C9300L-24P-4X-M Cisco Meraki Catalyst 24 Ports Manageable Switch.

Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-M Meraki Catalyst Managed Switch

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-M is a high-performance, rack-mountable 24-port switch designed for enterprise networking environments. Combining advanced Layer 3 capabilities with robust PoE+ support, it ensures reliable connectivity and efficient network management.

Manufacturer & Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• SKU/Part Number: C9300L-24P-4X-M
• Product Type: Switch
• Sub-Type: 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet

Technical Specifications

Chassis & Enclosure

• Rack-mountable 1U form factor
• Modular design for flexible expansion

Ports & Connectivity

• 24 x 10/100/1000 Mbps PoE+ ports
• 4 x 1/10 Gigabit SFP+ uplinks
• Supports twisted pair and optical fiber connections
• Stacking capability with 2 network stack interfaces
• Management port included

Power & Efficiency

• Internal hot-pluggable power supply, 715 W maximum
• PoE budget of 505 W for connected devices
• Power redundancy supported
• Standby power consumption: 139.6 W

Performance & Capacity

• Switching capacity: 128 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 95.23 Mpps (up to 333.33 Mpps with stacking)
• Stacking bandwidth: 448 Gbps
• Supports up to 8 priority queues and 4094 VLANs
• MAC address table size: 32,000 entries
• Maximum units in a stack: 8

Routing & Management

• Layer 3 routing protocols: Static IP Routing, STP, OSPFv2, VRRP
• Remote management via SNMP, Syslog, DHCP
• Authentication: RADIUS, 802.1x, MAB

Security & Features

• Access Control Lists (ACL) support
• Zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) and firmware upgrades
• Quality of Service (QoS) with DSCP to CoS mapping
• VLAN support, VLAN trunking, BPDU guard, Root guard, Loop guard, UDLD
• Broadcast storm control, port mirroring, IGMP snooping, multicast routing and filtering
• DHCP server and relay, RBAC, port security, DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)

Standards & Compliance

• IEEE 802.1p, 802.1s, 802.1ab (LLDP), 802.3ad (LACP)
• IEEE 802.1x authentication, 802.3af, 802.3at
• Status indicators for monitoring device health

Expansion & Connectivity Options

• 24 x RJ-45 PoE+ ports delivering up to 30 W each
• 4 x SFP+ uplink ports supporting 1/10G speeds
• 2 x network stacking interfaces for seamless device integration
• Dedicated management interface for configuration and monitoring

Ideal Use Cases

• Enterprise campus networks
• High-density office deployments
• PoE-dependent devices like IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points
• Scalable networks requiring advanced Layer 3 routing and stacking

Cisco Catalyst C9300L‑24P‑4X-M and the Catalyst 9300 Series Managed Switch Category

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L‑24P‑4X-M represents a powerful embodiment of enterprise‑class switching technology. As part of the Catalyst 9300 series, this 24‑port managed switch is engineered to deliver robust, high‑performance connectivity with flexible uplink options, advanced Layer 3 capabilities, and comprehensive PoE support. For organizations seeking a dependable, rack‑mountable, and future‑ready network core or distribution switch, this model and its sibling variants define the standard in modern network infrastructure. The broader category of Catalyst 9300‑class switches encompasses multiple variants: non‑PoE models, larger 48‑port configurations, differing uplink modules, and various power‑budget tiers. Within this landscape, the C9300L‑24P‑4X-M stands out for balancing port density, power delivery, uplink versatility, and operational efficiency, making it ideal for campus networks, branch offices, converged data/voice/video deployments, and scalable enterprise environments.

High‑Performance 10 Gigabit Connectivity for Uplinks and Fiber Backbones

At the heart of the C9300L‑24P‑4X-M lies its capability to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks via 10GBASE‑X modules, enabling seamless integration with a high‑speed fiber backbone. This ensures that uplink capacity is no longer a bottleneck even when the switch is handling a full load of PoE devices, Gigabit endpoints, and heavy inter‑VLAN traffic. The 10GBASE‑X interface delivers exceptional throughput and low latency, supporting core‑to‑distribution or distribution‑to‑aggregation links in enterprise networks. Whether connecting to data center switches, aggregation routers, or upstream distribution layers, the 10 Gbps uplink ensures the entire wiring closet maintains end‑to‑end performance consistency, while preserving headroom for future bandwidth requirements.

Flexibility with 10GBASE‑X Fiber and 10/100/1000BASE‑T Copper Ports

The dual support for fiber and copper uplink options elevates the versatility of this switch. The 24 fixed ports offer 10/100/1000BASE‑T connectivity for desktops, servers, wireless access points, IP phones, and other standard Ethernet devices. Meanwhile, the modular uplink slots accept 10GBASE‑X transceivers, granting access to fiber optic media and extended reach. This hybrid approach allows enterprises to deploy the switch in a variety of environments—wired office floors, data‑center edge racks, or mixed‑media distribution closets—without compromising on performance or cabling standards. The ability to mix copper and fiber uplink ports makes migration smoother when network expansions or infrastructural shifts are necessary, reducing complexity and capital expenditure over time.

Layer 3 Routing and Intelligent Network Control for Modern Enterprise Deployments

A critical aspect that distinguishes the Catalyst 9300 family—and by extension the C9300L‑24P‑4X-M—is its native support for Layer 3 routing. With full support for inter‑VLAN routing, static routes, dynamic protocols (such as OSPF, EIGRP, or RIP depending on licensing), VRF segmentation, and IPv4/IPv6 dual‑stack operation, this switch operates not just as a high-capacity access layer device, but also as a capable distribution‑layer router. This ensures that segmentation, traffic isolation, and efficient routing are embedded directly into the switching hardware, reducing the reliance on external routers for many network topologies. For enterprises that demand intelligent traffic control, network segmentation for security or compliance, or optimized routing across subnets, this built-in Layer 3 functionality streamlines architecture and simplifies deployment.

Power and Efficiency: 715 W PoE Budget to Support IP Devices and Converged Infrastructure

The “24P” designation in C9300L‑24P‑4X-M signifies substantial PoE capability. With up to 715 watts of total power, the switch can supply standard PoE or PoE+ (and depending on Cisco licensing or optional modules even UPoE on supported ports) to a wide array of devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, door access controls, and other powered network equipment. This total power budget allows network administrators to deploy dozens of PoE devices without deploying separate power injectors or dedicated power cabling. The integrated power supply and thermal design ensure stable operation even under full load, enabling consistent performance for power‑hungry devices across large installations.

Seamless Support for VoIP, Wireless, and Video Surveillance Infrastructure

Modern enterprise networks increasingly converge data, voice, wireless, and video traffic on a single infrastructure. The C9300L‑24P‑4X-M meets these demands head‑on. Its ample PoE budget makes it ideal for powering high‑density wireless access points overhead or in corridors, IP phones on desktops, and high‑definition surveillance cameras throughout the facility. By consolidating power and data delivery into one switch, deployments are cleaner, more manageable, and more cost‑effective. Network administrators benefit from simplified cable management, lower maintenance overhead, and centralized power budgeting, freeing up rack space and reducing reliance on external power injectors.

Modular Design and Rack‑Mountable Form Factor for Enterprise Infrastructure

The rack‑mountable chassis of the Catalyst C9300L‑24P‑4X-M is designed for seamless integration in standard 19‑inch network racks. Its modular uplink architecture allows for the insertion or upgrade of 10GBASE‑X transceivers, offering future‑proofing and flexibility as network demands evolve. Whether deployed in wiring closets, centralized distribution racks, or data‑center edge enclosures, the switch’s form factor ensures clean, organized, and professional installations. Rack ears and mounting hardware are provided, facilitating straightforward deployment in existing infrastructure without the need for custom enclosures or special cabinet modifications.

Efficient Cooling, Power Redundancy, and Maintenance‑Friendly Design

Enterprise‑grade deployments require not only high performance but also reliability and manageability. The Catalyst switch chassis is engineered with efficient airflow patterns, fan modules, and thermal management to handle full PoE loads while maintaining optimal operating temperatures. Redundant or hot‑swappable power supply options (depending on configuration) make it possible to design high‑availability deployments. Maintenance tasks, firmware upgrades, and configuration backups can all be managed remotely, minimizing downtime. Such features align with the expectations for enterprise network equipment used in mission‑critical environments.

Advanced Security and Management Features for Modern Networks

Security, traffic control, and policy enforcement are vital in enterprise and campus networks. The Catalyst 9300 series, including C9300L‑24P‑4X-M, supports advanced access layer and distribution layer features such as QoS (Quality of Service), ACLs (Access Control Lists), VLAN segmentation, SVI-based routing, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and IPv4/IPv6 capability. These features help administrators manage bandwidth priorities—elevating voice or video traffic over standard data—and enforce security policies down to port level. Integration with network management tools, centralized logging, and support for network automation and orchestration frameworks make it easier to maintain consistency, compliance, and visibility across the enterprise network.

Resilience, Redundancy, and High Availability in Enterprise Deployments

For organizations that rely on continuous network availability, Catalyst 9300 switches provide redundancy and resilience through configuration options such as redundant uplinks, power supply failover (when configured), and support for stacking or virtualization technologies that allow multiple switches to operate as a unified logical device. This reduces single points of failure and simplifies network design for high uptime requirements. Combined with features like Spanning Tree Protocol enhancements, rapid convergence, and link-state monitoring, deployments can be robust against failures or unexpected load spikes.

Scalability and Future‑Proofing for Growing Network Needs

Organizations evolve, and their networking needs expand. The Catalyst 9300 family inherently supports scalability. While the C9300L‑24P‑4X-M is a 24‑port PoE‑enabled model, the wider category includes 48‑port variants, non‑PoE models, switches with differing uplink configurations, and switches with higher power budgets. As needs grow—for example, adding more wireless access points, cameras, or edge servers—network administrators can deploy additional units within the same series, ensuring consistency in management, configuration, interface, and security standards. Because they share firmware, CLI syntax, management paradigms, and interoperability, network expansion remains smooth and predictable, reducing training overhead and configuration drift.

Stacking, Virtualization, and Unified Network Fabric Integration

Many models within the Catalyst 9300 family support stacking technologies (such as Cisco’s StackWise Virtual or StackWise‑160, depending on licensing and module type), which let multiple physical switches operate as a single logical switch. This simplifies network topology, centralizes management, and improves redundancy and load balancing. For deployments that may grow beyond a single floor or rack, such stacking ensures unified configuration, consistent forwarding behavior, and seamless failover. This unified approach helps future‑proof the network fabric, allowing it to evolve from a simple access layer to a distributed, logically centralized architecture without requiring different hardware families or disruptive upgrades.

Suitable Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios for the C9300L‑24P‑4X-M

The flexibility and capabilities of this switch make it well-suited for a variety of real‑world deployments. In a large enterprise campus network, it can serve as an access or distribution layer switch, delivering Gigabit-to-host connectivity while uplinking to a 10 Gbps fiber backbone. In branch or remote offices, its all‑in‑one capabilities allow small IT teams to deploy a fully functional, enterprise-grade switch with PoE, Layer 3 routing, and management in a single box. Converged environments—such as those running VoIP phones, wireless access points, and IP cameras—benefit from its generous PoE budget combined with bandwidth-efficient uplinks. Educational institutions, hotels, hospitals, and multi‑tenant buildings that demand secure, segmented networks with robust QoS and PoE for a range of devices will find the switch highly relevant. For data centers requiring edge or top-of-rack switching with uplink capacity and power for servers or appliances, this switch offers a compelling package. Anywhere reliability, manageability, power delivery, and performance intersect, the C9300L‑24P‑4X-M delivers.

Enterprise Campus Core or Distribution Layer Deployment

When used as a distribution or access‑distribution layer device in a campus network, the switch aggregates connections from multiple access switches, wireless controllers, and security appliances. The high-speed 10G uplink ensures that traffic from dozens of Gi‑level ports does not overwhelm the uplink, preserving low latency and consistent throughput. VLAN segmentation, inter‑VLAN routing, and Layer 3 routing capabilities ensure that traffic between subnets flows efficiently without additional routers. PoE support powers access points and IP phones directly, reducing complexity and improving manageability. As a result, the network infrastructure remains clean, scalable, and capable of accommodating future growth without substantial re‑wiring or hardware replacement.

Branch Office or Remote Site Deployments with Enterprise‑Level Features

Not every deployment requires dozens of access switches, yet many remote offices still need enterprise‑grade functionality. The C9300L‑24P‑4X‑M bridges this gap by offering Layer 3 routing, PoE, switching capacity, and 10G uplinks in a compact, manageable package. IT administrators at small remote sites can deploy this single switch to manage local traffic, power devices, enforce security policies, and uphold performance standards. This reduces the need for multiple devices—router, switch, power injectors—and lowers operational overhead. Remote sites gain the same level of control, visibility, and reliability as core offices, enabling consistent network policies across an entire organization, regardless of size or location.