C9300-48UN-E Cisco Ethernet Switch, 48-Ports

Details of the Cisco C9300-48UN-E 48-Port Ethernet Switch 

The Cisco C9300-48UN-E Ethernet Switch boasts an impressive 48 ports, making it a versatile and powerful networking solution for businesses of all sizes. With these many ports, users can easily connect a wide range of devices to their network, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.

Overview of Cisco C9300-48UN-E Catalyst Ethernet Switch

The Cisco C9300-48UN-E Catalyst 9300 is part of Cisco's flagship Catalyst 9000 series, offering enterprise-grade performance for modern networks. Designed as a managed Layer 3 switch, this model provides 48 UPOE (Universal Power over Ethernet) ports, making it ideal for environments that require high-density connectivity and robust power delivery to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras. With advanced features and extensive scalability, this switch ensures seamless network performance, reliability, and security for large-scale deployments.

High-Performance Managed L3 Switching

The Catalyst 9300 series is engineered for organizations seeking high-performance Layer 3 switching. The C9300-48UN-E model is capable of supporting extensive routing protocols, including OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, providing enterprises with flexible and resilient routing options. Its advanced hardware architecture allows for fast packet forwarding and minimal latency, making it suitable for critical business applications, data centers, and campus networks. This switch also supports Cisco StackWise-480 technology, allowing up to eight switches to operate as a single logical unit, further enhancing network scalability and management.

UPOE Port Advantages

One of the most significant features of the C9300-48UN-E is its 48 UPOE ports. Universal Power over Ethernet enables the switch to deliver up to 60W per port, exceeding standard PoE+ capabilities. This feature allows the simultaneous powering of multiple high-demand devices without the need for separate power adapters. Devices such as high-performance wireless access points, video conferencing units, and surveillance cameras can operate directly from the switch, simplifying network infrastructure and reducing cabling complexity. The UPOE capability is particularly valuable in modern office and campus environments where wireless networks and smart devices are pervasive.

Robust Security Features

Security is a core aspect of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series, and the C9300-48UN-E model integrates advanced threat protection mechanisms to safeguard network integrity. Cisco TrustSec technology enables dynamic segmentation, allowing secure policy enforcement at the device level. The switch also supports 802.1X network access control, ensuring that only authorized devices and users gain network access. In addition, hardware-accelerated encryption provides high-speed secure communications for sensitive data traffic. Organizations deploying the C9300-48UN-E can benefit from comprehensive network security without compromising performance or scalability.

Scalable Stacking Capabilities

The C9300-48UN-E supports Cisco StackWise-480, allowing multiple switches to be interconnected and managed as a single entity. This stacking capability enhances network redundancy, simplifies management, and allows for seamless expansion of network capacity. StackWise-480 supports stacking bandwidth of up to 480 Gbps, ensuring that even large-scale networks can maintain high throughput and low latency. The unified management of stacked switches reduces administrative overhead, streamlines network troubleshooting, and facilitates policy enforcement across multiple devices in the stack.

Advanced Network Automation and Management

Cisco has designed the Catalyst 9300 series to support modern network automation and management practices. The C9300-48UN-E is compatible with Cisco DNA Center, enabling centralized network management, automation, and analytics. IT teams can leverage features like automated provisioning, device discovery, policy enforcement, and software updates across the network. This level of automation reduces manual configuration errors, accelerates network deployment, and provides actionable insights into network performance. Additionally, the switch supports Cisco IOS XE, a robust operating system that provides modularity, programmability, and consistency across Cisco devices.

Energy Efficiency  

The Catalyst 9300 series is designed with energy efficiency in mind, and the C9300-48UN-E exemplifies this focus. The switch features intelligent power management, including the ability to allocate PoE resources dynamically based on device requirements. Cisco EnergyWise technology further optimizes power consumption by monitoring and managing energy usage across the network. This approach reduces operational costs while supporting sustainability initiatives. With its high port density and energy-efficient design, the C9300-48UN-E is ideal for organizations aiming to balance performance, scalability, and environmental responsibility.

Comprehensive Layer 3 Routing Features

As a Layer 3 switch, the C9300-48UN-E provides robust routing capabilities, including support for static and dynamic routing protocols. OSPF and EIGRP integration enables efficient route calculation and high network availability, while BGP support facilitates connectivity with external networks and service providers. The switch also supports IPv6 routing, future-proofing network infrastructure for emerging standards. Advanced features such as VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding) allow multiple virtual networks to coexist on the same hardware, providing segmentation and security for complex enterprise networks.

Reliability and Redundancy

Reliability is a hallmark of the Catalyst 9300 series. The C9300-48UN-E includes redundant power supply options, allowing the network to remain operational even if one power source fails. Fans and cooling systems are designed to maintain optimal operating temperatures, minimizing the risk of thermal-related failures. Cisco’s high availability features, such as nonstop forwarding and software upgrades (NSF/SSO), ensure minimal downtime during maintenance or software updates. This resilience makes the switch suitable for mission-critical environments where network interruptions can have significant business impact.

Seamless Integration  

The C9300-48UN-E is fully compatible with Cisco’s broader networking ecosystem, including wireless access points, routers, and network management platforms. Integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) enhances network access control and security policy enforcement. In addition, the switch supports Cisco SD-Access, allowing organizations to implement software-defined networking principles for simplified segmentation and automated policy application. This compatibility ensures that businesses can build a cohesive, intelligent network environment without worrying about interoperability issues.

Flexible Deployment Options

The C9300-48UN-E offers versatile deployment possibilities for enterprise and campus networks. Whether deployed as a core switch, distribution layer switch, or access switch, it provides consistent performance and features across different network topologies. The combination of high port density, PoE capabilities, and Layer 3 routing makes it suitable for both wired and wireless integration scenarios. IT administrators can tailor network deployment according to organizational needs, ensuring that every connected device receives the necessary bandwidth and power without compromise.

Applications in Modern Enterprise Networks

The Cisco C9300-48UN-E Catalyst 9300 Managed L3 Switch is ideally suited for enterprises, data centers, educational institutions, and large campus networks. Its high-density UPOE ports accommodate extensive device connectivity, while its Layer 3 features support complex routing scenarios. Organizations can deploy the switch to enable secure, high-performance wireless networks, support converged voice, video, and data traffic, and streamline network operations through automation. Its combination of reliability, scalability, and advanced features ensures that businesses can meet current demands while preparing for future growth.

Integration with Advanced Wireless Infrastructure

Modern network environments demand seamless integration between wired and wireless infrastructures. The C9300-48UN-E facilitates this integration through its high-performance UPOE ports, which can power multiple Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 access points directly. The switch’s advanced QoS and network segmentation capabilities ensure that wireless traffic maintains high throughput and low latency. Integration with Cisco wireless controllers and management platforms further allows administrators to monitor, configure, and optimize wireless networks from a central location, providing a unified experience across both wired and wireless domains.

Future-Proof Network Design

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 series is built to accommodate evolving networking standards and technologies. The C9300-48UN-E supports high-speed 10 Gigabit uplinks, scalable stacking, and advanced Layer 3 routing, making it suitable for next-generation network architectures. Its compatibility with emerging standards like Wi-Fi 7, SD-Access, and IPv6 ensures that investments in infrastructure remain relevant for years to come. By implementing this switch, organizations can adopt a future-proof network design that supports new applications, devices, and business processes without the need for frequent hardware replacement.

Scalability for Growing Networks

Organizations that anticipate growth in users, devices, or applications require scalable networking solutions. The C9300-48UN-E addresses this need through its high port density, stacking capabilities, and modular feature set. IT teams can add additional switches to the stack, expand routing capabilities, or enable advanced security features as required. This scalability ensures that the network can evolve alongside business demands, providing long-term value and minimizing disruption during network expansion.

Optimized for Converged Networks

Converged networks, which carry voice, video, and data traffic over a single infrastructure, require high-performance switches with intelligent traffic management. The C9300-48UN-E supports converged applications with features such as low-latency switching, enhanced QoS, and robust PoE support. These capabilities allow enterprises to deploy unified communication systems, video conferencing solutions, and high-speed data networks without compromising performance. Convergence reduces infrastructure complexity, lowers operational costs, and simplifies management across the organization.