In-Depth Cisco Catalyst C9300X-12Y-E Datasheet, Technical Specifications, Features, and Pricing Analysis

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9300X-12Y-E is a flagship model within Cisco’s Catalyst 9300X Series, designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern enterprise campus networks. As part of Cisco’s next-generation stackable access switches, the C9300X-12Y-E delivers high-performance, advanced security, and unparalleled scalability. It is engineered to support the evolving needs of digital transformation initiatives, IoT proliferation, and cloud-driven architectures.

This model specifically features 12 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ uplinks, optimized for high-throughput aggregation and core access layers. The “E” suffix denotes the inclusion of the Enterprise licensing tier, unlocking advanced software capabilities such as Cisco DNA Essentials and enhanced security features. The C9300X-12Y-E is built on Cisco’s Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) 2.0 ASIC, providing hardware-accelerated performance and programmability.

Designed for stackability, the C9300X-12Y-E supports Cisco StackWise® Virtual technology, enabling seamless integration of multiple switches into a single logical unit with up to 480 Gbps stack bandwidth. This capability ensures operational simplicity and high availability in mission-critical environments.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Architecture

The Cisco Catalyst C9300X-12Y-E is built on the UADP 2.0 ASIC, which supports wire-speed forwarding and advanced programmability. The switch chassis is a fixed form factor with a 1RU height, optimized for data center and enterprise wiring closets.

• Switching Capacity: 480 Gbps (non-blocking)
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 716.8 Mpps (million packets per second)
• Ports: 12 x 10G SFP+ uplink ports
• Downlink Ports: Typically 48 x 1G/2.5G/5G/10G Multigigabit Ethernet ports (model dependent, but C9300X-12Y-E focuses on uplinks)
• Stacking Bandwidth: Up to 480 Gbps with StackWise Virtual
• Power Supply: Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies (supports 715W or 1100W options)
• Fans: Front-to-back or back-to-front airflow with redundant fans
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 18.5 inches (HxWxD)
• Weight: Approximately 15.4 lbs (7 kg)

2.2 Interface and Connectivity

The C9300X-12Y-E is equipped with 12 fixed 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports, supporting a wide range of optics including SR, LR, and DWDM modules for flexible fiber connectivity. The switch supports multigigabit Ethernet on downlink ports (depending on exact model variant), enabling seamless integration with high-speed wireless access points and IoT devices.

Additional management interfaces include a dedicated management Ethernet port, USB Type-A and Type-B ports for console and storage, and an RJ-45 console port.

2.3 Software and Licensing

The “E” in C9300X-12Y-E indicates the Enterprise licensing tier, which includes:

• Cisco DNA Essentials: Provides automation, assurance, and security features for enterprise networks.
• Advanced Security Features: Encrypted traffic analytics, MACsec encryption support, and TrustSec integration.
• Flexible NetFlow and Enhanced QoS capabilities.
• Support for Cisco IOS XE Software, enabling programmability via REST APIs, NETCONF, and streaming telemetry.
• StackWise Virtual and StackPower support for high availability and power redundancy.

2.4 Environmental and Compliance

The C9300X-12Y-E is designed for enterprise-grade reliability and complies with industry standards:

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
• Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing
• Regulatory Compliance: UL, CE, FCC, RoHS, WEEE

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 High-Performance Switching and Scalability

The C9300X-12Y-E delivers industry-leading switching capacity and forwarding rates, ensuring low latency and high throughput for demanding enterprise applications. The 12 x 10G uplink ports provide ample bandwidth aggregation for data center interconnects or high-speed campus uplinks.

StackWise Virtual technology allows up to eight switches to be interconnected, creating a single logical switch with unified control plane and data plane. This architecture simplifies management, increases resiliency, and enables seamless software upgrades without downtime.

3.2 Advanced Security and Network Segmentation

Security is paramount in modern networks