Cisco ME-3800X-24FS-M
ME3800X Carrier Ethernet Switch Router 24 GE SFP+2 10GE SFP+
Product Highlights
What's Included
64MB Flash
(1) Rackmount Kit (RCKMNT-ME3KX-19IN)
*Power Supply not included
Service providers and enterprises managing metro Ethernet networks need a compact, cost-effective aggregation platform that doesn't compromise on feature depth or service scale. The Cisco ME-3800X-24FS-M Carrier Ethernet Switch Router delivers exactly that.
Part of the Cisco ME 3800X Series, this 1RU switch router provides 24 Gigabit Ethernet SFP ports and 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ uplinks, making it ideal for small aggregation nodes and remote point-of-presence (POP) sites. It supports a rich set of Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN services — including full MPLS support on all ports — enabling providers to extend the MPLS control plane directly into the access layer. The ME 3800X complements larger aggregation routers like the Cisco 7600 Series and ASR 9000 Series by handling the edge in a compact, power-efficient package.
With Carrier Ethernet OAM protocols (802.1ag CFM, 802.3ah Link OAM, E-LMI), Ethernet Virtual Circuit (EVC) support, hierarchical QoS via Cisco MQC, and resiliency features like Traffic Engineering with Fast Reroute, the ME-3800X-24FS-M is purpose-built for delivering premium managed services with strict SLA requirements. A license-based activation model allows pay-as-you-grow scalability. Note: This product has reached End-of-Life (EOL) status and is available in refurbished condition.
Features & Benefits
Carrier-Grade MPLS Services
The ME-3800X-24FS-M supports MPLS on all ports, enabling service providers to extend the MPLS control plane into the access layer. This allows the delivery of scalable Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN services — including VPLS for multipoint connectivity — directly from the network edge, reducing the need for additional aggregation hops.
Advanced QoS & SLA Assurance
Cisco's Modular QoS CLI (MQC) provides three-level hierarchical QoS, enabling granular traffic classification, policing, and scheduling. This ensures that premium business services, voice, and video traffic receive guaranteed bandwidth and priority treatment, helping providers meet strict SLA commitments across diverse service tiers.
Carrier Ethernet OAM & Manageability
Built-in support for 802.1ag Connectivity Fault Management (CFM), 802.3ah Link OAM, and Ethernet Local Management Interface (E-LMI) gives operators end-to-end visibility into service health. These protocols simplify fault isolation, performance monitoring, and service activation — reducing mean time to repair and operational overhead.
Network Resiliency
The platform supports Traffic Engineering (TE) with Fast Reroute (FRR) for sub-second failover on MPLS paths, along with Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP), FlexLink, and Spanning Tree Protocol for Layer 2 resiliency. Field-replaceable AC or DC power supply and fan modules further enhance hardware-level availability.
Compact, Efficient Design
In a space-saving 1RU form factor, the ME-3800X-24FS-M is optimized for remote POP and small aggregation sites where rack space and power budgets are limited. Low power consumption and support for both 19-inch, 23-inch, ETSI, and angled rack-mount options provide maximum deployment flexibility.
Deployment Scenarios
Metro Ethernet Aggregation
Deploy the ME-3800X-24FS-M at small aggregation nodes to consolidate traffic from multiple access switches before handing off to core routers like the Cisco ASR 9000 or 7600 Series. Its 24 GE SFP ports provide ample subscriber-facing capacity while the 2 x 10GE SFP+ uplinks deliver high-bandwidth core connectivity.
Mobile Backhaul
Use the ME 3800X as a cell-site aggregation switch to transport mobile traffic over an MPLS-enabled metro Ethernet network. MPLS-TE with Fast Reroute ensures sub-second failover, meeting the stringent availability requirements of mobile operators.
Business Ethernet Services (E-Line / E-LAN)
Deliver managed Ethernet services to enterprise customers using EVC-based service mapping and VPLS. Hierarchical QoS and Carrier Ethernet OAM enable differentiated service tiers with verifiable SLA performance, supporting both point-to-point (E-Line) and multipoint (E-LAN) topologies.
Remote Point-of-Presence (POP)
The compact 1RU design and low power consumption make the ME-3800X-24FS-M ideal for unmanned remote POP locations where space, power, and cooling are constrained. Field-replaceable power supplies and comprehensive OAM reduce the need for on-site maintenance visits.
General
Ports & Interfaces
Memory
Switching Features
Physical
Power
Compatibility Notes
Power Supply (Required — Not Included)
- PWR-ME3KX-AC — Field-replaceable AC power supply and fan module
- PWR-ME3KX-DC — Field-replaceable DC power supply and fan module
- Spare variants: PWR-ME3KX-AC= (AC) and PWR-ME3KX-DC= (DC)
Rack Mount Options
- RCKMNT-ME3KX-19IN — 19" rack mount kit (included)
- RCKMNT-ME3KX-23IN — 23" rack mount option
- RCKMNT-ME3KX-ETSI — ETSI rack mount option
- RCKMNT-ME3KX-ANG — Angled rack mount option
Accessories
- ME-FANTRAY= — Spare fan tray
- MEM-ME3K-2GB / MEM-ME3K-4GB — SD memory cards (2 GB / 4 GB)
Optics
Supports a wide range of Cisco SFP (GE) and SFP+ (10GE) transceiver modules. Consult the Cisco SFP/SFP+ compatibility matrix for supported optics.
Software Licensing
The ME 3800X uses a license-based feature activation model with Metro Ethernet Services (base), Metro IP Services, and Metro Aggregation Services license tiers. An optional Scaled license increases MAC address, VLAN, and route table limits.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| ME-3600X-24FS-M | Cisco ME 3600X-24FS Ethernet Access Switch | Access-layer counterpart with same port layout (24 GE SFP + 2 10GE SFP+) but positioned for access rather than aggregation; shares power supply and rack mount accessories. |
| ME-3600X-24TS-M | Cisco ME 3600X-24TS Ethernet Access Switch | Copper variant with 24 x 10/100/1000 RJ-45 ports instead of SFP; suited for deployments where copper connectivity is preferred over fiber. |
| PWR-ME3KX-AC= | Cisco ME 3600X/3800X AC Power Supply (Spare) | Required AC power supply and fan module for the ME-3800X-24FS-M; sold separately as power supply is not included with the switch. |
| PWR-ME3KX-DC= | Cisco ME 3600X/3800X DC Power Supply (Spare) | DC power supply option for telco/central-office environments with -48V DC power infrastructure. |
