Overview of the Cisco C9300-24U-A-UL

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300-24U-A-UL​​ is a specialized switch tailored for environments requiring ​​UL 60950-1 safety certification​​, making it compliant for deployment in specific industrial and commercial settings. Part of the Catalyst 9300 family, this model features ​​24 Gigabit Ethernet ports​​, ​​four 10G SFP+ uplinks​​, and a ​​pre-installed Cisco DNA Advantage license​​. Unlike standard Catalyst 9300 switches, the “UL” designation ensures adherence to stringent electrical safety standards, often mandated in manufacturing plants, healthcare facilities, or public institutions.

Key Technical Specifications and Safety Compliance

• ​​UL 60950-1 Certification​​: Meets rigorous safety requirements for ​​hazardous location deployments​​, including dust-prone or high-moisture environments.
• ​​DNA Advantage Licensing​​: Out-of-the-box access to ​​SD-Access​​, ​​Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)​​, and full dynamic routing (OSPF, BGP).
• ​​StackWise-480 Technology​​: Supports stacking of up to eight switches with a ​​960 Gbps backplane​​ for resilient, high-throughput networks.
• ​​Non-PoE Design​​: Focuses on data aggregation, with power reserved for uplinks and switch operations—ideal for OT (Operational Technology) networks.

Licensing and Feature Access

A critical user question: ​​“Does the ‘A’ in 24U-A-UL denote permanent licensing?”​​ No—the DNA Advantage license requires ​​renewal every 3–5 years​​ to maintain access to software updates and premium features. However, the 24U-A-UL includes ​​Cisco’s term-based licensing model​​, simplifying budget planning for organizations needing long-term compliance.

Deployment Scenarios: Where Does the 24U-A-UL Excel?

• ​​Industrial IoT (IIoT) Networks​​: UL certification ensures safe operation near machinery or in temperature-controlled warehouses.
• ​​Healthcare Facilities​​: Compliant with electrical safety standards for deployment in labs or diagnostic imaging rooms.
• ​​Public Sector Backbones​​: Meets regulatory requirements for government or municipal networks requiring auditable safety protocols.

For verified procurement, the “C9300-24U-A-UL” is available here.

Addressing Common Concerns

​​Q: How does this model differ from the C9300-24T-10A?​​
A: Both include DNA Advantage licensing, but the 24U-A-UL adds ​​UL certification​​ and omits PoE support, prioritizing safety compliance over device power delivery.

​​Q: Can it integrate with existing Catalyst 9300 stacks?​​
A: Yes—StackWise-480 ensures seamless interoperability with other Catalyst 9300 switches, regardless of licensing or certification differences.

​​Q: Is redundant power supported?​​
A: Yes—supports ​​hot-swappable 715W DC or 1100W AC power supplies​​, critical for mission-critical environments.

Final Insight

Having deployed Catalyst 9300 switches in manufacturing plants, the 24U-A-UL’s ​​UL certification eliminates compliance hurdles​​ that often delay industrial IoT projects. While PoE models like the 24P-P cater to device-heavy environments, the 24U-A-UL’s focus on safety and SDN readiness makes it indispensable for organizations where regulatory adherence is non-negotiable. Its DNA Advantage license also future-proofs networks, bridging the gap between operational safety and cutting-edge automation.