C9300-24U-A Cisco 24-Port Switch

Overview of Cisco Catalyst Advanced Managed L3 Switch

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-24U-A is a high-performance managed Layer 3 Ethernet switch, ideal for modern enterprise networks requiring robust connectivity, extensive PoE capabilities, and advanced management features. Engineered to deliver reliability and scalability, this switch forms the backbone of efficient and secure network infrastructures.

Key Specifications and Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model: C9300-24U-A
• Series: Catalyst 9300
• Product Type: Managed Ethernet Switch
• Ports: 24 Gigabit Ethernet Network Ports
• Uplink and Stack Ports: Included for seamless expansion
• Modular Design: Fixed, non-modular configuration

Network Interfaces and Connectivity

• 24 high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports for reliable wired connections
• Uplink port for enhanced network integration
• Stackable ports enabling unified management across multiple switches
• Compatible with twisted-pair media for flexibility in deployment

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking Features

• Supports Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing for scalable enterprise networks
• Advanced routing protocols including OSPF, IS-IS, RIP, BGP, EIGRP, HSRP, VRRP, and more
• Policy-Based Routing (PBR) for custom traffic control
• Jumbo frame support up to 9198 bytes for high-performance data transfer
• MAC address table accommodating up to 32,000 entries

Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

• Supports Universal Power over Ethernet (UPoE)
• Total PoE budget of 830 W, suitable for IP phones, cameras, and access points
• Integrated power management ensures energy efficiency

Memory and Performance Specifications

• High-speed 8 GB RAM for optimal multitasking and routing operations
• 16 GB flash memory for storing configurations and firmware updates

Security and Management Features

• Comprehensive remote management support via SNMP (v1, v2c, v3), RMON, CLI, NETCONF, and RESTCONF
• 128-bit AES encryption ensuring secure communications
• Fully manageable switch for granular configuration and monitoring

Environmental and Reliability Parameters

• Operating temperature range: 23°F to 113°F
• Storage temperature range: -40°F to 158°F
• Humidity range: 5%–90% non-condensing
• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): 238,410 hours, demonstrating exceptional durability

Compliance and Standards

• CISPR 22 Class A, CISPR 24
• EN 61000 series for immunity and emissions
• UL 60950-1, IEC 60950-1, RoHS, FCC CFR47 Part 15 A
• VCCI, BSMI, CCC, CAN/CSA compliance for international deployments

Enhanced Network Performance and Flexibility

• Reliable Gigabit Ethernet performance for high-throughput applications
• Supports multiple routing protocols for optimized network paths
• Stacking capability allows simplified management across multiple devices
• Advanced PoE ensures continuous power for critical network endpoints

Ideal Use Cases

• Enterprise campuses requiring high-speed, reliable connectivity
• Organizations implementing advanced network security and segmentation
• Deployments demanding centralized management and remote monitoring
• Networks powering multiple PoE-enabled devices such as phones, cameras, and access points

Outline of Cisco C9300-24U-A Stackable Switch

The Cisco C9300-24U-A Catalyst 9300 series represents a highly advanced, next-generation stackable enterprise-class Ethernet switch designed to meet the dynamic needs of modern networks. Equipped with 24 full Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) ports, this switch is ideal for organizations looking to enhance network performance, ensure reliability, and future-proof their infrastructure. The Catalyst 9300 series is renowned for its robustness, high throughput, and flexibility, making it an essential choice for enterprises, campuses, and data centers that demand uninterrupted connectivity and seamless integration of diverse devices.

High-Performance Connectivity

The C9300-24U-A offers cutting-edge performance capabilities with non-blocking architecture that enables full line-rate switching across all ports. This ensures that every connected device, whether it is a VoIP phone, wireless access point, or high-bandwidth workstation, receives consistent and reliable connectivity. The 24 Ethernet ports are designed to support both gigabit and high-power PoE+ devices, providing sufficient power to run network endpoints without the need for additional power infrastructure. The switch also supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, delivering comprehensive routing and switching capabilities for complex network topologies.

Advanced PoE+ Capabilities

One of the standout features of the C9300-24U-A is its full PoE+ support across all 24 ports, allowing organizations to power devices directly through the Ethernet cable. This includes IP phones, security cameras, access points, and other PoE-enabled devices. The switch can allocate power dynamically and efficiently, ensuring maximum uptime and energy savings. With a total PoE budget sufficient to support enterprise-grade deployments, IT administrators can simplify network deployment and reduce infrastructure complexity.

Stackable Architecture for Scalable Networks

The Catalyst 9300 series introduces a stackable design that allows multiple switches to be connected and operate as a single logical unit. This capability is particularly valuable in environments that require scalable networks capable of handling increased traffic demands. Using Cisco StackWise-480 technology, the C9300-24U-A can interconnect up to eight switches with a high-speed stacking bandwidth, enabling seamless expansion without compromising performance. This stackable functionality ensures simplified management, reduced operational costs, and unified configuration across the network.

Enhanced Security Features

Security is a critical component of modern enterprise networks, and the C9300-24U-A addresses this need with a robust suite of integrated security features. The switch supports advanced segmentation through Virtual LANs (VLANs), access control lists (ACLs), and identity-based access using 802.1X authentication. Additionally, Cisco's TrustSec technology provides scalable and policy-based security, allowing organizations to enforce role-based access and protect sensitive data. With support for Secure Boot, MACsec encryption, and automated threat detection, the Catalyst 9300 ensures that the network remains resilient against both external and internal threats.

Comprehensive Network Automation

The Catalyst 9300 series simplifies network management with advanced automation capabilities. Cisco DNA Center and software-defined access allow IT administrators to automate routine tasks, such as device provisioning, configuration changes, and policy enforcement. The C9300-24U-A supports APIs and scripting for programmatic management, reducing the likelihood of human error and accelerating deployment cycles. Network monitoring and telemetry features provide detailed insights into traffic patterns, device performance, and potential bottlenecks, enabling proactive maintenance and rapid troubleshooting.

High Availability and Redundancy

For enterprises that require uninterrupted network service, the C9300-24U-A offers robust high-availability features. Redundant power supplies, field-replaceable fans, and support for nonstop forwarding with stateful switchover (NSF/SSO) ensure that critical network functions remain operational even during hardware failures. The switch’s modular design and hot-swappable components minimize downtime and simplify maintenance. This high availability framework is ideal for mission-critical environments such as hospitals, financial institutions, and large campus networks where network outages can have significant operational impacts.

Integrated Wireless and Network Convergence

In addition to wired networking, the C9300-24U-A is designed to integrate seamlessly with wireless infrastructure. It serves as a foundation for converged wired and wireless networks, enabling unified policy enforcement, client visibility, and network assurance across multiple access technologies. The switch’s high PoE+ capacity supports dense deployments of wireless access points, allowing organizations to deliver reliable Wi-Fi coverage without additional power injectors or cabling complexities. This convergence simplifies IT operations and improves the end-user experience by ensuring consistent connectivity across all devices and locations.

Energy Efficiency  

Cisco has engineered the Catalyst 9300 series to balance high performance with energy efficiency. Features such as Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), intelligent PoE management, and low-power design help reduce operational costs while minimizing environmental impact. The switch is compliant with global energy standards and is designed for extended operational life, reducing e-waste and promoting sustainable networking practices. These efficiency measures make the C9300-24U-A an attractive option for organizations seeking to optimize energy consumption without compromising on performance.

Advanced Routing and Switching Capabilities

The C9300-24U-A Catalyst 9300 excels in providing advanced routing and switching features. Layer 2 functionalities include spanning tree protocol, link aggregation, and VLAN support, which facilitate efficient traffic management and loop prevention. Layer 3 capabilities extend to static routing, OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, making the switch suitable for complex enterprise networks that require robust routing intelligence. Additionally, the Catalyst 9300 series supports multicast routing protocols such as PIM-SM and IGMP, enabling optimized delivery of streaming media and collaboration applications across the network.

Resilient Multilayer Architecture

The Catalyst 9300’s multilayer architecture combines the benefits of Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing within a single platform. This design improves network efficiency, reduces latency, and simplifies topology management. The switch supports virtual routing and forwarding (VRF), allowing multiple virtual networks to operate independently over the same physical infrastructure. This capability is particularly useful for multi-tenant environments, data centers, and organizations seeking to segment traffic for security, compliance, or operational reasons.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Cisco C9300-24U-A Catalyst 9300 switch is suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, from campus access to core network layers. In enterprise campuses, the switch serves as a reliable access-layer device, providing high-speed connectivity to endpoints while supporting advanced PoE+ devices such as phones, cameras, and access points. In branch offices, the switch can consolidate multiple network functions, offering routing, switching, and security in a single platform. Data centers can leverage its high-performance capabilities for server connectivity, virtualization, and storage network integration. Its versatility makes it a preferred choice across diverse industries, including healthcare, education, government, and finance.

Campus Networking Solutions

In campus networks, the C9300-24U-A simplifies network architecture by combining high-speed connectivity with advanced management features. Its stackable design enables seamless expansion as the number of users or devices grows. Integration with Cisco DNA Center allows for centralized management, policy enforcement, and network assurance. The Catalyst 9300 also supports software-defined access, enabling dynamic segmentation and role-based access control for different user groups, departments, or devices. This ensures secure, scalable, and efficient connectivity across the entire campus.

Enterprise Branch Connectivity

For branch office deployments, the Catalyst 9300 provides a compact yet powerful solution for aggregating multiple network services. Its support for dual-stack IPv4 and IPv6 routing ensures compatibility with modern network protocols, while PoE+ capabilities reduce the need for additional power infrastructure. The switch can also integrate VPN services, security features, and traffic optimization, delivering enterprise-grade performance even in remote locations. This enables branch offices to maintain consistent operational standards while benefiting from centralized management and monitoring.

Data Center Access and Aggregation

Within data centers, the C9300-24U-A can function as an access or aggregation switch, providing high-throughput connectivity to servers and storage devices. Its advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities, combined with low-latency switching, support virtualization, cloud deployments, and high-performance computing environments. The switch also supports high availability features such as redundant power and stackwise technology, ensuring continuous operation for mission-critical workloads. These capabilities make it an ideal choice for organizations looking to consolidate data center infrastructure while maintaining robust performance and security standards.