switches that are designed for data center and server connectivity. In your case, you are also planning to connect the switch to ESXi server.  All things being equal, the Nexus is a better choice.  The thing that you would need to remember is that the 3850 has the capability to be a wireless controller while the Nexus does not have that.  And one more thing, the 3850 runs IOS XE which is very close to IOS, but Nexus runs Nexus-OS, which I think is a better OS overall. Also, the 3850 in capable of POE, but the Nexus is not.

Good Luck

HTH