C9300L-24P-4X-A Cisco Layer 3 Switch PoE 24 Ports 4 x 10G Uplink Network Advantage

Advanced Cisco Catalyst 9300L-24P-4X-A Managed Switch

The Cisco Catalyst 9300L series represents the pinnacle of enterprise-class networking, combining high-performance connectivity, intelligent management, and Layer 3 routing capabilities. Specifically designed for modern network infrastructures, this 24-port managed switch ensures seamless integration, robust security, and scalable operations for growing organizations.

General Overview

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C9300L-24P-4X-A
• Product Type: Network Switch

Technical Highlights

• 24 Gigabit PoE+ Ports + 4 x 10G/1G SFP+ Uplink Ports
• Layer 3 Managed Switch with Stackable Design
• Supports OSPF, BGP-4, EIGRP, RIP, IS-IS, VRRP, HSRP, MPLS, PIM
• Multiple Remote Management Options: SNMP, CLI, RESTCONF, NETCONF, gRPC
• Secure, Scalable, Energy-Efficient, and Enterprise-Ready

Device Specifications and Design

• Switch Type: Layer 3 Managed, Stackable, Ideal for Enterprise Networks
• Port Configuration: 24 x 10/100/1000 PoE+ Gigabit Ethernet Ports + 4 x 10G/1G SFP+ Uplink Ports
• Interfaces: RJ-45, SFP+ Uplinks, Network Stack, LAN Management, Console Port, USB 2.0
• Form Factor: Rack-Mountable Chassis, Optimized for Data Center and Network Racks
• Subtype: Gigabit Ethernet with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+)

High-Performance Routing and Network Protocols

• Open Shortest Path First (OSPF & OSPFv3)
• Border Gateway Protocol 4 (BGP-4)
• Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS)
• Routing Information Protocol Versions 1 & 2 (RIP-1, RIP-2, RIPng)
• Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) & EIGRP for IPv6
• High-availability Protocols: HSRP, VRRP
• Multicast Routing: PIM-SM, PIM-SSM, MSDP
• Policy-Based Routing (PBR) & MPLS
• Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)

Remote Monitoring and Management Features

• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Versions 1, 2c, 3
• Remote Monitoring (RMON 1 & 2)
• Command Line Interface (CLI) and NETCONF
• RESTCONF and gRPC APIs for Modern Automation
• Full IPv4 and IPv6 Network Support
• YANG Data Models for Programmable Network Operations

Power over Ethernet (PoE+) for Enhanced Connectivity

• Seamless support for VoIP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras
• Dynamic power allocation for connected devices
• Energy-efficient operation with advanced PoE management features

Stackable Architecture for Scalable Networks

• StackWise-480 technology for high-speed stacking
• Unified configuration and single IP management across the stack
• Non-disruptive firmware upgrades and redundancy for critical applications

Security and Compliance Capabilities

• Integrated Access Control Lists (ACLs) for traffic filtering
• 802.1X Network Access Control and Guest VLAN support
• MACsec encryption for secure Layer 2 traffic
• Policy-driven security for segmentation and micro-segmentation
• Supports modern IPv6 security standards and routing policies

Management and Automation Tools

• Zero-touch provisioning for faster deployment
• Real-time telemetry and analytics for predictive maintenance
• Automated configuration backups and policy enforcement
• Integration with third-party network management solutions

Key Advantages for Modern Enterprises

• Reliable high-speed connectivity for mission-critical applications
• Comprehensive Layer 3 routing and advanced switching features
• Energy-efficient PoE+ for connected devices and IoT applications
• Robust security to meet compliance and data protection requirements
• Scalable stacking for seamless expansion as business needs grow

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

• Enterprise campus networks and branch offices
• High-density access networks for wireless and VoIP endpoints
• Data center access layers requiring robust PoE+ and uplink capacity
• Network cores requiring advanced Layer 3 routing and redundancy

Outline of Cisco Highly Versatile Layer 3 Network Switch

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-A is a highly versatile Layer 3 network switch designed to meet the demanding needs of modern enterprise networks. With 24 Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports and four 10G uplinks, this switch delivers unmatched performance, flexibility, and scalability. It belongs to Cisco's Catalyst 9300 series, renowned for its robust security features, high availability, and advanced network management capabilities. Ideal for campus core, distribution, or access layer deployments, the C9300L-24P-4X-A provides enterprise-grade networking performance with simplified operations and enhanced reliability.

Performance and Scalability

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-A switch is engineered for high-throughput environments where performance is critical. The 24 PoE ports allow seamless connectivity for IP phones, wireless access points, and other PoE-enabled devices, eliminating the need for separate power infrastructure. Each port supports up to 30 watts of PoE, ensuring sufficient power delivery to high-demand devices. The four 10G uplinks provide rapid data transfer to core network devices, reducing latency and congestion, which is essential for real-time applications, video conferencing, and cloud-based services.

Advanced Layer 3 Routing Capabilities

As a Layer 3 switch, the C9300L-24P-4X-A supports advanced routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP. These protocols enable dynamic routing across enterprise networks, facilitating optimal traffic paths and network redundancy. The switch’s routing performance ensures minimal packet loss, low latency, and efficient data forwarding, which are critical for mission-critical applications. Additionally, it supports static routing, Policy-Based Routing (PBR), and IPv6, providing network administrators with flexible routing options to meet the specific requirements of diverse network architectures.

Integrated Network Security

Security is a fundamental aspect of the Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-A switch. It incorporates advanced security features such as 802.1X port-based access control, MAC address filtering, and dynamic ARP inspection. Cisco TrustSec technology allows for scalable, identity-based access control across the network. The switch also supports segmentation with Virtual LANs (VLANs) and private VLANs, ensuring that sensitive data is isolated and protected from unauthorized access. In addition, features like DHCP snooping and IP Source Guard prevent malicious traffic and mitigate common network attacks, safeguarding enterprise infrastructure from internal and external threats.

Reliability and High Availability

Enterprise networks require switches that can maintain continuous operation under all conditions. The Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-A delivers exceptional reliability through features such as StackWise-480 technology, which enables stacking of multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit. This capability ensures seamless failover in the event of a hardware failure, minimizing downtime and maintaining business continuity. Furthermore, redundant power supply options and field-replaceable fans enhance uptime, providing peace of mind for network administrators and end-users alike.

Stacking and Redundancy

Stacking multiple Cisco C9300L switches allows organizations to scale their network without disrupting existing infrastructure. The switch supports up to eight units in a stack, creating a unified management plane with high availability. This stacked architecture simplifies network management and reduces operational complexity while providing redundancy at the hardware and software levels. With StackWise technology, traffic can be dynamically rerouted between stack members in case of a failure, ensuring continuous connectivity for all connected devices.

Energy Efficiency  

With sustainability becoming a priority for modern enterprises, the Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-A switch offers energy-efficient design and features. Intelligent PoE management optimizes power usage for connected devices, ensuring that only the required power is delivered. Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and low-power design reduce overall energy consumption without compromising performance. These features not only lower operational costs but also contribute to corporate sustainability goals by minimizing environmental impact.

PoE Flexibility

The switch’s PoE capabilities provide the flexibility to power a variety of devices, from VoIP phones and wireless access points to surveillance cameras and IoT endpoints. The total PoE budget ensures that high-demand devices receive uninterrupted power. Administrators can prioritize power allocation and schedule PoE delivery based on operational needs, enabling efficient energy management and reducing the risk of device downtime.

Advanced Features  

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-A runs on Cisco IOS XE software, which offers a rich set of enterprise features for routing, switching, security, and network automation. The software provides modularity, allowing administrators to upgrade or add features without disrupting network operations. Support for segmentation, policy-based routing, and quality of service (QoS) ensures optimized traffic management, providing consistent performance for critical applications.

Integration with Cloud and SDN

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-A is fully compatible with Cisco SD-Access and cloud-based management platforms. Integration with Cisco DNA Center allows for automation, policy enforcement, and analytics-driven insights into network behavior. These capabilities enable organizations to implement software-defined networking solutions, streamline operations, and improve scalability while maintaining robust security and compliance standards.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The versatility of the Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-A makes it suitable for various deployment scenarios. It is ideal for enterprise campus networks, branch office connectivity, and high-density access layers. Organizations deploying wireless networks benefit from its PoE capabilities, providing seamless power to access points and IP cameras. The switch also supports data center interconnectivity, offering high-speed uplinks to aggregation or core switches, ensuring efficient data flow and robust performance across multi-tier network architectures.

Campus Networking

In campus environments, the Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-A serves as a reliable access or distribution layer switch. Its Layer 3 routing capabilities, combined with high-density PoE support, simplify network design and reduce infrastructure costs. Features such as VLAN segmentation, dynamic routing, and StackWise technology enhance network reliability, scalability, and manageability, making it a preferred choice for educational institutions, corporate campuses, and large enterprises.

Branch Offices and Remote Deployments

For branch offices and remote deployments, the Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-A provides enterprise-grade networking with minimal management overhead. Its compact form factor, integrated security, and PoE capabilities reduce the need for additional hardware, simplifying deployment and lowering total cost of ownership. Centralized management through Cisco DNA Center or SD-WAN solutions allows remote monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting, ensuring consistent performance across distributed locations.