Introduction to the C9300-24P-EDU

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300-24P-EDU​​ is a purpose-built networking switch designed for educational institutions and organizations requiring robust Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. As part of Cisco’s EDU (Education) series, this model combines high-density connectivity with cost-effective licensing tailored for academic use cases.

Core Technical Specifications

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 24x Gigabit Ethernet ports with ​​740W PoE+ support​​, plus 4x10G SFP+ uplinks for high-speed backbone connectivity.
• ​​Performance​​: Delivers ​​1.6 Tbps switching capacity​​ and supports advanced features like StackWise®-480 for scalable deployments.
• ​​Software​​: Runs Cisco IOS® XE Software with ​​DNA Center integration​​ for centralized management and automation.
• ​​Security​​: Includes ​​Cisco Umbrella® integration​​ and MACsec encryption for safeguarding sensitive data.

Key Differences Between EDU and Standard Models

• ​​Licensing​​: The C9300-24P-EDU comes with ​​pre-bundled Education Advantage licensing​​, reducing upfront costs for schools and universities.
• ​​Warranty​​: Offers extended ​​5-year hardware and software support​​ under Cisco’s Education Licensing program.
• ​​Compliance​​: Meets E-Rate funding requirements in the U.S., making it eligible for federal subsidies.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

• ​​Classroom Connectivity​​: Powers IP phones, wireless access points, and interactive displays in high-density environments.
• ​​Campus-Wide Networks​​: Supports seamless roaming for students and faculty across large academic facilities.
• ​​Hybrid Learning Infrastructure​​: Enables reliable video conferencing and cloud-based collaboration tools.

Procurement and Availability

The C9300-24P-EDU is available exclusively through Cisco’s authorized EDU licensing channels. For institutions seeking verified pricing and compliance, ​​“C9300-24P-EDU” can be sourced via itmall.sale​​.

Addressing Critical User Questions

​​Q: How does PoE+ capacity impact device support?​​
A: The ​​740W budget​​ allows simultaneous power delivery to 24x Class 4 devices (e.g., 802.11ax APs or PTZ cameras) without overloading the switch.

​​Q: Can non-educational entities purchase this model?​​
A: No—the EDU series requires proof of eligibility, such as tax-exempt status or affiliation with an accredited institution.

​​Q: Is software upgradable to non-EDU licenses?​​
A: Yes, but transitioning to standard licenses forfeits EDU-specific pricing and compliance benefits.

Final Perspective

The C9300-24P-EDU addresses a critical gap in educational IT by balancing performance with affordability. Its PoE+ capabilities and pre-negotiated licensing terms make it a pragmatic choice for schools modernizing aging networks. While procurement options are restricted, working with authorized partners ensures adherence to Cisco’s EDU program guidelines—a non-negotiable for institutions leveraging public funding.