Cisco C9300-24S-M: Is It the Right Switch for High-Speed Fiber Networks and Modular Licensing?

The ​​Cisco Catalyst 9300-24S-M​​ is a high-performance, fiber-focused switch tailored for organizations requiring scalable, high-bandwidth connectivity. As part of the Catalyst 9300 series, this model emphasizes flexibility, security, and software-defined networking (SDN) integration. Below, we explore its technical merits, licensing advantages, and ideal deployment scenarios.

​​Core Features of the C9300-24S-M​​

The ​​C9300-24S-M​​ includes ​​24x SFP (1G/10G) ports​​ for fiber connectivity, paired with ​​8x modular uplink slots​​ supporting 25G/40G/100G transceivers. Unlike PoE-focused models (e.g., 24P variants), this switch prioritizes ​​low-latency, high-throughput data transfer​​, making it ideal for backbone or aggregation layers.

Key specifications:

• ​​Switching Capacity​​: 176 Gbps (non-blocking).
• ​​Stacking​​: ​​StackWise-480​​ technology for unified management of up to 8 switches.
• ​​Power Supply​​: 715W AC (supports redundant configurations).
• ​​Licensing​​: Includes ​​Cisco DNA Essentials​​ for lifecycle management and SD-Access.

​​Who Needs the C9300-24S-M?​​

This switch is optimized for:

• ​​Data centers​​ requiring high-density fiber interconnects.
• ​​Enterprises​​ building scalable WAN/LAN edge architectures.
• ​​ISPs​​ needing cost-effective, high-speed backhaul solutions.

​​Addressing Key User Concerns​​

​​Q: What does the “M” in 24S-M signify?​​

The ​​“M”​​ denotes a ​​Modular Network License​​ bundled with the switch. This includes ​​Cisco DNA Essentials​​, enabling features like advanced analytics, automation, and SD-Access for zero-trust segmentation. Unlike base models, the 24S-M reduces long-term licensing costs.

​​Q: How does it compare to the 24P or 24U variants?​​

• ​​24S-M​​: Focuses on fiber with SFP ports and modular uplinks; no PoE.
• ​​24P​​: Offers 24x PoE+ ports for powering devices like APs or cameras.
• ​​24U​​: Provides 24x multi-Gigabit RJ45 ports for mixed copper/fiber environments.

​​Q: Can it support 100G uplinks?​​

Yes. By populating its modular slots with ​​Cisco QSFP28 transceivers​​, the 24S-M supports 100G uplinks for spine-leaf topologies or high-capacity data pipelines.

​​Licensing and Software Capabilities​​

The built-in ​​DNA Essentials license​​ unlocks:

• ​​Automated provisioning​​ via Cisco DNA Center.
• ​​Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)​​ for threat detection without decryption.
• ​​API-driven workflows​​ for integration with third-party tools like Ansible.

This eliminates the need for separate license purchases, streamlining deployment for SDN-ready networks.

​​Procurement and Deployment Tips​​

For verified hardware and licensing compliance, source the ​​C9300-24S-M​​ from [“C9300-24S-M” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Ensure uplink transceivers and fiber cables match your existing infrastructure.

​​Final Perspective​​

The ​​C9300-24S-M​​ excels in environments where fiber density and SDN readiness are non-negotiable. While its lack of PoE limits use in edge deployments, its modular licensing and uplink flexibility make it a cost-effective backbone solution. For teams transitioning to software-defined architectures, this switch bridges the gap between legacy hardware and modern operational demands—without requiring a full infrastructure overhaul.