Key Milestones, Migration Options, and Next Steps
Maximizing the lifespan of network infrastructure is optimal for high return of investment. Many companies must only use current-generation, “in-life” products due to Corporate Compliance (ex. HIPAA), where the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is actively providing software updates. It is essential to have a migration plan for End of Support infrastructure, as it can become a security risk. Cisco hardware warranty for Catalyst 3850 (C3850) Switches ends October 31, 2025. To mitigate these risks, it’s best to have a plan in place to upgrade gear or switch to a third-party maintenance platform to ensure security of your system.
Cisco initially launched C3850 switches with copper-port models in 2012 and then introduced Fiber-port (all SFP) models in 2015.
C3850 copper switches going End of Support with Cisco are the primary focus of this announcement.
Key Milestones
The Catalyst 3850 copper switches were initially slated for End of Life on October 31, 2019, with an End of Sale date of October 30, 2021, and End of Support projected for October 31, 2025. Subsequently, Cisco extended the End of Life for the 3850 Fiber switches, setting their End of Sale for April 30, 2022, and End of Support for April 30, 2027. Cisco’s established End of Life process typically includes providing vulnerability and security support for three years following the End of Sale announcement. However, driven by persistent supply chain constraints, Cisco chose to extend the vulnerability and security support dates for both copper and fiber models to align with their respective End of Support dates, ensuring consistent and extended protection for these product lines.
Cisco C3850 OEM Lifecycle
End of Sale and End of Life for the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Copper Switches
- End of Life: October 31, 2019
- End of Sale: October 30, 2020
- End of SW Maintenance Release: October 30, 2021
- End of Vulnerability/ Security Support: October 31, 2025
- Last Day of Support: October 31, 2025
End of Sale and End of Life for the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Fiber Switches
- End of Life: April 30, 2021
- End of Sale: April 30, 2022
- End of SW Maintenance Release: April 30, 2023
- End of Vulnerability/Security Support: April 30, 2027
- Last Day of Support: April 30, 2027
Risks of Using End of Support Equipment
When a product reaches its End of Software Maintenance Release, Cisco stops developing new software updates or bug fixes for it, which means any existing software issues or vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed. Once it hits End of Vulnerability/Security Support, it will no longer receive critical patches for newly discovered security issues—potentially leaving your network exposed. This is especially concerning for network devices, as they manage sensitive data traffic and are prime targets for attackers.
Migration Options
There are several migration options available for Catalyst 3850.
- Upgrade to the Cisco Catalyst C9300: One key advantage of upgrading from the C3850 series to the current-generation Cisco Catalyst 9300 (C9300) series is the backward compatibility with many of the C3850’s power supplies and uplink modules. This compatibility allows users to upgrade to a C9300 switch and reuse existing components from their C3850, resulting in significant cost savings. The table below outlines the compatible components between the two-switch series. This compatibility can be a significant factor in easing the transition for users and reducing potential concerns about adopting the newer technology.
- Other Benefits of Upgrading:
- Publicly available software downloads.
- Increased performance, enhanced security, and the latest software upgrades from the OEM.
- Current Gen C9300 – no EOL dates announced yet.
WS-C3850 C9300 C3850-NM-4-1G ✔ ✔ C3850-NM-2-10G ✔ ✔ C3850-NM-4-10G ✔ (48-port, XS, and mGig) ✔ C3850-NM-8-10G ✔ (XS and mGig) ✔ C3850-NM-2-40G ✔ (XS and mGig) ✔ C9300-NM-4G x ✔ C9300-NM-4M x ✔ C9300-NM-8X x ✔ C9300-NM-2Q x ✔ C9300-NM-2Y x ✔ PWR-C1-350WAC ✔ ✔ PWR-C1-350WAC-P x ✔ PWR-C1-715WAC ✔ ✔ PWR-C1-715WAC-P x ✔ PWR-C1-1100WAC ✔ ✔ PWR-C1-1100WAC-P x ✔ PWR-C1-1900WAC-P x ✔ PWR-C1-1900WHV-T x ✔ PWR-C1-440WDC ✔ x PWR-C1-715WDC x ✔ PWR-C3-750WAC-F ✔ (48XS models) x PWR-C3-750WAC-R ✔ (48XS models) x PWR-C3-750WDC-F ✔ (48XS models) x PWR-C3-750WDC-R ✔ (48XS models) x - Third-Party Maintenance Options: Third-party options are ideal for customers who aren’t ready to upgrade to the C9300, but want to ensure secure support for their infrastructure. Companies such as Park Place Technologies continue to offer support for the C3850 beyond OEM End of Support dates. Customers can also continue their third-party maintenance support when upgrading to the C9300. Third-party maintenance alleviates the stressors of End of Support gear becoming a security risk.
- Alternative Solutions: Customers can easily transition to other OEM brands, especially in the pre-owned market. Pre-Owned Aruba provides similar benefits compared to Cisco Catalyst, including components that are backwards compatible with previous generation switches.
IT Asset Disposition Services for Catalyst 3850
When upgrading or migrating, it is important to take the proper steps to resell, recycle, or properly destroy equipment to comply with environmental regulations. If your migration solution involves decommissioning 3850 switches, it’s essential to leverage a strong Asset Recovery partner. Instead of paying to e-waste your surplus 3850s, you can trade in these devices and potentially cover the costs of decommissioning, and you may even receive net positive credit to help offset the purchase of newer generation equipment. Asset Recovery includes data center hardware storage; asset re-deployment; secure on-site or off-site data destruction; equipment recycling; and hardware resale. Data destruction often includes hard drive erasure and destruction to protect your security and privacy. If your equipment can be reused, Curvature’s buyback program offers new life to products that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Additional Resources
When it comes to End of Support equipment, it’s always good to have a plan of action in place. Curvature is well equipped to offer upgrades to the C9300 or alternative enterprise OEM gear such as Aruba. Utilize Third Party Maintenance through Park Place Technologies to continue securely operating on a C3850 system or extend your third-party maintenance with your C9300 for ease of use. Curvature and Park Place offer a full suite of asset recovery services to ensure proper security, destruction, and recycling of IT hardware.
Start mitigating your plan and reach out with any questions.
- Other Benefits of Upgrading:
