C9300-48P-E Cisco Catalyst 9300 48 Ports Switch

Overview of the Cisco C9300-48P-E Ethernet Switch 

The Cisco C9300-48P-E Switch is equipped with an impressive 48 ports, making it an ideal choice for businesses and organizations that require a high-density network solution. With this switch, users can effortlessly connect multiple devices such as computers, printers, servers, and IP phones, enabling seamless communication and data transfer within the network.

Manufacturer & Product Details

• Brand: Cisco
• Part Number: C9300-48P-E
• Product Type: Ethernet Switch
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Product Series: 9300

Technical Specifications

• Total Ports: 48 Gigabit Ethernet
• Uplink Ports: Yes
• Stacking Capability: Yes
• Modular Design: No
• Supported Media: Twisted Pair
• Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Standards: 10/100/1000Base-T

Network Layer and Management

• Supported Layer: Layer 2
• Manageability: Yes

Power Requirements

• Power Source: Standard Power Supply
• Redundant Power Supply: Not Supported

Environmental Compliance

• Eco-Friendly: Yes
• Certification: RoHS-5

Outline of Cisco C9300-48P-E Manageable 48 Ports Switch

The Cisco C9300-48P-E Catalyst 9300 Manageable 48 Ports Switch represents a core building block in enterprise access-layer networking, designed to deliver consistent performance, advanced security, and long-term scalability. Built on the Catalyst 9300 platform, this switch aligns with evolving digital transformation strategies by combining high-density Power over Ethernet capabilities with intelligent network automation. Its architecture supports demanding workloads generated by cloud applications, collaboration tools, Internet of Things deployments, and mobile users, ensuring reliable connectivity across diverse enterprise environments.

The switch is engineered to operate as part of a highly resilient network fabric, supporting advanced stacking and modular uplink options. This enables organizations to deploy a unified access-layer solution that can scale horizontally without sacrificing manageability or performance. The Cisco C9300-48P-E model integrates seamlessly with existing Cisco infrastructure, providing a future-ready foundation for campus networks, branch offices, and distributed enterprise locations.

Catalyst 9300 Series

Within the broader Catalyst 9300 family, the C9300-48P-E stands out as a Power over Ethernet-focused access switch optimized for enterprise feature sets. The “E” licensing tier enables a comprehensive range of advanced capabilities, including enhanced security features, programmability, and software-defined access integration. This positions the switch as an ideal choice for organizations that require more than basic Layer 2 functionality and are looking to implement policy-based networking and automation.

The 48-port configuration supports high-density endpoint connectivity, making it suitable for environments with a large number of IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and other PoE-powered devices. By consolidating power and data delivery into a single platform, the switch simplifies infrastructure design while reducing cabling complexity and operational overhead.

Role in Access Layer Design

As an access-layer device, the Cisco C9300-48P-E is responsible for connecting end devices to the enterprise network while enforcing policies and maintaining security. Its role extends beyond simple packet forwarding, incorporating advanced visibility, traffic segmentation, and quality of service controls. This ensures that critical applications receive priority while less sensitive traffic is managed efficiently.

The switch supports seamless integration with distribution and core layers, enabling consistent policy enforcement from edge to core. This design approach reduces network complexity and enhances operational efficiency, particularly in large-scale campus deployments where consistency and reliability are essential.

Support for Modern Enterprise Use Cases

The switch is well-suited for modern enterprise scenarios such as unified communications, wireless-first deployments, and IoT integration. Its robust PoE capabilities allow organizations to power a wide range of devices without external power supplies, supporting flexible workspace designs and rapid expansion. Additionally, its advanced management features make it easier to adapt to changing business requirements.

High-Density 48-Port Power over Ethernet Connectivity

The Cisco C9300-48P-E Catalyst switch features 48 Ethernet ports with Power over Ethernet support, enabling centralized power delivery to connected devices. This high-density configuration allows enterprises to connect numerous endpoints without deploying additional switches, optimizing rack space and reducing overall hardware costs. Each port is designed to deliver consistent power levels, ensuring stable operation for devices with varying power requirements.

Power over Ethernet capability simplifies deployment by eliminating the need for separate electrical outlets near endpoints. This is particularly beneficial in environments such as offices, campuses, and retail spaces where flexibility and scalability are critical. The switch intelligently manages power allocation to ensure efficient usage and prevent overloads.

Optimized Power Management

Advanced power management features allow administrators to monitor and control PoE usage across all ports. This includes the ability to prioritize power delivery to critical devices and adjust power settings dynamically based on real-time requirements. Such granular control enhances operational efficiency and helps reduce energy consumption.

The switch supports intelligent power negotiation, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PoE standards and devices. This adaptability makes it easier to integrate new technologies without replacing existing infrastructure, supporting long-term investment protection.

Support for Unified Communications and Wireless Networks

High-density PoE ports make the Cisco C9300-48P-E an ideal foundation for unified communications deployments, including IP telephony and video conferencing systems. Wireless access points can also be powered directly through the switch, enabling centralized management and streamlined installation. This is particularly valuable in large campuses where consistent wireless coverage is essential.

By providing reliable power and data connectivity, the switch ensures high-quality voice and video experiences while minimizing downtime. Its advanced quality of service capabilities further enhance performance by prioritizing latency-sensitive traffic.

Advanced Performance and Switching Capabilities

The Cisco C9300-48P-E is designed to deliver high-performance switching suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications. Its hardware architecture supports high throughput and low latency, ensuring smooth data transmission even during peak usage. This performance consistency is critical for enterprises relying on real-time collaboration tools and cloud-based services.

The switch supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, enabling flexible network design and efficient traffic routing. These capabilities allow organizations to implement segmented network architectures that improve security and performance while simplifying management.

Scalable Bandwidth and Throughput

With support for modular uplinks, the switch can be configured to meet varying bandwidth requirements. This scalability allows organizations to adapt to growth without replacing the entire switching infrastructure. As network demands increase, additional uplink capacity can be added to maintain optimal performance.

High throughput ensures that data-intensive applications such as video streaming, large file transfers, and virtual desktop infrastructure operate smoothly. This makes the switch suitable for both traditional enterprise workloads and emerging digital initiatives.

Low-Latency Architecture

The switch’s low-latency design minimizes delays in data transmission, enhancing user experience and application performance. This is particularly important for real-time applications where even minor delays can impact productivity. By maintaining consistent performance across all ports, the switch ensures predictable network behavior.

Enterprise-Level Security and Policy Enforcement

Security is a fundamental aspect of the Cisco C9300-48P-E Catalyst switch. The platform incorporates multiple layers of security features designed to protect the network from internal and external threats. These features enable organizations to implement comprehensive security policies without compromising performance.

The switch supports advanced authentication mechanisms, access control, and traffic segmentation. This ensures that only authorized devices and users can access network resources, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Integrated Access Control and Authentication

Support for standards-based authentication protocols allows the switch to verify device and user identities before granting network access. This is essential for environments with diverse endpoints, including employee devices, guest devices, and IoT equipment. By enforcing authentication at the access layer, the switch helps maintain a secure network perimeter.

Granular access control policies enable administrators to define specific permissions based on user roles, device types, or application requirements. This level of control enhances security while supporting flexible access models.

Traffic Segmentation and Threat Mitigation

The switch supports network segmentation techniques that isolate traffic into separate virtual networks. This limits the spread of potential threats and enhances overall security posture. Segmentation also improves performance by reducing unnecessary broadcast traffic.

Advanced monitoring and visibility features provide insights into network activity, enabling faster detection and response to security incidents. These capabilities are critical for maintaining compliance and protecting sensitive data.

Programmability, and Software-Defined Networking

The Cisco C9300-48P-E is designed to support modern network management approaches, including automation and programmability. Its integration with software-defined networking frameworks enables centralized policy management and streamlined operations. This reduces manual configuration tasks and minimizes the risk of human error.

Programmability features allow organizations to customize network behavior and integrate the switch with existing IT workflows. This flexibility supports rapid deployment of new services and faster adaptation to changing business needs.

Support for Centralized Management Platforms

The switch integrates with Cisco’s centralized management solutions, enabling administrators to manage multiple devices from a single interface. This simplifies configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting across large networks. Centralized management also enhances consistency by ensuring that policies are applied uniformly.

Automation capabilities allow repetitive tasks to be executed programmatically, freeing IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives. This improves operational efficiency and reduces downtime.

APIs and Open Standards

Support for open APIs enables integration with third-party tools and custom applications. This allows organizations to extend network functionality and align it with broader IT automation strategies. By embracing open standards, the switch supports interoperability and future innovation.

High Availability and Resilience  

The Cisco C9300-48P-E Catalyst switch is engineered for high availability, ensuring continuous network operation even in the event of component failures. Features such as stacking and redundant power options enhance resilience and minimize downtime. This is essential for mission-critical environments where network outages can have significant business impact.

The ability to stack multiple switches into a single logical unit simplifies management while providing redundancy. If one switch in the stack experiences an issue, traffic can be rerouted seamlessly to maintain connectivity.

Stacking Technology and Redundancy

Stacking allows multiple switches to operate as a unified system, sharing configuration and management. This improves scalability and simplifies network expansion. Redundant components further enhance reliability by providing failover capabilities.

The switch’s design supports rapid recovery from failures, ensuring minimal disruption to users and applications. This resilience is critical for enterprises that require high uptime.

Operational Continuity and Maintenance

High availability features also simplify maintenance by allowing upgrades and configuration changes to be performed with minimal impact. This ensures that the network remains operational during routine maintenance tasks, supporting business continuity.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Network Design

Energy efficiency is an important consideration in modern network infrastructure, and the Cisco C9300-48P-E incorporates features designed to reduce power consumption. Intelligent power management optimizes energy usage without compromising performance, supporting sustainable IT initiatives.

The switch dynamically adjusts power usage based on network activity, reducing energy consumption during periods of low demand. This contributes to lower operational costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

Efficient Hardware Design

The hardware architecture is optimized for energy efficiency, incorporating components that deliver high performance with lower power requirements. This design approach supports long-term sustainability while maintaining enterprise-grade reliability.

Support for Green IT Initiatives

By reducing energy consumption and simplifying infrastructure, the switch supports broader green IT initiatives. Organizations can achieve their sustainability goals while maintaining a robust and scalable network foundation.