Hardware Overview and Critical Specifications

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UN-1E​​ is a ​​48-port Universal Power over Ethernet (UPoE)​​ switch designed for environments requiring robust power delivery and multi-gigabit connectivity. The “48UN-1E” model code signifies its ​​48x UPoE+ ports​​ and ​​1RU (rack unit) form factor​​, making it ideal for space-constrained deployments. Key hardware features include:

• ​​740W power supply​​ supporting ​​UPoE+ (60W per port)​​ and ​​UPoE++ (90W per port)​​ via IEEE 802.3bt, catering to devices like industrial IoT sensors, high-density Wi-Fi 7 APs, and AV systems.
• ​​8x 10G SFP+ uplinks​​ for high-speed aggregation or redundancy.
• ​​Cisco StackWise-480​​ technology, enabling up to 8 switches to operate as a single logical stack with 480 Gbps backplane bandwidth.

Addressing Power and Scalability Challenges

A common concern is: ​​“Can the C9300-48UN-1E handle mixed UPoE and non-PoE devices without performance drops?”​​ The switch employs ​​Dynamic Power Allocation​​, which prioritizes power to critical devices while maintaining PoE+ (30W) or UPoE functionality across remaining ports. For example, it can simultaneously power 24x 90W PTZ cameras and 24x 15W VoIP phones without overloading the system.

Another question revolves around ​​futureproofing​​. Unlike fixed-configuration switches, the C9300-48UN-1E supports ​​Cisco DNA Center​​ for ​​intent-based networking​​, allowing operators to automate policies and monitor energy usage across distributed sites.

Security and Compliance Considerations

The switch integrates ​​MACsec-256 encryption​​ for endpoint-to-network traffic protection and ​​Cisco TrustSec​​, which enforces role-based access controls. Compliance with ​​UL 2043 plenum-rated air handling​​ ensures safe operation in ceilings or HVAC spaces, a requirement for commercial buildings and healthcare facilities.

Licensing and Cost Efficiency

The ​​Cisco DNA Essentials​​ license unlocks foundational security and automation features, while ​​Cisco DNA Advantage​​ adds advanced analytics and SD-Access. Though upfront costs are higher than non-UPoE models, the ​​TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)​​ is reduced by eliminating standalone power injectors and simplifying cable management.

Deployment Scenarios: Where It Excels

The C9300-48UN-1E is ideal for:

• ​​Retail environments​​ combining digital signage, POS systems, and security cameras.
• ​​Smart factories​​ with automation controllers and robotics requiring high uptime.
• ​​Hybrid campuses​​ merging wired and wireless IoT ecosystems.

For authentic hardware sourcing, visit the “C9300-48UN-1E” at itmall.sale, a specialized Cisco equipment provider.

Final Perspective

Deploying this switch in warehouse automation projects revealed its ​​ability to balance power density with operational simplicity​​. While competitors like Juniper or Aruba offer UPoE alternatives, the C9300-48UN-1E’s ​​native integration with Cisco DNA​​ and ​​zero-touch provisioning​​ streamline workflows in multi-vendor settings. For teams prioritizing scalability and compliance, this model eliminates the need for workarounds in complex power-driven deployments.