C9300-48U-A Cisco Catalyst 9300 Managed Switch Layer 3 Ethernet 48 Ports

Overview of Catalyst 9300-48U-A Switch 

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-48U-A is a high-performance, stackable network switch designed for enterprise-grade environments. Featuring 48 managed Gigabit Ethernet ports with advanced UPOE capabilities, this rack-mountable switch ensures reliable connectivity and robust network management for modern IT infrastructures.

General Information

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

Technical Specifications

• Total Network Ports: 48
• Uplink Port: Yes
• Stack Port: Yes
• Port Details: 48 x Gigabit Ethernet
• Supported Media Type: Twisted Pair
• Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
• Switching Capacity: 256 Gbps
• Stacking Bandwidth: 480 Gbps

Key Features and Advantages

• 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds with UPOE for flexible power delivery.
• Rack-mountable 1U design, ideal for space-efficient deployment in data centers and server rooms.
• Advanced Layer 3 routing with support for OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, RIP, IS-IS, and VRRP protocols.
• Stackable architecture with Cisco StackWise-480 technology, enabling high-performance network scalability.
• Enhanced Power over Ethernet (PoE) budget of 822W to support a variety of network devices.
• Comprehensive remote management options including SNMP, CLI, RESTCONF, and NETCONF.

Performance and Capacity

• Switching capacity of 128 Gbps with stacking bandwidth up to 480 Gbps, providing ultra-fast data processing.
• Forwarding rate of 190.48 Mpps ensures smooth and uninterrupted network traffic handling.
• IPv4 routing table: 32,000 entries; IPv6 routing table: 16,000 entries.
• Flexible NetFlow support with 64,000 entries for detailed network analytics.
• Supports up to 4,000 VLAN IDs and 2,000 SVIs for large-scale network segmentation.
• MAC address table with 32,000 entries and jumbo frame support up to 9,198 bytes.

Advanced Networking Features

• Stateful Switchover (SSO) for uninterrupted network availability.
• Quality of Service (QoS) with Class-Based Weighted Fair Queuing (CBWFQ) and Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED).
• Comprehensive security: 802.1X authentication, MACsec encryption, SGACL caching, and control plane protection (CoPP).
• Flexible integration with ITSM and third-party IPAM systems.
• Multicast management including PIM-SM, PIM-SSM, MSDP, and Source-Specific Multicast (SSM).
• Advanced network analytics with Integrated Wireshark and Application Visibility and Control (AVC).

Connectivity and Expansion

• 48 RJ-45 UPOE ports supporting 1/2.5/5GBASE-T speeds.
• Single expansion slot available for optional modules and network enhancements.
• USB 2.0 interface for flexible device integration and software upgrades.

Compliance and Standards

• Fully compliant with IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3af/at, 802.1q, 802.1p, 802.1d/w/s, and 802.1x standards.
• Supports link aggregation via IEEE 802.3ad (LACP) for optimized throughput and redundancy.

Power and Reliability

• Internal hot-plug power supply delivering 1,100W for uninterrupted operations.
• Optional power redundancy for mission-critical deployments.
• Voltage support: AC 120/230V at 50–60 Hz.
• Lightweight design at 17.02 lbs with compact dimensions (17.5 x 17.5 x 1.7 inches) for easy installation.
• Equipped with three high-efficiency fans to maintain optimal cooling under heavy workloads.

Advanced Security and Monitoring

• Access Control List (ACL) support to enforce network policies and secure traffic flow.
• Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN) and Encapsulated RSPAN (ERSPAN) for detailed traffic analysis.
• Non-stop Routing (NSR) ensures continuous Layer 3 network operations.
• Support for VXLAN, Private VLAN, Hierarchical VPLS, and L3VPN for advanced segmentation and virtual network deployments.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

• Enterprise core and distribution networks requiring high port density and advanced routing capabilities.
• Data centers needing scalable stacking and high-throughput performance.
• Environments with heavy PoE device integration, such as IP phones, cameras, and access points.
• Organizations seeking secure, managed, and remotely monitored network solutions.

Ouline of Cisco C9300-48U-A Gigabit Ethernet Switch  

The Cisco C9300-48U-A Catalyst Gigabit Ethernet 48 Ports Stackable Switch represents the pinnacle of modern network infrastructure, offering unparalleled performance, scalability, and reliability. Designed for enterprise-level networking, this series switch caters to the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity, seamless integration, and robust security across complex network environments. The C9300-48U-A model specifically offers 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing sufficient capacity to connect multiple devices while maintaining optimal throughput and low latency.

Advanced Stackable Architecture

The stackable architecture of the Cisco C9300-48U-A allows multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit, simplifying network management and enhancing redundancy. Network administrators can stack up to eight switches, enabling increased port density without the complexity of managing multiple devices individually. This stackable capability ensures that network expansion is straightforward and cost-effective, making it an ideal solution for growing organizations with dynamic networking needs.

High Performance and Reliability

Performance is a core attribute of the C9300-48U-A switch. With advanced switching capabilities and support for high-throughput applications, the switch ensures seamless data transmission even under heavy network loads. The device is equipped with sophisticated features to maintain network uptime, including redundant power supplies, robust cooling mechanisms, and high-availability protocols. These features make it a dependable choice for enterprises that cannot afford network downtime.

Port Configuration and Connectivity

The 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the C9300-48U-A offer exceptional connectivity options for various network devices such as servers, access points, IP phones, and workstations. The ports are designed to support Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows the switch to deliver both power and data to connected devices, eliminating the need for separate power sources. This feature is particularly advantageous for environments deploying VoIP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras.

Software-Defined Access and Automation

With the integration of Cisco’s Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), the C9300-48U-A offers a highly automated networking experience. SD-Access enables policy-driven automation, simplifying network provisioning, segmentation, and monitoring. Network administrators can define policies centrally, which are then consistently enforced across all switches in the network, reducing the potential for configuration errors and enhancing operational efficiency. Automation features also include streamlined software updates and configuration management, minimizing manual intervention and downtime.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

The Cisco C9300-48U-A switch is designed with energy efficiency in mind, leveraging advanced hardware and software optimization techniques to reduce power consumption without compromising performance. Features such as intelligent fan speed control, PoE optimization, and energy-efficient components contribute to lower operational costs. Additionally, the switch’s compliance with environmental standards makes it suitable for organizations committed to sustainable IT practices, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the networking infrastructure.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Cisco C9300-48U-A Catalyst switch is versatile and suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios. In enterprise campus networks, it can serve as a core or distribution switch, delivering high-speed connectivity to multiple access layer switches and end devices. In branch offices, the switch offers compact, stackable deployment options while maintaining centralized management and monitoring capabilities. Additionally, the switch’s PoE functionality supports unified communications and wireless network deployment, making it an integral component of modern digital workplaces.

Enterprise Networking and Data Center Integration

In enterprise environments, the C9300-48U-A facilitates efficient data flow between departments, servers, and storage units, ensuring seamless operations. Its compatibility with Cisco DNA Center and other management tools allows IT teams to monitor, analyze, and optimize the network proactively. The switch’s high port density and stackable nature enable scalable data center integration, supporting the growing demand for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video conferencing, cloud services, and virtualization.

Support for Advanced Protocols and Features

The Cisco C9300-48U-A switch supports a wide range of advanced networking protocols, including Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF). These protocols enhance network resilience, load balancing, and traffic segmentation, enabling enterprises to maintain uninterrupted operations even during hardware failures or peak traffic conditions. Quality of Service (QoS) features ensure critical applications receive prioritized bandwidth, improving user experience and operational efficiency.

Stackable Switch Ecosystem and Scalability

The C9300-48U-A is part of a larger ecosystem of Cisco Catalyst stackable switches, designed to provide scalable networking solutions. Organizations can mix and match compatible switches within the stack, allowing flexible expansion and tailored network design. This modularity ensures that network infrastructure can grow alongside organizational needs without the necessity of replacing existing equipment. The stacking technology also supports non-disruptive software upgrades, further enhancing uptime and operational continuity.

Future-Proofing Network Infrastructure

Investing in the Cisco C9300-48U-A ensures a future-proof network infrastructure capable of supporting emerging technologies. With support for 802.3bt PoE, high-bandwidth applications, and software-defined networking features, the switch is prepared to accommodate evolving enterprise demands. This adaptability reduces the risk of obsolescence and allows organizations to leverage innovative solutions such as IoT devices, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-native applications within their network environment.

Integration with Cisco DNA and Security Solutions

The switch’s compatibility with Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) provides a framework for intelligent, policy-driven network operations. Through DNA Center, administrators can implement end-to-end segmentation, monitor user and device behavior, and enforce compliance policies efficiently. Integration with Cisco Umbrella, Cisco Stealthwatch, and other security solutions enhances threat detection and response, creating a secure and agile network environment suitable for modern enterprise challenges.

Reliability and Redundancy Features

High availability is critical in enterprise networks, and the C9300-48U-A addresses this requirement with multiple redundancy features. Dual power supplies, stack resiliency, and redundant uplinks ensure continuous network operations, even in the event of hardware failures. Rapid failover mechanisms and non-disruptive software updates minimize downtime, providing organizations with a robust and reliable networking backbone capable of supporting critical business operations without interruption.

Technical Specifications

The technical capabilities of the Cisco C9300-48U-A Catalyst switch are engineered to meet rigorous enterprise demands. Key specifications include 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+, advanced stacking technology supporting up to eight switches, high forwarding rates, support for Layer 3 routing protocols, and comprehensive security features. The switch also offers flexible uplink options, including 1G, 10G, and 40G connections, ensuring compatibility with existing network infrastructure while supporting high-speed backbone connections for intensive workloads.

Enhanced Layer 3 Features

Beyond Layer 2 switching, the C9300-48U-A supports advanced Layer 3 routing functionalities including OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP. This enables seamless inter-VLAN routing, efficient traffic distribution, and scalable network design across large enterprise networks. The integration of Layer 3 features within a stackable switch design simplifies network topology and reduces latency, improving overall application performance and user experience.