The comparison is (the way it is asked) is not feasible. 3850 represents a product line with many different features (models). While EX4600 appears to be a good solution for big data centre deployment with good backplane forwarding rate and handful numbers of available ports, it is not what many organisation need for business networks. On the other hand, Cisco 3850 product line offers this versatility. You will find different models from 12 insertable SFPs (fibre and copper) to 48 ports, 1 Gig to 10 Gig (did not look for higher rates). Variable rates (2.5 Gig and 5 Gig) above 1 Gig speed on copper links (Cisco to Cisco) for those who would like to extend lifespan of their infrastructure and re-use Cat6 cables instead of jumping on 10G or 40G bang-wagon.
One feature to highlight for Cisco 3850 series - Power Stack. It is an excellent option for Disaster Recovery if you have stacked your 3850 switches. Connect one switch to one powerbar (phase 1) and another switch to another powerbar (phase 2) and you could perform your maintenance on UPS/Generator without a glitch. One switch will power another one instantly over Power Stack cables.
Search for a product comparison in Ethernet Switches
Head of computer network and telecommunications division at a financial services firm
Real User
Oct 11, 2016
You can compare ex4600 with Cisco Nexus 9300. They have comparable GPL price, set of ports and perfomance.
Their access ports start from 10G speed and uplink ports speed starts from 40G. All ports have deep buffers with a DCB functionality to support FCoE. Both supports L3 and MPLS forwarding. EX can be stacked via Virtual Chassis technology. Nexus on the over hand can be extended by cisco FEX modules. If you need more scalable CLOS design, EX can be a leaf device in a Juniper's proprietary VCF fabric. Nexus 9300 can be both leaf and spine in an ACI fabric but those switches with tonns of QSFP ports cost enormous money
Both competitors pointed to a DC market
Cisco 3850 is a feature rich campus access layer switch to connect endusers for up to 1Gbit Ethernet. It has a decent cheap copper ports with PoE option, robust stackwise techologies, well-known IOS-XR with an optional WiFi controller inside. You can provide any functionality for a Campus LAN with a bunch of 3850. Juniper's competitor to 3850 is an EX3300 line
IT Infrastructure & Cloud Architect at a tech consulting company with 201-500 employees
Real User
Oct 10, 2016
Maybe if you let us know what the problem that you're trying to solve is, we may be able to provide you with more relevant info as to the comparison of each "solution".
For example, will you be stacking the switch(es)? Are you planning to install them in a data center or in the office network? At which tier do you plan on installing them?
I've seen the 3850's very well positioned at access layer in the user-block, while the EX4000's were installed as TOR switches in a data center. If you want to go for a data center setting, the 3850's may be an option, but you might want to look into Nexus as far as Cisco is concerned.
More info is needed to give you an accurate comparison.
Ethernet Switches are key components in networking, providing efficient data transfer and network reliability, accommodating different device connections, and enabling streamlined communication.Designed to support the seamless flow of data across networks, Ethernet Switches ensure optimal communication between devices. They distribute data packets to destination nodes efficiently, minimizing latency and enhancing network performance. With capabilities ranging from basic connectivity solutions...
The comparison is (the way it is asked) is not feasible. 3850 represents a product line with many different features (models). While EX4600 appears to be a good solution for big data centre deployment with good backplane forwarding rate and handful numbers of available ports, it is not what many organisation need for business networks. On the other hand, Cisco 3850 product line offers this versatility. You will find different models from 12 insertable SFPs (fibre and copper) to 48 ports, 1 Gig to 10 Gig (did not look for higher rates). Variable rates (2.5 Gig and 5 Gig) above 1 Gig speed on copper links (Cisco to Cisco) for those who would like to extend lifespan of their infrastructure and re-use Cat6 cables instead of jumping on 10G or 40G bang-wagon.
One feature to highlight for Cisco 3850 series - Power Stack. It is an excellent option for Disaster Recovery if you have stacked your 3850 switches. Connect one switch to one powerbar (phase 1) and another switch to another powerbar (phase 2) and you could perform your maintenance on UPS/Generator without a glitch. One switch will power another one instantly over Power Stack cables.
You can compare ex4600 with Cisco Nexus 9300. They have comparable GPL price, set of ports and perfomance.
Their access ports start from 10G speed and uplink ports speed starts from 40G. All ports have deep buffers with a DCB functionality to support FCoE. Both supports L3 and MPLS forwarding. EX can be stacked via Virtual Chassis technology. Nexus on the over hand can be extended by cisco FEX modules. If you need more scalable CLOS design, EX can be a leaf device in a Juniper's proprietary VCF fabric. Nexus 9300 can be both leaf and spine in an ACI fabric but those switches with tonns of QSFP ports cost enormous money
Both competitors pointed to a DC market
Cisco 3850 is a feature rich campus access layer switch to connect endusers for up to 1Gbit Ethernet. It has a decent cheap copper ports with PoE option, robust stackwise techologies, well-known IOS-XR with an optional WiFi controller inside. You can provide any functionality for a Campus LAN with a bunch of 3850. Juniper's competitor to 3850 is an EX3300 line
Maybe if you let us know what the problem that you're trying to solve is, we may be able to provide you with more relevant info as to the comparison of each "solution".
For example, will you be stacking the switch(es)? Are you planning to install them in a data center or in the office network? At which tier do you plan on installing them?
I've seen the 3850's very well positioned at access layer in the user-block, while the EX4000's were installed as TOR switches in a data center. If you want to go for a data center setting, the 3850's may be an option, but you might want to look into Nexus as far as Cisco is concerned.
More info is needed to give you an accurate comparison.
I know these things, but think! what i want to know.
Which CISCO series can competitive with juniper ex4600 series.. ????????
A) Juniper EX4600: 2 slot for expansion module
a. QFX-EM-4Q 4-port QSFP+ expansion module for EX4600
b. EX4600-EM-8F 8-port SPF+/SFP expansion module for EX4600
c. 2 power supply
d. You can choose type of airflow
e. 2x QSFP onboard.
f. Switching capacity: 1.44 Tbps/1.07 Bpps – It can be very big solution.
Support Virtual stack (can be mixed with another switch from EX 4000 series)
B) Cisco 3850: 1 slot for expansion module:
a. C3850-NM-4-10G – 4x SFP+
b. C3850-NM-8-10G – 8x SFP+
c. C3850-NM-2-40G – 2x QSFP
d. 2 power supply
e. It has something called Stac power (one device in stack power can be redundant for the rest).
f. Very good data stack but only for device from the same series and with the same IOS.
g. All necessary cables in box (Stack Power and Data stack)
h. Capacity 1280 Gbps on 48-port