The Cisco Catalyst 9300 family is a campus access switching platform, but ports, PoE, uplinks, StackWise mode, power, licenses, and software vary by exact PID. Start with Cisco's official C9300 data sheet, the Catalyst hub, and the 3650 migration guide.
In this article, we will explore the key features, technical specifications, model variants, stacking capabilities, and product naming convention of the Cisco 9300 Series switches.
Product Features
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Advanced Stackability:
The Cisco 9300 Series switches feature StackWise-480 technology, allowing up to 9 switches to be stacked together for seamless management, reducing complexity and providing high bandwidth for larger networks. -
High-Performance and Scalability:
These switches offer a variety of options, including 1GbE, 10GbE, 25GbE, and 40GbE, providing flexibility to meet the bandwidth demands of modern enterprise environments. -
Security Features:
The Cisco 9300 Series includes integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), 802.1X authentication, and advanced MACsec encryption to ensure secure access control and protection against unauthorized access. -
Power over Ethernet (PoE+):
Supporting PoE+, these switches can power devices such as IP phones, security cameras, and wireless access points directly from the switch, simplifying network infrastructure. -
Advanced Layer 3 Capabilities:
These switches support Layer 3 routing, including static routing, OSPF, and EIGRP, making them suitable for both access and core layers of the network. -
Integrated Network Analytics:
With integration into Cisco DNA Center, Cisco 9300 Series enables automated network management, optimization, and enhanced visibility into network performance, reducing downtime.
Cisco 9300 Series Models Breakdown
The Cisco 9300 Series offers several models, each with specific configurations. Below is a detailed breakdown of the models, including their variants:
| Model | Ports | PoE+ Ports | Uplink Ports | Stackable | Performance | Additional Features |
| C9300-24T | 24 x 1GbE | None | 4 x 10GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | Standard model for small networks |
| C9300-24T-4G | 24 x 1GbE | None | 4 x 1GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | 4 x 1GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-24T with a supported network module | 24 x 1GbE | None | 4 x 10GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | 4 x 10GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-24P | 24 x 1GbE | 24 | 4 x 10GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | Full PoE+ support for powered devices |
| C9300-24P-4G | 24 x 1GbE | 24 | 4 x 1GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | Full PoE+ and 4 x 1GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-24P-4X | 24 x 1GbE | 24 | 4 x 10GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | Full PoE+ and 4 x 10GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-48T | 48 x 1GbE | None | 4 x 10GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | High-density model, no PoE |
| C9300-48T-4G | 48 x 1GbE | None | 4 x 1GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | 4 x 1GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-48T-4X | 48 x 1GbE | None | 4 x 10GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | 4 x 10GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-48P | 48 x 1GbE | 48 | 4 x 10GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | Full PoE+ for powering devices |
| C9300-48P-4G | 48 x 1GbE | 48 | 4 x 1GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | Full PoE+ and 4 x 1GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-48P-4X | 48 x 1GbE | 48 | 4 x 10GbE | Yes | 480 Gbps | Full PoE+ and 4 x 10GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-24U | 24 x 10GbE | None | 4 x 40GbE | Yes | 960 Gbps | High-speed model for data centers |
| C9300-24U-4G | 24 x 10GbE | None | 4 x 1GbE | Yes | 960 Gbps | 4 x 1GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-24U-4X | 24 x 10GbE | None | 4 x 10GbE | Yes | 960 Gbps | 4 x 10GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-48U | 48 x 10GbE | None | 4 x 40GbE | Yes | 960 Gbps | High-speed model for data centers |
| C9300-48U-4G | 48 x 10GbE | None | 4 x 1GbE | Yes | 960 Gbps | 4 x 1GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-48U-4X | 48 x 10GbE | None | 4 x 10GbE | Yes | 960 Gbps | 4 x 10GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-48X | 48 x 10GbE | None | 4 x 40GbE | Yes | 960 Gbps | High-speed model for large enterprises |
| C9300-48X-4G | 48 x 10GbE | None | 4 x 1GbE | Yes | 960 Gbps | 4 x 1GbE uplink ports |
| C9300-48X-4X | 48 x 10GbE | None | 4 x 10GbE | Yes | 960 Gbps | 4 x 10GbE uplink ports |
Stacking and Naming Convention
- Stacking Technology: The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series supports StackWise-480 technology, allowing up to 8 switches to be stacked, providing a total stacking bandwidth of 480 Gbps.
- Naming Convention: Each model follows a specific naming structure: C9300: Indicates the product series (Cisco 9300). 24/48: Refers to the number of ports. T/P/U/S: Denotes the PoE type (T: No PoE, P: PoE+, U: UPOE, S: SFP). 4G/4X: Refers to the type of uplink ports (G: 1GbE, X: 10GbE). U: Indicates higher bandwidth models (e.g., 10GbE or 40GbE).
- C9300: Indicates the product series (Cisco 9300).
- 24/48: Refers to the number of ports.
- T/P/U/S: Denotes the PoE type (T: No PoE, P: PoE+, U: UPOE, S: SFP).
- 4G/4X: Refers to the type of uplink ports (G: 1GbE, X: 10GbE).
- U: Indicates higher bandwidth models (e.g., 10GbE or 40GbE).
FAQ for Cisco 9300 Series Switches
Q1: How are uplinks selected for a C9300-24T?
C9300-24T uses a modular network-uplink slot. Select a supported C9300 network module from Cisco's data sheet and ordering guide according to required speed, optics, software, and redundancy; do not treat a shorthand name as a complete switch PID.
Q2: How do I choose the appropriate PoE type for my switch?
Choose a PoE-capable PID from the endpoint's negotiated standard, peak power, cable length and quality, total switch power budget, PSU configuration, redundancy target, and environmental limits. Not every C9300 model supplies PoE.
Q3: How many Cisco 9300 switches can be stacked together?
StackWise capacity, bandwidth, member count, cables, and mixed-member rules vary across C9300, C9300L, C9300X, and software releases. Validate every member PID and release against Cisco's current stacking documentation before ordering.
Q4: Does the Cisco 9300 Series support 10GbE and 40GbE uplinks?
Uplink speed depends on the exact base switch and supported network module or fixed-uplink PID. Use Cisco's data sheet and ordering guide to map required 10G, 25G, 40G, or other connectivity; do not infer uplinks from access-port model names.
Q5: What is the warranty for the Cisco 9300 Series?
Warranty, replacement service, software access, and support are governed by the exact PID, region, purchase channel, purchase date, and Cisco terms. Confirm them in writing; this article does not promise next-business-day replacement.
Conclusion
The Cisco 9300 Series offers a range of options suitable for both small and large networks, with advanced features like stackability, PoE+, and Layer 3 routing capabilities. These switches provide the reliability, security, and performance required for modern enterprise infrastructures. Whether you are upgrading or building a new network, the Cisco 9300 Series is a top choice for high-performance, secure network environments.
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