In reply to Joachim Wiechmann.

Hi Joachim!

The Catalyst 3850 is a layer 2 and layer 3 switch. If you use the "LAN Base" IOS software, the switch will support layer 2 functions only. If you use the "IP Base" or "IP Services" IOS software, then you'll have both layer 2 and layer 3 functions. The two posts below have more details. They covered the 2960S and 3K-X switches but they apply to the new 3850 switch too.

http://blogs.cisco.com/borderless/cisco-ios-software-licenses-what%E2%80%99s-what-for-layer-2-and-layer-3-switching-%E2%80%93-part-1/
http://blogs.cisco.com/borderless/cisco-ios-software-licenses-whats-what-for-layer-2-and-layer-3-switching-part-2/

Hope this helps!