C9300L-24P-4G-E Cisco 24 Ports Layer 3 Switch PoE+ 4X1G Network Essentials

Overview of Cisco 24 Ports Layer 3 Manageable Switch

The Cisco Catalyst 9300L-24P-4G-E is engineered to deliver resilient, scalable, and high-performance networking for modern enterprise environments. Designed as part of the trusted Catalyst 9300 family, this managed Layer 3 switch combines advanced routing intelligence, robust security controls, and efficient Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) capabilities in a compact rack-mountable form factor.

Device Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C9300L-24P-4G-E  
• Enclosure Type: Rack-Mountable Design
• Device Type: Managed Layer 3 Switch
• Manageability: Yes
• Number of Port: 24 Ports
• Number of Layer: 3

Port Configuration and Physical Connectivity

• Twenty-four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 access ports supporting PoE+
• Four dedicated 1G SFP uplink ports for fiber-based aggregation
• Integrated management and console interfaces for simplified administration
• USB 2.0 port for local configuration and software updates

Comprehensive Routing Protocol Support

• Interior gateway protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and RIP
• IPv6-ready routing with OSPFv3, RIPng, and EIGRP for IPv6
• Multicast routing via PIM-SM and PIM-SSM
• Policy-Based Routing (PBR) for granular traffic decisions
• Redundancy and availability enhancements using VRRP

Remote Management and Monitoring Protocols

• SNMP versions 1, 2c, and 3 for flexible monitoring
• RMON 1 and 2 for advanced traffic analysis
• Command Line Interface (CLI) for direct configuration
• NETCONF and RESTCONF for programmable management
• gRPC and YANG models for automation and orchestration

Benefits of Switch Stacking

• Centralized configuration and firmware management
• Improved resiliency with distributed control plane
• Simplified expansion as network demands grow
• Consistent policy enforcement across stacked members

Use Case Versatility

• Corporate offices requiring PoE-powered endpoints
• Educational campuses with scalable access layers
• Healthcare facilities demanding reliable uptime
• Retail and branch networks needing centralized control

Outline of Cisco Catalyst Enterprise-Class Access Switch 

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E 24 Ports Layer 3 Switch with Fixed Uplinks represents a critical component of modern enterprise access-layer networking. Designed as part of the Cisco Catalyst 9300L family, this model addresses the evolving demands of scalable campus networks that require consistent performance, advanced Layer 3 capabilities, and integrated Power over Ethernet Plus functionality. The architecture emphasizes reliability, predictable throughput, and simplified network operations, making it well suited for organizations standardizing on Cisco’s enterprise switching ecosystem.

Within the continuous category of fixed uplink Layer 3 access switches, this device stands out for its balance between feature depth and operational efficiency. It supports a wide range of connected endpoints while maintaining centralized control and policy enforcement. The switch is engineered to deliver high availability and deterministic forwarding performance in environments where uptime and traffic prioritization are essential.

Port Density and Power over Ethernet Plus Capabilities

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E is equipped with twenty-four Ethernet access ports that provide PoE+ support, enabling the delivery of both data and electrical power over standard Ethernet cabling. This capability is particularly valuable in modern office and campus environments where devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, surveillance cameras, and IoT endpoints require reliable power without the need for separate electrical outlets.

PoE+ support allows the switch to deliver higher power levels per port compared to legacy PoE standards, making it suitable for power-hungry devices that demand consistent energy availability. The intelligent power management features built into the platform help administrators monitor power consumption, allocate budgets efficiently, and ensure that critical endpoints remain operational even during peak usage periods.

Fixed Uplink Architecture with Four 1 Gigabit Interfaces

The inclusion of four fixed 1 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports enables seamless aggregation of access-layer traffic to distribution or core switches. This fixed uplink design simplifies deployment planning by providing predictable connectivity options without the complexity of modular uplink selection. It ensures consistent bandwidth availability for upstream traffic while maintaining a compact and cost-effective hardware profile.

By leveraging these uplinks, network designers can implement resilient topologies that support link aggregation and redundancy strategies. This contributes to improved fault tolerance and optimized load distribution across the network infrastructure.

Advanced Layer 3 Switching Functionality

As a Layer 3 switch, the Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E supports advanced routing features that extend beyond basic VLAN segmentation. This enables organizations to implement more intelligent traffic forwarding at the access layer, reducing latency and minimizing the dependency on centralized routing devices for inter-VLAN communication.

Layer 3 capabilities enhance network scalability by allowing routing decisions to be made closer to the endpoint. This is particularly beneficial in large campus environments where traffic patterns are increasingly east-west rather than north-south.

Inter-VLAN Routing and Network Segmentation

The switch supports inter-VLAN routing, enabling efficient communication between different logical network segments. This functionality allows enterprises to enforce segmentation policies that enhance security while maintaining seamless access to shared resources. Logical separation of departments, devices, or applications can be achieved without sacrificing performance or manageability.

Network segmentation implemented at the access layer helps reduce broadcast domains and improves overall network stability. It also simplifies troubleshooting by isolating traffic flows and minimizing the impact of misconfigurations or localized issues.

Static and Dynamic Routing Support

Support for both static routing and dynamic routing protocols provides flexibility in network design. Administrators can implement straightforward routing configurations in smaller deployments or leverage dynamic routing to adapt to changing network conditions in larger environments. This adaptability ensures that the switch can function effectively in a wide range of topologies.

Cisco Network Essentials  

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E operates with the Network Essentials software license, which delivers a comprehensive set of enterprise-grade features optimized for access-layer deployments. This licensing tier focuses on essential routing, switching, and security capabilities that meet the needs of most organizations without unnecessary complexity.

Network Essentials provides a stable foundation for consistent policy enforcement and streamlined operations. It supports common enterprise use cases while integrating seamlessly with Cisco’s broader software ecosystem.

Consistent Policy Enforcement Across the Network

With Network Essentials, administrators can define and enforce network policies consistently across multiple switches. This consistency simplifies compliance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements. Centralized policy management reduces configuration drift and ensures that security and quality-of-service rules are applied uniformly.

Support for Quality of Service Mechanisms

Quality of Service features enable prioritization of latency-sensitive traffic such as voice and video. By classifying and queuing traffic appropriately, the switch helps maintain optimal application performance even during periods of network congestion. This capability is essential in converged networks where multiple application types share the same infrastructure.

Security Features for Modern Enterprise Networks

Security is a fundamental aspect of the Cisco Catalyst 9300L platform. The C9300L-24P-4G-E incorporates multiple layers of protection designed to safeguard the network from unauthorized access and potential threats. These security mechanisms operate at both the device and network levels to provide comprehensive defense.

Integrated security features allow organizations to protect endpoints, control access, and monitor network activity without deploying additional hardware. This integrated approach simplifies security management while maintaining a strong security posture.

Access Control and Authentication Mechanisms

The switch supports robust access control methods that help ensure only authorized devices and users can connect to the network. Authentication mechanisms can be enforced at the port level, providing granular control over network access. This is particularly important in environments with a high density of user devices and guest connections.

Secure Segmentation and Traffic Isolation

Traffic isolation features help prevent lateral movement within the network by restricting communication between segments. This limits the potential impact of compromised devices and enhances overall network resilience. Secure segmentation also supports compliance initiatives by enforcing data separation policies.

Protection Against Common Network Threats

Built-in protections against common Layer 2 and Layer 3 attacks help maintain network integrity. These mechanisms detect and mitigate suspicious activity, reducing the risk of service disruption. By addressing threats at the access layer, the switch contributes to a more secure end-to-end network architecture.

High Availability and Operational Resilience

Enterprise networks demand continuous availability, and the Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E is engineered to meet this requirement. The hardware and software design prioritize stability, fast recovery, and predictable performance under varying load conditions.

Resilient design elements ensure that the switch can support critical business operations without interruption. This reliability is essential for organizations that rely on network connectivity for day-to-day productivity and mission-critical applications.

Redundancy and Fault Tolerance Considerations

The fixed uplink configuration supports redundancy strategies that enhance fault tolerance. By connecting uplinks to diverse upstream devices, network designers can minimize the impact of link or device failures. This contributes to higher overall network uptime and improved user experience.

Rapid Convergence and Recovery

Fast convergence mechanisms help the network recover quickly from topology changes. This reduces downtime and ensures that applications remain accessible even during maintenance or unexpected events. Rapid recovery is particularly important in environments with real-time communication requirements.

Performance and Throughput Optimization

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E is built to handle demanding traffic loads without compromising performance. The switch architecture supports high forwarding rates and low latency, ensuring that data is delivered efficiently across the network.

Performance optimization features help maintain consistent throughput as the number of connected devices increases. This scalability is critical for organizations experiencing growth or deploying bandwidth-intensive applications.

Efficient Traffic Handling at the Access Layer

By processing traffic locally at the access layer, the switch reduces unnecessary load on upstream devices. This distributed approach improves overall network efficiency and minimizes bottlenecks. It also enables more responsive application performance for end users.

Support for Modern Application Workloads

Modern enterprise applications often generate complex traffic patterns that require intelligent handling. The switch is designed to accommodate these workloads by providing adequate bandwidth, prioritization, and routing intelligence. This ensures compatibility with current and future application requirements.

Deployment Flexibility Across Multiple Environments

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E is suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, including corporate offices, educational campuses, healthcare facilities, and industrial environments. Its versatile feature set allows it to adapt to different operational requirements without extensive customization.

Whether deployed as part of a small branch network or a large campus infrastructure, the switch provides consistent behavior and management capabilities. This uniformity simplifies training, operations, and long-term maintenance.

Scalability for Growing Networks

As organizations expand, their network infrastructure must scale accordingly. The Cisco Catalyst 9300L series is designed to support incremental growth without requiring a complete redesign. Additional switches can be integrated seamlessly, maintaining consistent policy enforcement and performance.

Integration with Existing Cisco Ecosystems

Compatibility with other Cisco networking products ensures smooth integration into established environments. This interoperability allows organizations to leverage existing investments while modernizing their access-layer infrastructure. Consistent operating models across devices reduce operational complexity.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design

Energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration in modern network design. The Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E incorporates features that optimize power usage while maintaining performance. Intelligent power management helps reduce operational costs and supports sustainability initiatives.

By efficiently delivering power to connected devices and minimizing energy waste, the switch contributes to a more environmentally responsible network infrastructure.

Optimized Power Utilization for PoE Deployments

Advanced power allocation mechanisms ensure that PoE resources are distributed effectively across ports. This prevents overprovisioning and maximizes the number of devices that can be supported within the available power budget. Efficient power utilization enhances overall system reliability.

Support for Long-Term Operational Efficiency

Durable hardware components and efficient thermal design support long-term operation with minimal maintenance. This reliability reduces the total cost of ownership and extends the usable lifespan of the switch. Sustainable design considerations align with enterprise goals for responsible technology adoption.