Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series C9300-24P-A Datasheet and Pricing: Expert Technical Overview for Enterprise Networks

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series represents the next evolution in enterprise-class stackable access switches, designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern campus networks. Among this series, the Cisco Catalyst C9300-24P-A model stands out as a high-performance, feature-rich Layer 3 switch optimized for secure, scalable, and resilient network deployments.

Engineered for digital transformation initiatives, the C9300-24P-A is part of Cisco’s flagship Catalyst 9000 family, which integrates advanced hardware and software capabilities to support high-density Power over Ethernet (PoE), enhanced security, and automation. This switch is ideal for organizations requiring robust wired connectivity with seamless integration into Cisco’s broader intent-based networking architecture.

The “24P” designation indicates 24 ports with PoE+ support, enabling the switch to power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras directly through Ethernet cabling. The “-A” suffix denotes the Cisco IOS XE Software licensing tier, specifically the Network Advantage license, which unlocks advanced Layer 3 routing protocols and enhanced network services.

Designed for enterprise campus access, branch offices, and mid-sized data centers, the C9300-24P-A delivers exceptional throughput, low latency, and comprehensive security features, making it a cornerstone for scalable and secure network infrastructures.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Architecture

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-24P-A is built on a fixed-configuration chassis with a compact 1RU form factor, optimized for rack mounting in standard 19-inch racks. The switch incorporates Cisco’s Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) 2.0 ASIC, which provides hardware-accelerated forwarding and advanced programmability.

Key hardware specifications include:

• Ports: 24 x 1G Ethernet ports with PoE+ (802.3at) support delivering up to 30W per port.
• Uplink Modules: Four fixed 1G/10G SFP+ uplink ports for high-speed aggregation and stacking.
• Stacking: Cisco StackWise-480 technology supporting up to 480 Gbps stack bandwidth and up to 8 switches per stack.
• Forwarding Capacity: Up to 176 Gbps switching capacity.
• Packet Forwarding Rate: Up to 130.95 Mpps (million packets per second).
• PoE Power Budget: 370W total PoE power budget to support multiple powered devices simultaneously.
• Memory: 8 GB DRAM and 4 GB flash memory for IOS XE software and configurations.
• Power Supplies: Redundant, hot-swappable power supply options (AC and DC variants available).
• Fans: Front-to-back or back-to-front cooling options with redundant fans for high availability.

2.2 Software and Licensing

The C9300-24P-A ships with Cisco IOS XE Software, a modular operating system designed for enhanced security, automation, and programmability. The “-A” suffix indicates the Network Advantage license, which includes:

• Advanced Layer 3 routing protocols: OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, IS-IS.
• Multicast routing: PIM Sparse Mode, SSM, MSDP.
• Advanced QoS features for traffic prioritization and shaping.
• Enhanced security features including MACsec encryption, TrustSec, and segmentation.
• Flexible NetFlow for detailed traffic analytics.
• Automation and programmability via Cisco DNA Center integration, REST APIs, and model-driven telemetry.

2.3 Physical and Environmental Specifications

The physical dimensions and environmental tolerances of the C9300-24P-A are designed to meet enterprise deployment standards:

• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 16.1 inches (4.4 x 44.5 x 40.9 cm).
• Weight: Approximately 15.4 lbs (7 kg) without power supplies.
• Operating Temperature: 32 to 113 °F (0 to 45 °C).
• Storage Temperature: -40 to 158 °F (-40 to 70 °C).
• Humidity: 10 to 90% non-condensing.
• Acoustic Noise: Meets Class A noise levels for data center environments.

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 High-Density PoE+ for Power-Hungry Devices

The C9300-24P-A supports 24 ports of full PoE+ (802.3at) with a total power budget of 370W, enabling it to power a wide range of endpoint devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, video surveillance cameras, and IoT sensors without requiring separate power sources. This capability simplifies network design and reduces cabling complexity