What Is the C9300-48H-EDU Switch? High-Density PoE+ for Education Networks

Introduction to the C9300-48H-EDU

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300-48H-EDU​​ is a high-port-density switch tailored for educational institutions requiring robust Power over Ethernet (PoE+) and scalable connectivity. Designed for large campuses and IoT-heavy academic environments, this model combines cost-effective licensing with the reliability of Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 Series.

Hardware Specifications and Performance

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 48x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports + 4x10G SFP+ uplinks.
• ​​PoE+ Capacity​​: ​​740W total power budget​​, delivering ​​up to 30W per port​​ (IEEE 802.3at) to support devices like wireless APs, IP cameras, and classroom AV systems.
• ​​Stacking​​: ​​Cisco StackWise-480​​ allows up to 8 switches to operate as a single entity, simplifying management for sprawling campus networks.
• ​​Throughput​​: ​​1.6 Tbps non-blocking switching capacity​​ ensures seamless performance for high-traffic applications like video streaming and online testing platforms.

Education-Specific Licensing and Compliance

• ​​EDU Licensing​​: Includes ​​pre-negotiated Education Advantage terms​​ with discounted pricing and extended ​​5-year hardware warranties​​.
• ​​E-Rate Eligibility​​: Compliant with U.S. federal E-Rate funding requirements, reducing procurement costs for K-12 schools and libraries.

Key Use Cases in Education

• ​​Campus-Wide Wireless​​: Powers ​​high-density Wi-Fi 6/6E deployments​​ in lecture halls, dormitories, and outdoor spaces.
• ​​Smart Classroom Infrastructure​​: Connects interactive displays, document cameras, and student devices simultaneously.
• ​​Administrative Networks​​: Supports VoIP systems, security cameras, and access control systems across academic facilities.

Addressing Critical User Concerns

​​Q: How does the 48H-EDU differ from the standard 48H model?​​
A: The EDU variant includes ​​education-specific licensing​​, extended warranties, and compliance with E-Rate subsidies—features absent in the standard SKU.

​​Q: Can the switch handle legacy PoE devices?​​
A: Yes—backward compatibility with ​​802.3af (15.4W per port)​​ ensures support for older IP phones and basic APs.

​​Q: Is DNA Center integration included?​​
A: DNA Essentials is pre-installed, but ​​SD-Access and advanced analytics require a DNA Advantage upgrade​​.

Procurement and Compatibility

The C9300-48H-EDU is available exclusively through Cisco’s authorized EDU partners. For institutions seeking E-Rate-compliant procurement, ​​“C9300-48H-EDU” is accessible via itmall.sale​​.

Final Perspective

The C9300-48H-EDU addresses the unique challenges of modern education IT—balancing device density, power demands, and budget constraints. While its lack of Multi-Gig ports may limit future wireless upgrades, its PoE+ scalability and E-Rate eligibility make it a pragmatic choice for schools prioritizing immediate needs over next-gen readiness. For districts planning decade-long infrastructure lifespans, this switch offers a reliable, if not revolutionary, foundation.