C9300-48U-E Cisco Catalyst 9300 Managed Switch with 48 Ports

Highlight of Cisco Enterprise-Grade Layer 3 Ethernet Switch 

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UB-E is a fully managed Layer 3 Ethernet switch engineered to support demanding enterprise, campus, and branch deployments. Designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, this rack-mountable switching platform delivers reliable connectivity, advanced power delivery, and intelligent network control for evolving digital environments. Its 48 auto-negotiating 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports allow organizations to connect a broad range of endpoints while maintaining consistent performance and centralized management.

Manufacturer and Model Details

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

Technical Specifications  

• Total Network Ports: 48
• Uplink Port: Available for network connections
• Stack Port: Yes, facilitates stacking of multiple switches
• Expansion Slots: None; the switch does not support additional modules
• Ports: 48 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports
• Media Type: Twisted Pair supported
• Ethernet Standard: Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Compatibility: 10/100/1000Base-T

High-Density 48-Port Gigabit Ethernet Configuration

• 48 × 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet interfaces
• Optimized for access-layer and edge deployments
• Supports simultaneous data and power transmission
• Designed for consistent low-latency performance

UPOE Power Delivery for Advanced Endpoints

• Higher power budgets for demanding devices
• Reduces cabling complexity and installation cost
• Centralized power management and monitoring
• Ideal for smart building and unified communications

Network Essentials Software Features

• Secure segmentation with VLANs and ACLs
• Enhanced traffic prioritization using QoS
• IPv4 and IPv6 routing support
• Streamlined configuration and monitoring

Operational Efficiency Enhancements

• Template-based provisioning for rapid rollout
• Consistent policy enforcement across ports
• Reduced downtime during updates and expansions

Stacking and Expansion Capabilities

• Logical single-switch management
• Enhanced resiliency and uptime
• Simplified scaling for expanding networks

Access Control and Network Segmentation

• Port-level authentication and authorization
• Role-based access policies
• Segmentation to limit lateral movement

Typical Deployment Scenarios

• Enterprise access layer switching
• Campus and branch office networks
• Unified communications infrastructure
• IoT-enabled environments

Outline of Cisco Switch Catalyst 9300 Family

The Cisco C9300-48U-E Catalyst 9300 48 Ports L3 Ethernet Switch represents a high-density access-layer platform designed to support modern enterprise networks that demand scalability, resilience, and advanced Layer 3 capabilities. Positioned within the broader Catalyst 9300 Series, this model is engineered to serve as a foundational component for campus and branch deployments where consistent performance, secure connectivity, and future-ready architecture are essential. The category encompassing this switch focuses on access-layer switching solutions that integrate hardware innovation with software-defined networking principles, enabling organizations to adapt to evolving application, device, and user requirements.

As a category, Catalyst 9300 access switches emphasize unified wired and wireless convergence, software-driven automation, and robust power delivery for next-generation endpoints. The C9300-48U-E specifically aligns with environments requiring a high port count, advanced power capabilities, and enterprise routing features, making it suitable for offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, retail environments, and large-scale corporate campuses.

Architectural Design and Hardware Foundations

The architectural framework of the Cisco C9300-48U-E is built upon Cisco’s intent-based networking philosophy, combining custom ASICs with a modular and resilient hardware design. This category of switches is engineered to provide consistent forwarding performance, low latency, and predictable behavior under heavy traffic loads. The hardware platform supports a distributed forwarding architecture that ensures optimal packet processing while maintaining scalability across stacked configurations.

Within this category, the switch chassis, power subsystems, and cooling components are designed for continuous operation in enterprise environments. Hot-swappable power supplies and fan modules contribute to operational continuity, allowing maintenance activities without disrupting network availability. The robust internal design supports long-term deployment cycles, aligning with enterprise expectations for reliability and lifecycle stability.

Port Density and Multigigabit Ethernet Capabilities

The 48-port configuration associated with the C9300-48U-E category addresses the growing need for dense access connectivity. These ports are optimized for connecting a wide range of devices, including workstations, IP phones, wireless access points, surveillance systems, and building automation equipment. The category places emphasis on Multigigabit Ethernet support, enabling higher throughput over existing copper cabling infrastructures.

By supporting variable Ethernet speeds on access ports, this class of switches allows organizations to incrementally upgrade network performance without requiring extensive recabling projects. This approach supports bandwidth-intensive applications such as high-definition video conferencing, collaborative platforms, and data-rich cloud services, all while preserving existing infrastructure investments.

Advanced Power Delivery and UPOE Support

Power over Ethernet is a defining characteristic of the C9300-48U-E category, with enhanced power delivery capabilities designed to support modern endpoints. This category focuses on providing sufficient power budgets for devices that require more than standard PoE or PoE+ levels. High-powered wireless access points, video endpoints, and Internet of Things devices benefit from this extended power capability.

The emphasis on intelligent power management within this category ensures that connected devices receive appropriate power levels while maintaining energy efficiency. Administrators can monitor and manage power consumption across ports, aligning power delivery with operational policies and sustainability objectives.

Layer 3 Switching and Routing Capabilities

The Catalyst 9300 access switch category integrates advanced Layer 3 functionality traditionally associated with distribution-layer devices. The C9300-48U-E supports enterprise routing features that enable efficient traffic segmentation, optimized path selection, and scalable network design. This capability allows organizations to implement routed access architectures, reducing reliance on spanning tree protocols and improving overall network stability.

Support for dynamic routing protocols and advanced IP services positions this category as a flexible solution for complex network topologies. By enabling routing closer to the edge, the switch reduces latency and improves application responsiveness, which is critical for real-time communications and latency-sensitive workloads.

Segmentation and Virtual Network Design

Network segmentation is a core focus within the Catalyst 9300 category, enabling secure and efficient separation of traffic across different user groups, applications, and device types. The C9300-48U-E supports virtual network constructs that allow administrators to define logical boundaries without requiring separate physical infrastructures.

This approach enhances security posture by limiting lateral movement within the network and simplifying compliance with regulatory requirements. Segmentation also improves operational efficiency by allowing tailored policies for different network segments, aligning network behavior with business objectives.

Quality of Service and Traffic Optimization

Quality of Service capabilities are integral to this category, ensuring that critical applications receive prioritized treatment across the network. The C9300-48U-E supports advanced traffic classification, marking, and queuing mechanisms that help maintain performance for voice, video, and mission-critical data flows.

By enabling granular traffic control at the access layer, this category supports consistent user experiences even during periods of high network utilization. This capability is especially valuable in environments where collaboration tools and real-time communications are central to daily operations.

Software-Defined Networking and Automation

The Catalyst 9300 category is tightly integrated with Cisco’s software-defined networking ecosystem, emphasizing automation, programmability, and centralized management. The C9300-48U-E benefits from this integration by supporting policy-based configuration and streamlined provisioning workflows. This reduces manual configuration efforts and minimizes the risk of human error during network changes.

Automation capabilities within this category enable rapid deployment of new services and consistent policy enforcement across the access layer. Organizations can adapt quickly to changing business needs, whether that involves onboarding new devices, expanding wireless coverage, or supporting new applications.

Programmability and Open APIs

Programmability is a defining feature of the Catalyst 9300 access switch category. The C9300-48U-E supports open APIs and model-driven programmability, allowing integration with orchestration tools and custom automation frameworks. This capability empowers network teams to implement advanced workflows and align network operations with DevOps practices.

By exposing network functions through standardized interfaces, this category supports innovation and flexibility, enabling organizations to build solutions tailored to their specific operational requirements.

Centralized Management and Visibility

Centralized management is a key focus for this category, providing comprehensive visibility into network performance, device health, and user behavior. The C9300-48U-E integrates with management platforms that offer real-time analytics and actionable insights. This level of visibility simplifies troubleshooting and supports proactive network optimization.

Enhanced telemetry and monitoring features allow administrators to understand traffic patterns and identify potential issues before they impact users. This proactive approach aligns with modern IT operational models that prioritize reliability and user satisfaction.

Security Features and Threat Mitigation

Security is deeply embedded within the Catalyst 9300 access switch category, reflecting the growing importance of protecting network edges against evolving threats. The C9300-48U-E supports a comprehensive set of security features designed to safeguard data, devices, and users. These capabilities enable organizations to enforce consistent security policies across the access layer.

The category emphasizes secure access control, threat detection, and policy enforcement, ensuring that only authorized devices and users gain network access. This approach reduces the attack surface and supports compliance with industry standards and regulatory frameworks.

Identity-Based Access Control

Identity-based networking is a cornerstone of this category, enabling dynamic access control based on user identity, device type, and context. The C9300-48U-E supports integration with authentication services that allow granular policy enforcement at the point of network entry.

This capability enhances security by ensuring that access privileges are aligned with organizational policies and user roles. It also simplifies network administration by reducing the need for complex, static configurations.

Integrated Threat Detection and Response

The Catalyst 9300 category incorporates mechanisms for detecting and responding to network threats in real time. The C9300-48U-E supports features that help identify anomalous behavior, unauthorized access attempts, and potential security breaches.

By enabling rapid response to detected threats, this category helps minimize the impact of security incidents and supports a resilient network posture. These capabilities are essential for organizations operating in environments with increasing cybersecurity risks.

High Availability and Resilient Design

High availability is a defining attribute of the Catalyst 9300 access switch category. The C9300-48U-E is designed to support continuous network operation through redundancy and failover mechanisms. This ensures that critical business services remain accessible even in the event of hardware or link failures.

The category emphasizes modularity and redundancy across key components, enabling organizations to design networks that meet stringent uptime requirements. This focus on resilience supports mission-critical applications and reduces the risk of costly downtime.

Stacking and Scalability

Stacking capabilities are central to the scalability of the Catalyst 9300 category. The C9300-48U-E can participate in stacked configurations that operate as a single logical switch. This approach simplifies management while increasing port density and overall system capacity.

Stacking also enhances resilience by enabling stateful failover between stack members. This ensures that network services continue seamlessly even if one unit experiences a failure.

Redundant Power and Cooling Systems

Redundant power supplies and cooling systems are integral to the reliability of this category. The C9300-48U-E supports hot-swappable components that allow maintenance and upgrades without disrupting network operations. This design supports continuous availability and aligns with enterprise expectations for dependable infrastructure.

Efficient thermal management ensures stable performance under varying load conditions, contributing to the long-term reliability of the switch and the broader network environment.

Deployment Scenarios and Industry Applications

The Cisco C9300-48U-E Catalyst 9300 category is well-suited for a wide range of deployment scenarios where robust access-layer connectivity is required. Enterprise campuses benefit from the high port density, advanced power delivery, and Layer 3 capabilities that support diverse user populations and application demands.

Educational institutions leverage this category to support digital learning environments, wireless connectivity, and multimedia applications. Healthcare organizations rely on the reliability and security features to support clinical systems and connected medical devices. Retail and hospitality environments benefit from scalable connectivity and support for IoT and point-of-sale systems.

Support for Modern Workplace and Collaboration

Modern workplace environments require reliable connectivity for collaboration tools, cloud applications, and remote work solutions. The Catalyst 9300 category supports these requirements by providing consistent performance, advanced QoS, and seamless integration with wireless infrastructure.

The C9300-48U-E enables organizations to create flexible workspaces that support mobility and collaboration without compromising security or performance.

Internet of Things and Edge Connectivity

The growing adoption of Internet of Things technologies places new demands on access-layer networks. This category supports large-scale IoT deployments by providing sufficient power, bandwidth, and security for connected devices. The C9300-48U-E is capable of supporting diverse IoT endpoints while maintaining centralized control and visibility.