C9300-48U-M Cisco Catalyst C9300-M 48-port Cloud-Managed Layer 3 Switch.

Overview of Cisco Enterprise-Grade Cloud-Managed Switch 

The Cisco C9300-48U-M Catalyst C9300-M series switch is engineered to deliver a modern, cloud-driven networking foundation for enterprises seeking scalability, visibility, and operational efficiency. Designed within the renowned Catalyst family, this Layer 3 switch integrates advanced routing intelligence, centralized management, and high-density port availability to support evolving digital workplaces, branch offices, and campus environments.

Main Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C9300-48U-M 
• Product Type: Cloud-Managed Layer 3 Switch

Technical Specifications

• Product Family: Catalyst
• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 UPOE ports, 1 x USB 2.0 port
• Switching Capacity: 256 Gbps
• MAC Address Table Size: 32,000 entries
• VLANs Supported: Up to 4,094 VLANs
• RAM: 8 GB
• Flash Storage: 16 GB
• MTBF : 227,410 hours

Connectivity and Expansion

• Expansion Slots: 1 total, with 1 available for future upgrades.
• Interfaces: Includes 48 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 UPOE ports and a USB 2.0 port for flexible connectivity.

Cloud-Managed Intelligence for Modern Networks

• Centralized visibility for real-time network insights
• Simplified provisioning and remote management
• Optimized for hybrid and cloud-centric infrastructures

Universal Power over Ethernet Advantages

• Eliminates the need for separate power adapters
• Supports high-power devices with consistent energy delivery
• Reduces cabling complexity and infrastructure costs

Comprehensive Routing Protocol Support

• OSPF for scalable internal routing
• IS-IS for large service-oriented topologies
• BGP for external and multi-homed networks
• EIGRP for rapid convergence and stability

Optimized RAM and Flash Storage

• Improved multitasking and packet processing
• Stable operation during peak network loads
• Future-ready support for feature enhancements

Versatile Interface Options

• 48 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 UPOE Ethernet ports
• USB 2.0 interface for configuration and storage tasks
• Expandable architecture for long-term scalability

Common Deployment Scenarios

• Enterprise campus access switching
• Cloud-managed branch office networks
• High-density IoT and wireless deployments
• Unified voice, video, and data infrastructures

Highpoint of Cisco C9300-48U-M L3 Cloud-Managed Switch 

The Cisco C9300-48U-M Catalyst C9300-M 48-port UPOE Cloud-Managed Layer 3 Switch is positioned as a high-performance access-layer switching platform designed for modern enterprise networks that demand centralized cloud visibility, advanced Layer 3 routing, and high-power Ethernet delivery. Built on the Catalyst 9300 family, this model integrates Cisco’s cloud management capabilities with robust hardware engineering to support scalable campus, branch, and distributed enterprise deployments. Its design focuses on unifying wired access, security enforcement, and operational simplicity while delivering consistent performance across demanding network environments.

As part of the Catalyst C9300-M series, this switch is optimized for cloud-based operations, enabling administrators to manage, monitor, and troubleshoot network infrastructure through intuitive cloud dashboards. This approach reduces the complexity traditionally associated with on-premises management systems and allows IT teams to maintain consistent policy enforcement across multiple locations. The combination of enterprise-grade switching and cloud intelligence makes this platform suitable for organizations pursuing digital transformation initiatives, hybrid work environments, and scalable network growth.

Cloud-Managed Capabilities and Centralized Visibility

Cloud management is a defining characteristic of the Cisco C9300-48U-M, enabling administrators to control the switch through Cisco’s cloud-native management interfaces. This centralized model simplifies configuration, monitoring, and lifecycle management by providing real-time insights into network health, traffic patterns, and device performance. Administrators can deploy configurations across multiple switches simultaneously, reducing manual effort and minimizing configuration drift.

The cloud-managed architecture supports automated provisioning, which accelerates deployment in remote offices and large-scale environments. Devices can be shipped directly to a site, connected to the network, and automatically onboarded into the cloud management platform. This zero-touch provisioning approach improves operational efficiency and ensures consistent network policies without requiring skilled personnel on-site.

48-Port UPOE Design for High-Power Endpoints

The Cisco C9300-48U-M features 48 UPOE-capable Ethernet ports, delivering high power output to support a wide range of connected devices. Universal Power over Ethernet extends beyond standard PoE and PoE+ by providing increased wattage, making it ideal for power-hungry endpoints such as advanced wireless access points, video conferencing systems, digital signage, and IoT devices.

This high-density UPOE design enables organizations to consolidate power and data delivery through a single cable, simplifying installations and reducing infrastructure costs. By eliminating the need for separate power supplies, the switch supports cleaner deployments and more flexible device placement across enterprise environments.

Support for Next-Generation Wireless and IoT

Modern enterprise networks increasingly rely on high-performance wireless connectivity and IoT integration. The C9300-48U-M is engineered to support the power and bandwidth requirements of next-generation wireless access points, ensuring reliable connectivity for high-density user environments. Its UPOE capabilities also accommodate a growing array of IoT devices that require consistent power delivery and secure network access.

This adaptability makes the switch suitable for environments such as smart offices, educational campuses, healthcare facilities, and retail spaces, where diverse endpoint types coexist on a single network infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency and Intelligent Power Management

Despite its high power output, the Catalyst C9300-48U-M incorporates intelligent power management features that optimize energy consumption. Administrators can monitor power usage per port and apply policies that allocate power dynamically based on device requirements. This approach reduces waste and supports sustainability initiatives while maintaining reliable device operation.

Layer 3 Switching and Advanced Routing Features

As a Layer 3 switch, the Cisco C9300-48U-M delivers advanced routing capabilities that extend beyond basic switching functions. It supports dynamic routing protocols and advanced IP services, enabling efficient traffic segmentation and inter-VLAN routing within enterprise networks. This functionality is essential for organizations that require scalable network architectures with optimized traffic flows.

The integration of Layer 3 capabilities at the access layer reduces reliance on upstream routing devices, improving performance and minimizing latency. This design supports modern network architectures that emphasize distributed intelligence and localized decision-making.

Support for Complex Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is a critical component of security and performance optimization. The C9300-48U-M enables organizations to implement sophisticated segmentation strategies using VLANs, virtual routing instances, and policy-based controls. These features allow administrators to isolate traffic types, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

By supporting advanced routing and segmentation at the access layer, the switch enhances overall network efficiency and security without adding unnecessary complexity.

High Availability and Redundancy

Enterprise environments require continuous uptime and resilience against failures. The Catalyst C9300-48U-M is designed with high availability in mind, supporting redundant power supplies and advanced failover mechanisms. These features ensure that network services remain operational even in the event of hardware or power issues.

Security Integration and Policy Enforcement

Security is deeply embedded in the design of the Cisco C9300-48U-M, providing comprehensive protection against modern threats. The switch integrates with Cisco’s security frameworks to enforce consistent policies across the network. By implementing access control, threat detection, and segmentation at the access layer, organizations can reduce their attack surface and enhance overall security posture.

Cloud-managed security policies allow administrators to define and apply rules centrally, ensuring uniform enforcement across all deployed switches. This approach simplifies compliance management and reduces the risk of configuration errors.

Identity-Based Networking and Access Control

The C9300-48U-M supports identity-based networking, enabling organizations to control access based on user identity, device type, and contextual information. This capability enhances security by ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access network resources.

By integrating with authentication and authorization systems, the switch enables granular policy enforcement that adapts to changing network conditions and user behaviors.

Threat Detection and Mitigation

Advanced threat detection features allow the switch to identify suspicious activity and respond in real time. By leveraging telemetry and analytics, the C9300-48U-M can detect anomalies that may indicate security breaches or misconfigurations. These insights enable rapid mitigation and support proactive security strategies.

Scalability and StackWise Architecture

The Cisco C9300-48U-M supports Cisco StackWise technology, allowing multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit. This stacking capability simplifies management and enhances scalability by enabling organizations to expand port density without increasing operational complexity.

StackWise architecture also improves resilience by providing redundancy across stacked units. If one switch in the stack experiences an issue, traffic can be rerouted through other members, maintaining network availability.

Simplified Expansion and Growth

As organizations grow, their network infrastructure must adapt to increasing demands. The C9300-48U-M’s stacking capabilities enable seamless expansion, allowing administrators to add switches without disrupting existing configurations. This scalability supports long-term growth and protects infrastructure investments.

Unified Management Across Stacks

Managing stacked switches as a single entity reduces administrative overhead and ensures consistent policy application. The cloud-managed interface further enhances this capability by providing a unified view of stacked devices, streamlining operations and troubleshooting.

Performance Optimization and Hardware Design

The hardware architecture of the Cisco C9300-48U-M is engineered to deliver consistent performance under heavy workloads. High-capacity switching fabric and optimized forwarding mechanisms ensure low latency and high throughput, even in environments with dense endpoint connectivity and demanding applications.

This performance reliability is critical for supporting real-time applications such as voice, video, and collaboration tools that require predictable network behavior.

Application-Aware Traffic Handling

The switch supports application-aware networking features that prioritize critical traffic and optimize bandwidth utilization. By recognizing application types and traffic patterns, the C9300-48U-M can apply quality of service policies that enhance user experience and maintain service levels.

Future-Ready Hardware Platform

Designed with future expansion in mind, the Catalyst C9300-48U-M provides a hardware foundation capable of supporting evolving network technologies. Its modular design and software-driven capabilities ensure that organizations can adapt to new requirements without replacing core infrastructure.

Deployment Scenarios and Industry Use Cases

The versatility of the Cisco C9300-48U-M makes it suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios across various industries. In enterprise campuses, it serves as a robust access-layer switch that supports high-density user environments and advanced security requirements. In branch offices, its cloud-managed capabilities simplify remote administration and reduce operational costs.

Industries such as education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing benefit from the switch’s ability to support diverse endpoints, high power delivery, and secure connectivity. Its adaptability ensures that organizations can tailor network configurations to meet specific operational needs.

Support for Hybrid and Remote Work Environments

As organizations embrace hybrid work models, reliable and secure network access becomes increasingly important. The C9300-48U-M supports seamless connectivity for remote and on-site users by integrating cloud management, security policies, and performance optimization. This holistic approach ensures consistent user experiences regardless of location.

Long-Term Investment Protection

The Cisco C9300-48U-M Catalyst C9300-M 48-port UPOE Cloud-Managed Layer 3 Switch represents a long-term investment in network infrastructure. Its combination of advanced hardware, cloud-native management, and scalable architecture ensures that organizations can meet current demands while preparing for future growth and technological advancements.