C9300-24U-A-UL Cisco Catalyst 9300 Network Advantage Expansion Slot UPoE Managed Switch

Overview of Cisco C9300-24U-A-UL Managed Switch 

The Cisco C9300-24U-A-UL Catalyst 9300 series is a robust, high-performance managed switch engineered for modern enterprise networks. Designed with advanced expansion capabilities, it combines ultra Power over Ethernet (uPoE) functionality, extensive Layer 3 routing, and versatile network management features to deliver seamless connectivity and superior network efficiency.

General Details

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: C9300-24U-A-UL
• Product Type: Managed Network Switch
• Mounting Type: Rack-mountable, 1U Form Factor

Technical Specifications and Port Features

• Port Configuration: 24 x 10/100/1000 Mbps uPoE ports for ultra-efficient power delivery
• Power over Ethernet Budget: 830 Watts for high-demand devices

Advanced Routing Capabilities

• IPv4 Routing Table Entries: 32,000
• IPv6 Routing Table Entries: 16,000
• Flexible NetFlow (FNF) Entries: 64,000

Virtual Network Segmentation

• VLAN IDs: Supports up to 4,000 unique VLANs
• Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs): Up to 2,000 SVIs for flexible network partitioning

Supported Routing Protocols

• OSPF, IS-IS, RIP-1, RIP-2
• BGP, EIGRP, HSRP, IGMP
• VRRP, PIM-SM, OSPFv3, PIM-SSM
• MSDP, Policy-based Routing (PBR), RIPng

Management and Monitoring

• SNMP v1, v2c, v3
• RMON v1, v2
• Command Line Interface (CLI), NETCONF, RESTCONF support

Performance Metrics and Switching Capacity

• Switching Capacity: 128 Gbps
• Stacking Bandwidth: 480 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 154.76 Million Packets per Second (Mpps)

Key Functional Features

• DHCP Support and Trunking
• Full Duplex Operation and Stateful Switchover (SSO)
• Class-based Weighted Fair Queuing (CBWFQ) and Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED)
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Access Control Lists (ACL)
• Quality of Service (QoS) and Non-stop Routing (NSR)
• Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN) and Management Information Base (MIB) integration
• Cisco Stackwise-480 and StackPower technologies for enhanced redundancy
• Flexible NetFlow (FNF), Multicast Source Discovery Protocol (MSDP), and VXLAN
• 802.1X Authentication, 16MB Packet Buffer, and MACsec Support
• FTP Client, Three High-performance Fans, and Control Plane Protection (CoPP)
• Application Visibility and Control (AVC), Source-specific Multicast (SSM), Integrated Wireshark
• VLAN Double Tagging (Q-in-Q), Ethernet over MPLS (EoMPLS), H-VPLS, Private VLAN, L3VPN Support, ERSPAN
• Security Group Tag (SGT) Caching, Security Group ACLs (SGACL)
• IT Service Management (ITSM) and Third-party IP Address Management (IPAM) Integration

Compliance and Industry Standards

• IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.1d
• IEEE 802.1q, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.1p
• IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP)
• IEEE 802.1w, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.1s
• IEEE 802.3at

Connectivity & Expansion Options

• 24 x 10/100/1000 Mbps uPoE RJ-45 Ports
• 1 x USB 2.0 Port for peripheral connectivity
• Expansion Slot: 1 total, 1 available for future modules

Enterprise-Ready Features for Modern Networks

• Optimized power efficiency with ultra PoE for connected devices
• Resilient architecture with Stackwise-480 and StackPower
• Comprehensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality with QoS, NSR, and SSO
• Advanced network visibility and traffic analysis with FNF, AVC, and Wireshark integration

Outline of Cisco Enterprise-grade Network switches

The Cisco C9300-24U-A-UL Catalyst 9300 Series represents a premier class of enterprise-grade network switches designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern networking environments. Engineered for high performance, reliability, and scalability, these managed switches provide advanced features that allow organizations to enhance their network infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and optimized data flow across all devices. This category includes models equipped with Network Advantage licenses, UPoE capabilities, and 24-port configurations, delivering a robust solution for medium to large enterprises.

Performance and Scalability in Enterprise Networks

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series is designed to support high-throughput environments, offering non-blocking switching fabric and advanced forwarding capabilities. The 24-port configuration allows enterprises to connect multiple devices efficiently while maintaining low latency and high bandwidth across the network. Each switch is capable of handling demanding workloads, including cloud applications, VoIP, video streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive operations, making it a reliable backbone for enterprise networks.

Scalability is a critical feature of the C9300-24U-A-UL. Through stackable architecture, multiple switches can be combined into a single logical unit, enabling centralized management and increased capacity without compromising performance. This approach simplifies network expansion while minimizing downtime, allowing organizations to grow their infrastructure seamlessly as business needs evolve.

Advanced Network Advantage Features

Equipped with Cisco’s Network Advantage license, the C9300-24U-A-UL offers a comprehensive suite of advanced features that enhance network management, security, and automation. These features include advanced Layer 3 routing, comprehensive QoS policies, flexible software-defined access capabilities, and enhanced network segmentation. The Network Advantage license empowers IT teams to optimize network performance, improve reliability, and implement robust security measures without additional hardware requirements.

The advanced security features include Encrypted Traffic Analytics, MACsec encryption, and segmentation via Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF). These capabilities ensure data confidentiality and integrity, protecting sensitive business information and preventing unauthorized access within the network. Combined with intelligent automation tools, the Catalyst 9300 facilitates proactive monitoring, rapid configuration deployment, and streamlined troubleshooting across multiple sites.

UPOE and Power Management Capabilities

One of the key distinguishing features of the Cisco C9300-24U-A-UL is its support for Universal Power over Ethernet (UPoE). UPoE extends the standard PoE capabilities, allowing the switch to deliver higher power levels to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and network cameras. This capability is particularly valuable in environments where high-power devices are deployed, reducing the need for additional power infrastructure and simplifying network design.

Effective power management is a significant consideration in modern networking. The Catalyst 9300 Series provides advanced power monitoring and allocation features, allowing IT administrators to distribute power intelligently across devices, ensuring optimal efficiency and minimizing energy waste. The switch can prioritize critical devices, allocate power dynamically, and prevent power shortages that could disrupt business operations.

Port Configuration and Connectivity Options

The 24-port configuration of the C9300-24U-A-UL supports a mixture of uplink and downlink connectivity, providing versatile deployment options for diverse network environments. Each port supports high-speed data transfer, enabling seamless communication between servers, workstations, and other networked devices. The modular expansion slots allow for additional uplink modules, ensuring that the switch can adapt to growing bandwidth demands without replacing existing hardware.

Connectivity flexibility is further enhanced through support for a range of Ethernet standards, including Gigabit and multi-gigabit Ethernet. This ensures compatibility with legacy systems while preparing the network for future high-speed applications. The switch also features redundant power supply options, minimizing downtime and providing resilience against hardware failures.

Reliability and Resilience

Reliability is a cornerstone of the Catalyst 9300 Series. Built with high-availability architecture, these switches offer features such as StackWise Virtual, dual power supplies, and continuous system monitoring. StackWise Virtual allows two switches to operate as a single logical unit, providing seamless failover and eliminating single points of failure. This ensures that critical business applications remain operational even in the event of hardware issues.

The Catalyst 9300 also supports enhanced Layer 3 redundancy protocols such as HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP, allowing for automatic failover and maintaining uninterrupted network connectivity. These features make the C9300-24U-A-UL an ideal choice for enterprise environments where network uptime is essential for productivity and operational efficiency.

Network Management and Automation

Efficient management of network resources is crucial for modern enterprises, and the Catalyst 9300 Series excels in this domain. Cisco DNA Center integration allows for centralized management, automated configuration, and simplified policy enforcement across the network. Network administrators can deploy new devices, update firmware, and monitor performance metrics in real-time, reducing operational complexity and minimizing human error.

The switch supports advanced automation protocols such as NETCONF, RESTCONF, and Cisco IOS XE programmability, enabling seamless integration with network management software and third-party tools. This facilitates automated provisioning, configuration backups, and proactive troubleshooting, ultimately reducing operational costs and improving network reliability.

Energy Efficiency  

Modern network infrastructure must balance performance with sustainability. The Cisco C9300-24U-A-UL Catalyst 9300 Series is designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring intelligent power management, low-power hardware components, and optimized cooling systems. These features reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and support environmental sustainability initiatives.

The switch’s energy-efficient design also minimizes heat generation, extending hardware lifespan and reducing the need for frequent maintenance. Intelligent thermal management monitors device temperature and adjusts fan speeds dynamically, ensuring optimal operation even under heavy workloads.

Applications Across Industry Sectors

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-24U-A-UL is suitable for deployment across a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, education, and government. In healthcare environments, it supports mission-critical applications, electronic medical records, and secure telemedicine solutions. In education, the switch facilitates seamless digital learning, video conferencing, and campus-wide connectivity for students and staff.

Financial institutions rely on the high-performance, low-latency capabilities of the Catalyst 9300 Series to ensure secure and rapid transaction processing. Government agencies benefit from its robust security features, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements while maintaining operational efficiency. The versatility and adaptability of these switches make them a preferred choice for enterprises seeking a reliable, future-proof networking solution.

Integration with Wireless Networks

In addition to wired connectivity, the Catalyst 9300 Series integrates seamlessly with wireless networks, providing centralized management for both wired and wireless infrastructure. This integration enables IT teams to deliver consistent policies, enhanced security, and optimized performance across the entire network. Support for Cisco DNA wireless solutions ensures that organizations can manage wireless access points, perform analytics, and optimize network coverage with ease.

By unifying wired and wireless networks, the Catalyst 9300-24U-A-UL reduces operational complexity and improves user experience, ensuring seamless connectivity for employees, students, and customers across multiple locations.

Modular Expansion and Future-Readiness

The modular architecture of the Cisco C9300-24U-A-UL allows for future expansion, protecting IT investments by supporting additional uplink modules, stacking options, and advanced software features. This ensures that enterprises can adapt to evolving network demands without the need for costly infrastructure replacement. With a flexible platform that supports emerging technologies, organizations can deploy new applications, enhance network capacity, and maintain competitive advantage.

The switch’s future-ready design also includes support for high-bandwidth applications, multi-gigabit connectivity, and advanced routing protocols. This enables enterprises to meet the demands of digital transformation initiatives, cloud adoption, and IoT integration, ensuring a scalable and resilient network infrastructure for years to come.

Technical Specifications and Compliance

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-24U-A-UL features 24 network ports with UPoE support, stackable design, dual redundant power supplies, and enhanced Layer 3 routing capabilities. It complies with industry standards for performance, interoperability, and security, ensuring seamless integration with existing network infrastructure. The switch also meets regulatory and environmental standards, supporting organizations in achieving compliance with local and international guidelines.

Additional specifications include support for IPv4 and IPv6 routing, advanced QoS policies, flexible VLAN configurations, and comprehensive monitoring tools. These technical capabilities provide IT teams with the flexibility and control required to manage complex enterprise networks efficiently and effectively.