C9300-48H-E Cisco Catalyst 9300 Net Adv Expansion Slot UPoE+ 48 Ports Switch

Outline of Cisco C9300-48H-E Catalyst 9300 Managed Switch

The Cisco C9300-48H-E Catalyst 9300 is a robust, rack-mountable managed switch designed for enterprise-grade networks. With 48 high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports supporting UPoE+, this switch delivers exceptional connectivity, scalability, and performance for modern data-driven environments.

General Specifications  

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C9300-48H-E
• Device Type: 48-port L3 Managed Stackable Switch

Technical Specifications  

• Form Factor: 1U Rack-mountable Enclosure
• Port Type: 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps (UPoE+)
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) Budget: 822 W
• Switching Capacity: 256 Gbps
• Stacking Bandwidth: 736 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 190.48 Mpps (547.62 Mpps with stacking)
• IPv4/IPv6 Routing Entries: 32,000 / 16,000
• Flexible NetFlow Entries: 64,000
• VLAN Support: 4,000 VLAN IDs, 2,000 Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs)
• MAC Address Table Size: 32,000 entries
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9,198 bytes

Key Advantages  

• High-density Gigabit connectivity for demanding enterprise environments
• Robust L3 routing and advanced security protocols
• Flexible stacking and expansion capabilities for future growth
• Comprehensive QoS, traffic management, and monitoring tools
• Optional redundant power for maximum uptime and reliability
• Compatible with Cisco StackWise-480 and StackPower for enhanced scalability

Advanced Routing 

• Dynamic routing: OSPF, IS-IS, RIP v1/v2, BGP, EIGRP
• High-availability protocols: HSRP, VRRP
• Multicast and advanced routing: IGMP, PIM-SM, PIM-SSM, MSDP, OSPFv3, Policy-Based Routing (PBR)

Security and Management Features

• Encryption: 128-bit AES for data protection
• Access Control: ACL support, 802.1x Authentication, Security Group Access Control (SGACL)
• Remote Management: SNMP v1/2c/3, CLI, NETCONF, RESTCONF
• High availability: Non-stop Routing (NSR), Stateful Switchover (SSO)
• Enhanced monitoring: RMON, Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN), Integrated Wireshark

Performance Optimization 

• Class-Based Weighted Fair Queuing (CBWFQ)
• Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED)
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) support
• DHCP support and trunking capabilities
• Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
• VLAN double tagging (Q-in-Q) and Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN)

Expansion & Connectivity Options

• 48 x 1000BASE-T RJ-45 UPoE+ ports for high-density connections
• USB 2.0 interface for local management
• Expansion slot: 1 available for future upgrades

Power and Reliability Features

• Internal power supply, hot-pluggable
• Installed power: 1,100 W; optional second unit for redundancy
• Supports AC voltage 120/230 V (50–60 Hz)
• Three high-efficiency cooling fans included

Memory and Storage

• RAM: 8 GB for smooth multitasking and buffer management
• Flash Memory: 16 GB for firmware, configuration, and logs

Compliance & Standards

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3af/at/x/ad standards
• IEEE 802.1d, 802.1q, 802.1p, 802.1w, 802.1s, 802.1x compliance
• Supports Layer 2/3 features, PoE+, and high-speed stacking technologies

Overview of Cisco C9300-48H-E Catalyst 9300 Series Switch

The Cisco C9300-48H-E Catalyst 9300 Network Advantage switch represents the pinnacle of enterprise networking, offering unparalleled performance, scalability, and reliability for modern IT environments. Designed to accommodate the ever-growing demands of digital transformation, this switch provides a powerful foundation for organizations seeking high-speed connectivity, advanced security, and flexible management options. With 48 high-power over Ethernet (UPoE+) ports, the C9300-48H-E ensures robust connectivity for a wide range of devices, from IP phones and cameras to wireless access points and IoT solutions. Its rack-mountable form factor makes it an ideal choice for data centers, enterprise wiring closets, and campus networks that require compact, high-density solutions.

High-Performance Architecture and Network Efficiency

The Catalyst 9300 series, including the 48H-E model, is built on a resilient and high-performance architecture that supports the evolving requirements of modern networks. Leveraging Cisco's innovative forwarding engine, these switches deliver wire-speed performance across all 48 ports, ensuring that data flows seamlessly even in high-traffic environments. The switch supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing capabilities, allowing network administrators to implement complex topologies without compromising speed or reliability. Additionally, the integrated StackWise technology enables multiple switches to be interconnected, forming a unified, scalable system that simplifies management and enhances redundancy.

StackWise Technology and Scalable Deployment

One of the standout features of the Cisco C9300-48H-E is its StackWise-480 technology, which allows up to eight switches to operate as a single logical unit. This capability not only simplifies network management but also increases overall system resilience, as traffic can be dynamically rerouted in the event of a failure. For enterprises with growing connectivity needs, StackWise provides a seamless path for network expansion, ensuring that additional switches can be integrated without disrupting existing services. This scalability is critical for organizations aiming to future-proof their network infrastructure while maintaining optimal performance.

Advanced Security and Threat Mitigation

In an era of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, the Cisco C9300-48H-E Catalyst switch offers robust security features designed to protect enterprise networks. The switch supports comprehensive segmentation through virtual LANs (VLANs) and private VLANs, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive resources. Furthermore, Cisco TrustSec technology provides identity-based security policies, ensuring that users and devices are granted the appropriate level of access based on their role and credentials. Integrated features such as Secure Group Tagging (SGT) and MACsec encryption safeguard data in transit, maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of critical information across the network.

Enhanced Threat Detection with Cisco DNA Center

When deployed alongside Cisco DNA Center, the C9300-48H-E provides enhanced visibility and threat detection capabilities. Network administrators can leverage machine learning algorithms to identify anomalies, monitor device behavior, and respond proactively to potential breaches. This integration allows for automated policy enforcement, ensuring consistent security across the entire network infrastructure. Additionally, Cisco DNA Center’s intuitive dashboard provides real-time analytics, helping IT teams optimize performance, reduce downtime, and maintain compliance with industry standards.

Power over Ethernet and UPoE+ Capabilities

The Cisco C9300-48H-E is equipped with UPoE+ functionality, providing enhanced power delivery to connected devices. Each of the 48 ports supports high-wattage applications, making it possible to power devices such as high-performance IP phones, security cameras, and wireless access points without requiring separate power supplies. This consolidation of power and data over a single connection simplifies deployment, reduces cabling complexity, and lowers operational costs. Organizations can efficiently manage their infrastructure while ensuring uninterrupted service for mission-critical applications.

Optimized Energy Efficiency

Despite its high-performance capabilities, the Catalyst 9300 series prioritizes energy efficiency. The switch features intelligent power management, adjusting power output based on the connected devices’ requirements. This dynamic allocation minimizes energy waste while ensuring that all connected devices operate reliably. By optimizing power consumption, organizations can reduce their carbon footprint and operational expenses, aligning their IT infrastructure with sustainability goals.

Flexible Expansion and Modular Design

The Cisco C9300-48H-E Catalyst switch offers flexible expansion options to accommodate evolving network demands. Its modular design allows for the addition of network modules, uplinks, and other enhancements without the need to replace the core hardware. This adaptability ensures that enterprises can scale their networks efficiently, supporting higher bandwidth, additional ports, or enhanced functionality as requirements change. By adopting a modular approach, organizations can extend the lifespan of their infrastructure while maintaining consistent performance and reliability.

Uplink Options and Redundancy

The switch supports a variety of uplink modules, enabling high-speed connections to aggregation layers, data centers, or cloud services. Redundant uplink capabilities ensure that traffic is maintained even in the event of a link failure, providing high availability and minimizing potential disruptions. These uplinks can be configured for various speeds, including 1G, 10G, and 25G, offering flexibility in network design and allowing IT teams to tailor the infrastructure to specific performance needs.

Resilient and Reliable Networking

Reliability is a cornerstone of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series, and the 48H-E model is no exception. Built with redundant power supplies, fans, and modular components, the switch ensures continuous operation even in demanding environments. Advanced diagnostics and predictive analytics detect potential hardware issues before they impact network performance, enabling proactive maintenance and minimizing downtime. High-availability features such as Virtual Switching System (VSS) and StackWise redundancy further enhance network resilience, providing uninterrupted connectivity for mission-critical applications.

Traffic Optimization

The Catalyst 9300-48H-E supports sophisticated Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, enabling prioritization of critical traffic such as voice, video, and data applications. By managing bandwidth allocation and minimizing congestion, the switch ensures smooth and predictable performance for latency-sensitive services. Network administrators can implement granular traffic policies, monitor performance in real-time, and adjust configurations dynamically to meet changing demands. This level of control is essential for enterprises that rely on high-performance applications to drive business outcomes.

Redundant Power and Cooling Solutions

To ensure continuous operation, the switch is equipped with redundant power supplies and fan modules, which can be hot-swapped without disrupting network services. Intelligent cooling mechanisms monitor temperature and adjust fan speeds to optimize airflow, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable performance. These features are especially important in high-density deployments or environments with variable operating conditions, providing confidence that the network remains operational under all circumstances.

Industry-Leading Support and Warranty

Cisco provides extensive support options for the Catalyst 9300-48H-E, ensuring that enterprises can maximize the value of their investment. With options including Cisco SMARTnet, organizations gain access to technical assistance, software updates, and advanced replacement services. This level of support helps IT teams address issues quickly, minimize downtime, and maintain consistent service levels. Additionally, Cisco’s commitment to ongoing innovation ensures that the Catalyst 9300 series remains compatible with emerging technologies and industry standards.

Lifecycle Management and Software Upgrades

The Catalyst 9300-48H-E is supported by Cisco’s continuous software innovation, allowing organizations to take advantage of new features, security enhancements, and performance optimizations throughout the lifecycle of the switch. Regular updates can be deployed seamlessly, reducing operational disruption and ensuring that the network remains secure and efficient. Cisco’s comprehensive lifecycle management practices help organizations plan for future growth, maintain compliance, and protect their investment over time.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The Cisco C9300-48H-E Catalyst switch is well-suited for a variety of deployment scenarios across enterprise, education, healthcare, and government sectors. In large campus networks, it serves as a reliable access layer switch, providing high-speed connectivity for end-user devices, wireless access points, and security appliances. In data center environments, it supports aggregation and uplink functions, ensuring seamless connectivity between servers, storage systems, and core switches. The UPoE+ capability makes it particularly valuable in environments with high-density IP telephony, video surveillance, or IoT devices, where power delivery and connectivity must be tightly integrated.

Enterprise and Campus Network Integration

Within enterprise networks, the Catalyst 9300-48H-E enables the implementation of software-defined access architectures, allowing for simplified segmentation, automated policy enforcement, and enhanced user experiences. By integrating wired and wireless networks under a unified management platform, organizations can reduce complexity, improve operational efficiency, and enhance security. The switch also supports advanced routing protocols, multicast services, and link aggregation, providing the flexibility needed to accommodate diverse traffic patterns and business requirements.

High-Density Device Connectivity

The proliferation of IoT devices in modern workplaces has increased the demand for high-power, high-density switches. The C9300-48H-E addresses this need by providing UPoE+ across all 48 ports, ensuring reliable power and data connectivity for a wide range of IoT sensors, cameras, access control systems, and industrial devices. Its intelligent management capabilities allow IT teams to monitor device behavior, enforce security policies, and optimize network performance in real-time, ensuring that IoT deployments remain secure, reliable, and scalable.

Advanced Layer 3 Features and Routing Capabilities

The Catalyst 9300-48H-E extends beyond traditional Layer 2 functionality by offering advanced Layer 3 routing features that enable dynamic, scalable, and resilient networks. Support for OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and static routing provides flexibility in designing hierarchical network architectures that can grow with business demands. Virtual routing and forwarding (VRF) capabilities allow for logical segmentation of network traffic, improving security, isolation, and efficient utilization of resources. These advanced routing features make the switch a versatile choice for enterprises seeking both high-speed access and robust interconnectivity.