C9300-24U-E Cisco Catalyst 9300 24 Ports Ethernet Switch

Overview of Cisco Enterprise-grade Stackable Switch

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series represents the pinnacle of enterprise-grade stackable switches, engineered to support modern networking demands including enhanced security, IoT connectivity, mobility solutions, and cloud integration. The C9300-24U-E is a 24-port UPOE switch from this series, designed for organizations that require both high performance and reliability.

General information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C9300-24U-E
• Product Type: Network Switch

Technical Specifications

• Total Ports: 24 x 10/100/1000 or Multigigabit Copper Ports
• Power Over Ethernet: CISCO UPOE (Universal Power Over Ethernet)
• Default AC Power Supply: 1100W AC
• Available POE Power: 830W

High-Performance Switching Platform

• Up to 480 Gbps stacking bandwidth for seamless high-density network connectivity
• Flexible uplink configurations to adapt to diverse network environments
• Optimized support for 802.11ac Wave 2 wireless networks, ensuring maximum performance for Wi-Fi clients

Future-Ready Architecture

• Native hosting of containers and third-party applications directly on the switch
• Execution of custom scripts to automate complex network tasks
• Scalable solutions for networks growing in size and complexity

Key Features of the C9300-24U-E Model

• Port Configuration: 24 UPOE ports supporting 10/100/1000 or Multigigabit speeds
• Power Supply: Default 1100W AC with 830W available PoE power
• Physical Specifications: Dimensions 1.73 x 17.5 x 17.5 inches; Weight 16.33 lbs
• Network Essentials: Ideal for high-density environments requiring reliable connectivity and security

Enhanced Security and Management

• Integrated security features to protect against internal and external threats
• Supports advanced segmentation and policy-based access control
• Streamlined management through Cisco DNA Center for automation and monitoring

Seamless Integration for IoT and Mobility

• IoT device connectivity with high efficiency and low latency
• Mobility solutions enabling smooth operations for wireless devices
• Future-proof networking infrastructure with cloud-ready architecture

Outline of Cisco C9300-24U-E Layer 3 Managed Switch

The Cisco C9300-24U-E Catalyst 9300 is an advanced Layer 3 managed switch designed to deliver high-performance networking for modern enterprise environments. It is part of the renowned Catalyst 9300 Series, recognized for its reliability, scalability, and secure connectivity options. With 24 Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE) ports, this switch provides both robust data transmission capabilities and flexible power delivery to connected devices such as IP phones, access points, and surveillance cameras. Cisco has engineered the Catalyst 9300 series to support high-density enterprise applications, making it an ideal solution for organizations that require dependable and versatile network infrastructure.

Key Features of Cisco C9300-24U-E

Advanced Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

The C9300-24U-E Catalyst switch is designed to operate at Layer 3 of the OSI model, offering sophisticated routing features that extend beyond traditional Layer 2 switching. It supports advanced routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, enabling seamless integration into complex network topologies. The Layer 3 functionality ensures high-speed packet forwarding, efficient traffic management, and optimized network performance, which is critical for enterprises running multiple high-bandwidth applications simultaneously.

24 UPOE Ports for Maximum Flexibility

This managed switch is equipped with 24 UPOE ports, which provide enhanced power delivery capabilities beyond standard PoE or PoE+. Universal Power over Ethernet allows each port to deliver up to 60W, supporting a wide range of devices including high-power IP phones, wireless access points, and PTZ surveillance cameras. The flexibility of UPOE ports makes the C9300-24U-E an excellent choice for enterprises looking to simplify deployment, reduce cabling complexity, and support future network growth without extensive infrastructure upgrades.

High Performance and Scalability

Performance is a core strength of the Catalyst 9300 series. The C9300-24U-E offers high switching capacity and low latency, ensuring that data flows seamlessly across the network. The switch is built with a high-performance ASIC architecture that allows it to handle demanding enterprise workloads, including voice, video, and data traffic, with consistent reliability. Scalability is enhanced through stacking capabilities, allowing multiple switches to be combined and managed as a single logical unit. This feature enables organizations to expand their networks without compromising performance or manageability.

Enhanced Security Features

Security is paramount in modern enterprise networks, and the Cisco C9300-24U-E addresses this requirement through a wide array of advanced features. It supports Network Access Control (NAC), 802.1X authentication, role-based access control, and advanced threat protection mechanisms. The switch also includes Cisco TrustSec technology, which allows administrators to enforce secure segmentation policies across the network. These security measures ensure that sensitive data is protected and that only authorized devices and users can access network resources.

Software and Management Capabilities

Cisco IOS XE Operating System

The C9300-24U-E runs on the Cisco IOS XE operating system, which provides a robust, modular, and highly flexible environment for enterprise networking. IOS XE supports automation, programmability, and extensive monitoring capabilities, allowing IT teams to simplify network operations, troubleshoot efficiently, and implement policy-driven network management. The operating system is also designed to support future upgrades and innovations, ensuring long-term investment protection.

Comprehensive Network Management

Network administrators can leverage Cisco’s suite of management tools to optimize the operation of the C9300-24U-E. Cisco DNA Center provides a centralized platform for automated provisioning, monitoring, and maintenance of the switch and its connected devices. Additionally, integration with Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and other industry-standard protocols enables real-time performance monitoring, rapid fault detection, and efficient network troubleshooting. These management capabilities reduce operational costs while improving network reliability and uptime.

Support for Advanced Automation

The Catalyst 9300 series introduces advanced automation features that streamline network deployment and configuration. With support for Cisco Network Plug and Play, administrators can quickly deploy new switches and connected devices with minimal manual configuration. The C9300-24U-E also supports programmability through REST APIs and Python scripting, allowing IT teams to automate repetitive tasks, enforce consistent network policies, and improve overall operational efficiency.

UPOE Technology and Energy Efficiency

Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE)

Universal Power over Ethernet enables the C9300-24U-E to deliver up to 60 watts of power per port, surpassing the capabilities of standard PoE and PoE+. This high power output is ideal for powering energy-intensive devices such as multi-radio wireless access points, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, and advanced IP phones. UPOE simplifies infrastructure design by eliminating the need for separate power supplies, reducing cabling complexity, and enabling more flexible device placement throughout an enterprise facility.

Energy-Efficient Design

Cisco has incorporated energy-saving technologies into the Catalyst 9300 series to minimize operational costs. The C9300-24U-E supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), which dynamically adjusts power consumption based on network activity. The switch also includes intelligent power management features that optimize the distribution of power across UPOE ports. These innovations allow organizations to maintain high network performance while reducing energy consumption and contributing to a greener IT environment.

Stacking and High Availability

Cisco StackWise-480 Technology

The C9300-24U-E supports Cisco StackWise-480, a powerful stacking technology that enables multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit. Stacking enhances redundancy, simplifies network management, and increases overall system capacity. A stack of C9300 switches provides high availability and seamless failover, ensuring that network services remain uninterrupted even if one switch in the stack experiences a failure. StackWise-480 supports up to eight switches in a single stack, offering significant scalability for growing enterprise networks.

Redundant Power and Resiliency

The Catalyst 9300 series includes options for redundant power supplies, allowing uninterrupted operation in the event of a power supply failure. Coupled with the switch’s high-availability features, such as dual-active supervisor engines and hitless software upgrades, organizations can maintain continuous network services. These resiliency features are essential for mission-critical applications where downtime can result in operational disruptions and financial losses.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

Enterprise Campus Networks

The C9300-24U-E is an ideal choice for enterprise campus networks that demand high-speed, secure, and reliable connectivity. Its advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities, UPOE ports, and high-density design make it suitable for core, distribution, or access layers of campus infrastructure. The switch’s ability to handle voice, video, and data traffic simultaneously ensures optimal performance for modern enterprise applications such as unified communications, collaboration tools, and cloud-based services.

Small and Medium Business Applications

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the C9300-24U-E provides an enterprise-class solution without the complexity of larger network infrastructures. Its simplified management tools, support for automated deployment, and secure access features allow SMBs to operate efficiently while maintaining network reliability and scalability. The UPOE capability is particularly beneficial for powering IP phones, surveillance cameras, and Wi-Fi access points without the need for additional power infrastructure.

Data Center and Branch Office Networks

The Catalyst 9300-24U-E is also suitable for data center and branch office deployments where high-density, high-performance switching is required. Its Layer 3 capabilities allow for efficient inter-VLAN routing and dynamic traffic management, supporting applications such as virtualized environments, cloud services, and storage networks. The switch’s compact form factor and flexible power options make it an excellent choice for branch offices with limited space and power resources.

Connectivity and Expansion Options

High-Speed Uplinks

The switch offers multiple high-speed uplink options, including 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports, enabling seamless integration into core and distribution networks. These uplinks ensure that the switch can handle large volumes of traffic while maintaining low latency and high reliability. The uplink flexibility allows network architects to design scalable and high-performance network topologies tailored to enterprise requirements.

Modular Expansion 

The C9300-24U-E supports modular expansion through optional network modules, allowing administrators to enhance performance and connectivity as network demands grow. Cisco’s licensing model provides flexibility to enable advanced software features such as advanced routing, security, and network automation. This ensures that organizations can customize the switch capabilities to match their current and future network requirements without the need for hardware replacement.

Reliability and Long-Term Support

Proven Enterprise Reliability

The Catalyst 9300 series, including the C9300-24U-E, has been widely deployed in enterprise networks worldwide due to its proven reliability. The switch’s robust hardware design, combined with advanced software features, ensures consistent performance under heavy workloads. Cisco’s rigorous testing and quality standards further enhance the reliability of this switch, making it a trusted choice for mission-critical enterprise applications.