C9300-24P-A Cisco Ethernet Switch (24 Ports)

Outline of Cisco C9300-24P-A Catalyst 9300 Layer 3 Switch

The Cisco C9300-24P-A Catalyst 9300 series represents the pinnacle of modern enterprise networking solutions. Engineered for high-performance environments, this managed Layer 3 switch offers 24 Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) ports, ensuring seamless connectivity for a wide range of devices including IP phones, access points, and other network endpoints. Designed with scalability, security, and reliability in mind, the C9300-24P-A is an essential component for organizations seeking to optimize their network infrastructure while maintaining operational efficiency.

Advanced Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

The Catalyst 9300 series is built with robust Layer 3 routing capabilities, supporting static routing, dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, and advanced multicast routing. This functionality allows network administrators to design and deploy complex, resilient networks capable of handling significant traffic loads with minimal latency. The C9300-24P-A is particularly suited for environments where inter-VLAN routing and high-speed packet forwarding are critical. With its advanced routing capabilities, organizations can ensure optimal network performance and enhanced reliability, even in demanding enterprise environments.

High-Density PoE+ Ports

One of the standout features of the Cisco C9300-24P-A is its 24 PoE+ ports, delivering up to 30 watts per port. This enables the direct powering of IP devices without requiring separate power adapters, reducing cable clutter and installation complexity. PoE+ support is particularly beneficial for powering wireless access points, IP surveillance cameras, and VoIP devices, ensuring consistent performance across all connected endpoints. The intelligent PoE management capabilities of the Catalyst 9300 series allow administrators to prioritize power allocation and monitor real-time consumption, optimizing energy usage and preventing power overload situations.

StackWise-480 Technology for Enhanced Scalability

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 series leverages StackWise-480 technology, allowing up to eight switches to be interconnected and managed as a single logical unit. This stacking capability provides unparalleled scalability and simplifies network management, as multiple switches can be configured, monitored, and updated as one entity. StackWise-480 ensures high availability and redundancy, enabling traffic to reroute seamlessly in case of a switch failure. For growing enterprises, this stacking technology offers the flexibility to expand the network without compromising performance or stability, making the C9300-24P-A an ideal choice for future-proofing network infrastructure.

Enterprise-Grade Security Features

Security is a cornerstone of the Cisco Catalyst 9300-24P-A. The switch integrates comprehensive security measures, including MACsec encryption, 802.1X network access control, and advanced threat detection capabilities. MACsec encryption provides end-to-end protection for data in transit, ensuring confidentiality and integrity across the network. The 802.1X standard allows granular user authentication, preventing unauthorized access and enhancing overall network security. Additionally, Cisco’s embedded TrustSec technology enables dynamic role-based access control, further strengthening protection against internal and external threats.

Intelligent Network Automation

The Catalyst 9300 series introduces intelligent automation features that significantly reduce operational complexity. Using Cisco DNA Center, administrators can deploy, manage, and monitor network devices through a single interface, automating routine tasks such as provisioning, configuration changes, and firmware updates. Network automation not only reduces human error but also accelerates deployment times, enabling organizations to respond rapidly to changing business requirements. The C9300-24P-A is fully compatible with Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), allowing policy-based automation and consistent security enforcement across wired and wireless networks.

Performance and Reliability

Performance is a critical consideration for enterprise networks, and the Cisco C9300-24P-A delivers exceptional throughput and low-latency switching. With a switching capacity of up to 160 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 95.2 Mpps, the Catalyst 9300 series can handle high volumes of traffic without compromising performance. Redundant power supplies and fans ensure continuous operation even in the event of hardware failure, minimizing downtime and maintaining business continuity. The switch’s modular design and hot-swappable components provide additional flexibility, allowing upgrades or replacements without disrupting network operations.

Support for Multigigabit Ethernet

The Cisco C9300-24P-A is equipped to support multigigabit Ethernet speeds, providing a bridge between legacy cabling infrastructure and modern high-speed access requirements. This capability allows existing Cat5e and Cat6 cabling to support higher bandwidths, reducing the need for costly rewiring while still delivering optimal performance for demanding applications. By supporting multigigabit Ethernet, the Catalyst 9300 ensures that enterprises can achieve maximum utilization of their network infrastructure without compromising speed or reliability.

Flexible Uplink Options

Uplink flexibility is another significant advantage of the Catalyst 9300 series. The C9300-24P-A supports modular uplink options, including 1G, 10G, and 40G connectivity, allowing organizations to tailor their network design according to specific bandwidth requirements. The modular uplink design ensures seamless integration with existing core and distribution networks, providing both high performance and scalability. Additionally, uplink redundancy enhances resilience by maintaining uninterrupted connectivity even during uplink failures, ensuring critical business operations continue without disruption.

Energy Efficiency  

Cisco has designed the Catalyst 9300 series with energy efficiency in mind. The C9300-24P-A incorporates intelligent power management, including energy-efficient PoE allocation, dynamic fan speed adjustment, and low-power idle modes. These features reduce overall energy consumption and operational costs, supporting environmentally responsible network practices. By optimizing power usage without sacrificing performance, organizations can achieve sustainability goals while maintaining high-performance network infrastructure. The Catalyst 9300 also meets rigorous environmental standards, including RoHS compliance, ensuring that it aligns with corporate responsibility and green IT initiatives.

Comprehensive Layer 3 Features

Layer 3 capabilities of the C9300-24P-A go beyond simple routing. The switch supports advanced features such as VRF-Lite for network segmentation, Policy-Based Routing (PBR) for traffic optimization, and Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) for dynamic network adaptability. These features allow enterprises to build highly flexible, segmented, and optimized networks capable of handling complex organizational requirements. The combination of advanced routing, segmentation, and policy enforcement ensures secure and efficient traffic flow throughout the enterprise network, meeting the needs of modern business applications.

Enhanced Wireless Integration

The Catalyst 9300 series is optimized for seamless integration with wireless networks. With native support for Cisco Unified Access and integration with Cisco DNA, the C9300-24P-A can manage and deliver policy-driven access to wireless clients in a unified manner. This integration simplifies the deployment of converged networks, where wired and wireless devices coexist while adhering to consistent security and quality policies. By supporting high-density wireless environments, the switch ensures that mobile and IoT devices receive reliable connectivity and consistent network performance.

Support for Advanced Applications

The C9300-24P-A is fully equipped to handle modern enterprise applications, including cloud services, video conferencing, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and IoT deployments. With its high throughput, low latency, and robust QoS capabilities, the switch guarantees optimal performance for latency-sensitive applications. Its ability to deliver consistent power and network resources to PoE devices ensures uninterrupted operation for IP phones, cameras, and other critical endpoints. The Catalyst 9300 series is therefore well-suited for dynamic, application-driven enterprise networks where reliability and performance are paramount.

High Availability and Redundancy

Enterprise networks demand uninterrupted operation, and the Cisco C9300-24P-A is engineered to provide high availability through multiple redundancy features. Dual redundant power supplies, field-replaceable fans, and StackWise-480 redundancy ensure that a single component failure does not affect overall network performance. Virtual Switching System (VSS) and other redundancy protocols enable continuous network operation by providing fast failover and traffic rerouting capabilities. These features collectively enhance the resilience of the network infrastructure, allowing businesses to maintain service continuity even during maintenance or unexpected failures.

Scalable Network Design

The modular architecture of the Catalyst 9300 series supports scalable network design, allowing enterprises to expand their networks in a cost-effective and structured manner. The stackable design supports up to eight switches per stack, which can be managed as a single unit, simplifying configuration and maintenance. This scalability is ideal for organizations experiencing rapid growth or those with evolving network requirements. By providing a platform that grows with the organization, the Catalyst 9300-24P-A ensures long-term network investment protection.

Robust Software Ecosystem

Cisco provides a rich software ecosystem for the Catalyst 9300 series, enabling administrators to leverage advanced features and automation tools. IOS XE software powers the switch, offering comprehensive support for programmability, analytics, and automation. With open APIs, support for Python scripting, and integration with network management platforms, the C9300-24P-A allows IT teams to tailor network operations to meet specific organizational needs. This software-driven approach simplifies management, enhances security, and accelerates service delivery, ensuring the network remains agile and adaptable to changing business demands.

Optimized for IoT Deployments

The C9300-24P-A is an ideal choice for Internet of Things (IoT) deployments, providing the connectivity, PoE support, and security necessary for large-scale device integration. Its high port density, intelligent PoE management, and robust Layer 3 capabilities allow organizations to connect and manage hundreds of IoT endpoints efficiently. Additionally, features such as segmentation, access control, and traffic prioritization ensure that critical IoT applications operate without interference from other network traffic, supporting smart building, manufacturing, and industrial automation initiatives.

Seamless Network Upgrades

Upgrading network infrastructure can be complex, but the Catalyst 9300 series simplifies this process. Modular uplink options, backward-compatible cabling support, and flexible stacking capabilities enable smooth integration into existing networks. Organizations can migrate to higher bandwidths, introduce new security policies, and expand PoE capacity without significant disruption. Cisco’s commitment to backward compatibility and interoperability ensures that the Catalyst 9300-24P-A can be deployed alongside older Catalyst models while benefiting from the latest performance and feature enhancements.

Global Enterprise Deployment

The Cisco C9300-24P-A Catalyst 9300 switch is widely deployed across global enterprises, educational institutions, government agencies, and healthcare organizations. Its combination of high performance, PoE+ support, advanced Layer 3 routing, and security features makes it suitable for diverse environments requiring reliable and scalable networking solutions. Enterprises leveraging the Catalyst 9300 series benefit from simplified management, enhanced automation, and consistent performance across their entire network infrastructure. The versatility of the switch ensures it can meet the demands of modern, mission-critical network environments while supporting future growth and technology adoption.

Industry Recognition and Reliability

Cisco Catalyst switches, including the C9300-24P-A, are recognized worldwide for their reliability, performance, and innovation. They undergo rigorous testing to meet enterprise-grade standards for uptime, security, and scalability. Cisco’s extensive global support network and continuous software updates provide organizations with confidence in deploying Catalyst switches as the backbone of their network infrastructure. This industry recognition reinforces the Catalyst 9300 series as a trusted solution for enterprises seeking both high performance and operational excellence.

Integration with Cloud and Hybrid Environments

Modern enterprises increasingly operate in hybrid environments combining on-premises infrastructure with cloud-based applications. The C9300-24P-A is designed to seamlessly integrate with cloud platforms and hybrid networks, offering consistent policy enforcement, secure connectivity, and visibility across both on-premises and cloud resources. Integration with Cisco’s cloud management solutions ensures centralized control, analytics, and automation, providing a unified operational experience regardless of deployment model. This flexibility supports digital transformation initiatives and accelerates cloud adoption without compromising security or performance.

Future-Proof Networking Investment

Investing in the Cisco C9300-24P-A ensures that enterprises are prepared for future networking requirements. With support for high-speed connectivity, PoE+ expansion, IoT integration, and software-driven automation, the Catalyst 9300 series provides a scalable and flexible foundation. Organizations can confidently implement emerging technologies, expand capacity, and enhance security without the need for frequent hardware replacement. The C9300-24P-A embodies Cisco’s commitment to providing networking solutions that deliver long-term value and sustained performance, making it a cornerstone of enterprise network architecture.