C9300-24T-E Cisco Catalyst 9300 24-Ports Managed Switch Data Only Network Essentials

Overview of Cisco Catalyst 24-Port Ethernet Switch

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-24T-E is a robust and scalable managed switch designed for modern enterprise networks. Engineered for high-performance connectivity, this switch delivers reliable Layer 2 networking, flexible port configurations, and enhanced management features tailored for Network Essentials deployments.

General Specifications  

• Manufacturer: Cisco Systems
• Part Number: C9300-24T-E
• Product Series: Catalyst 9300
• Device Type: Ethernet Switch

 Technical Specifications  

• Total Network Ports: 24
• Layer Support: Layer 2
• Uplink Ports: Included
• Modular Design: Non-Modular
• Stacking Capability: Yes
• Port Details: 24 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports
• Manageability: Managed

Network Connectivity and Expansion

• 24 dedicated Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed wired connections
• Integrated uplink ports to extend network reach and simplify integration
• Stacking support for seamless expansion of multiple switches
• Non-modular design ensuring plug-and-play reliability

Performance and Technology

• Supported Media: Twisted pair cabling
• Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed data transfer
• Network Technology: Compatible with 10/100/1000BASE-T networks

Power and Energy Efficiency

• Primary power source included
• No additional redundant power supply required
• Energy-efficient design to minimize operational costs

Manageability and Enterprise Features

• Web-based interface and command-line management options
• Advanced Layer 2 features such as VLAN segmentation, QoS, and port security
• Stacking support for simplified network growth

Applications and Use Cases

• Enterprise campus networks requiring consistent and scalable connectivity
• Network Essentials environments seeking cost-effective managed switches
• Offices, data centers, and branch locations needing reliable Layer 2 switching

Additional Features

• Stacking ports for unified switch management and redundancy
• Supports a variety of Ethernet protocols for seamless integration
• Compact and durable form factor for efficient rack deployment

Key Advantages

• Enterprise-ready managed switch with 24 high-speed Ethernet ports
• Advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities for optimal network performance
• Flexible network expansion with stacking and uplink support
• Reliable power configuration with energy-efficient design
• Intuitive management features to simplify network administration

Outline of Cisco C9300-24T-E Catalyst 9300 Managed Switch

The Cisco C9300-24T-E Catalyst 9300 series is a high-performance, stackable enterprise-class managed switch designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern business networks. It is part of Cisco's Catalyst 9300 series, which represents the next generation of access-layer switches, providing unmatched performance, reliability, and scalability. The C9300-24T-E model offers 24 fixed Ethernet ports, designed to handle data traffic efficiently in medium to large enterprise networks, and supports advanced network features suitable for organizations seeking optimized performance, enhanced security, and simplified management.

Key Features of Cisco C9300-24T-E

High-Performance Data Switching

The Catalyst 9300-24T-E is engineered to deliver exceptional throughput and low-latency switching, ensuring smooth operation of critical applications and services. It supports full line-rate switching on all ports and is capable of handling heavy data loads, making it ideal for organizations that rely on high-speed connectivity for mission-critical operations. With enhanced forwarding rates, this switch guarantees optimal performance across complex network topologies, reducing bottlenecks and increasing overall efficiency.

Advanced Network Essentials

This switch comes with the Cisco Network Essentials software license, enabling a wide range of Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, including basic routing, secure network access, and robust traffic management. These capabilities are essential for organizations implementing advanced network segmentation, VLAN management, and QoS policies. The Network Essentials package also provides essential security features, such as 802.1X authentication, ACLs, and port security, helping to safeguard sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access to the network.

Stackable Design and Scalability

The Cisco C9300-24T-E supports Cisco StackWise-480 technology, allowing multiple switches to be stacked and operated as a single logical unit. This stacking capability ensures simplified network management, high availability, and redundancy, as well as seamless scalability. Organizations can expand their network infrastructure easily by adding additional Catalyst 9300 switches without complex reconfiguration, enabling a flexible and future-proof network design.

Port Configuration and Connectivity

24 Ethernet Ports

The C9300-24T-E model features 24 fixed Gigabit Ethernet ports, optimized for high-density data traffic in enterprise networks. These ports provide reliable connectivity for end-user devices, access points, IP phones, and other network devices. The switch also supports advanced features such as PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus), enabling it to power compatible devices directly through the Ethernet cable, simplifying cabling requirements and reducing infrastructure costs.

Uplink Options and Expansion

In addition to its 24 data ports, the C9300-24T-E offers multiple uplink options via modular network expansion. The switch supports 1G, 10G, and higher-speed uplinks through dedicated expansion slots, allowing for flexible network design and future growth. These uplink capabilities ensure seamless integration with core switches, routers, and data center networks, delivering high-speed interconnectivity and reducing latency across the network infrastructure.

Network Management and Automation

Comprehensive Network Management Tools

Cisco provides a suite of management tools for the Catalyst 9300 series, including Cisco DNA Center and Cisco Prime Infrastructure, which enable centralized monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting. Network administrators can automate routine tasks, streamline firmware updates, and monitor network performance in real-time. These management capabilities reduce operational complexity and improve network reliability, enabling IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than manual maintenance.

Automation and Programmability

The C9300-24T-E supports advanced automation features through Cisco DNA and open APIs, enabling network programmability, automation of configuration changes, and integration with software-defined networking solutions. This capability helps organizations implement zero-touch provisioning, automated workflows, and policy-based network management, significantly reducing human error and enhancing operational efficiency.

Security and Reliability

Built-In Security Features

Security is a critical component of the Cisco Catalyst 9300-24T-E. The switch includes advanced security protocols such as 802.1X network access control, MAC address filtering, and role-based access control, ensuring only authorized devices and users can access network resources. It also supports Cisco TrustSec for identity-based segmentation and dynamic policy enforcement, providing additional layers of protection against internal and external threats.

High Availability and Resiliency

Designed for mission-critical environments, the Catalyst 9300-24T-E includes features such as redundant power supply options, StackWise-480 resiliency, and failover mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted network operation. These high availability features minimize downtime, maintain continuous connectivity, and protect against hardware or software failures, making the switch ideal for organizations that require a highly reliable network infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency  

Optimized Power Consumption

The Cisco C9300-24T-E is designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating technologies that reduce power consumption without compromising performance. Features such as Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and intelligent fan management optimize energy use, reduce operational costs, and support organizational sustainability goals. These energy-saving features make the Catalyst 9300 series a responsible choice for environmentally-conscious organizations.

Quiet and Compact Design

Despite its high-performance capabilities, the C9300-24T-E switch maintains a compact form factor and quiet operation suitable for office environments. The thermal design and efficient airflow management ensure that the switch remains cool under heavy workloads, extending the lifespan of hardware components and providing a stable operating environment for long-term deployment.

Use Cases and Applications

Enterprise Access Layer Deployment

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-24T-E is primarily designed for deployment in the enterprise access layer, connecting end-user devices such as computers, IP phones, wireless access points, and printers. Its robust performance, high port density, and advanced features make it ideal for organizations seeking reliable and secure network access for thousands of devices while maintaining simplified network management.

Campus Networks and Branch Offices

For campus networks, the Catalyst 9300-24T-E provides the performance and security required to support modern applications, including cloud-based services, VoIP, video conferencing, and high-bandwidth collaboration tools. In branch office deployments, the switch offers a cost-effective, scalable solution with advanced management features, enabling IT teams to maintain consistent network policies and operational efficiency across multiple locations.

Data Center Edge Connectivity

Although primarily an access-layer switch, the C9300-24T-E can also function effectively at the edge of small data centers, providing reliable connectivity for servers and storage systems. Its uplink flexibility, stacking capabilities, and high-speed data forwarding make it suitable for environments where edge performance and low-latency connections are critical for workload delivery and business continuity.

Comparison with Other Catalyst 9300 Models

C9300-24T-E vs C9300-24P-E

While both the C9300-24T-E and the C9300-24P-E models provide 24 Ethernet ports, the key difference lies in the power delivery capabilities. The C9300-24P-E model supports full PoE+ on all ports, making it ideal for deployments that require powering multiple devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones. In contrast, the C9300-24T-E focuses on data-only traffic and provides essential network features without prioritizing power delivery.

C9300-24T-E vs C9300-48T-E

The 48-port variant, C9300-48T-E, doubles the port count compared to the 24-port model, allowing organizations to support larger device deployments within the same switch. The 24-port C9300-24T-E is more suited for mid-sized networks or environments where high port density is not immediately required, offering cost savings while maintaining all advanced features of the Catalyst 9300 series.

Technical Specifications

Performance and Capacity

The Catalyst 9300-24T-E delivers a switching capacity of 176 Gbps and a forwarding rate of up to 130.95 Mpps, supporting non-blocking architecture for all 24 ports. With advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing capabilities, the switch efficiently handles high-bandwidth applications, multicast traffic, and network segmentation requirements. These performance specifications ensure seamless connectivity for mission-critical applications and large-scale enterprise networks.

Memory and Software Support

The switch comes with ample memory resources, including 8 GB of DRAM and 4 GB of flash memory, enabling storage of multiple configurations, routing tables, and network logs. It supports Cisco IOS XE software, providing a robust operating system for managing network operations, implementing security policies, and enabling automation and programmability features.

Stacking and Redundancy

The C9300-24T-E supports Cisco StackWise-480 stacking technology, enabling up to eight switches to be combined into a single logical unit. This stacking capability enhances redundancy, simplifies management, and ensures high availability. In the event of a single switch failure, the remaining switches in the stack continue to operate, maintaining network continuity and minimizing downtime.

Reliability and Durability

The C9300-24T-E is built to deliver long-term reliability, with robust hardware components, thermal management, and redundant features designed to withstand demanding enterprise environments. Organizations can rely on this switch for continuous operation, ensuring network stability and performance even under heavy workloads.

Cost-Effective Network Solution

While offering enterprise-grade features, the C9300-24T-E remains a cost-effective solution for medium-sized networks. By providing essential network capabilities, high performance, and scalability without unnecessary additional features, it offers an optimal balance between investment and network performance, making it suitable for organizations with budget-conscious deployment plans.

Future-Ready Infrastructure

With support for advanced network protocols, automation, and stacking capabilities, the Catalyst 9300-24T-E prepares organizations for future network growth and technological advancements. Its flexible architecture allows for the seamless adoption of emerging technologies, including software-defined networking (SDN), cloud integration, and IoT deployments, ensuring a long-lasting and adaptable network infrastructure.