Cisco unified access is the convergence of the wired and wireless networks into one physical infrastructure. It offers greater intelligence, simplicity, performance, and open interfaces. One network starts with Cisco Catalyst 3850 switches, which combine wired and wireless by supporting wireless tunnel termination and full wireless LAN controller functionality.

The Catalyst 3850 series switches are Ethernet switches to which you can connect devices such as Cisco IP phones, Cisco wireless access points, workstations, and other network devices such as servers, routers, and other switches. The Catalyst 3850 switches support stacking through Cisco StackWise-480 technology and power management through StackPower.