C9300LM-24U-4Y-E=: Why Is This Cisco Switch Tailored for High-Density PoE and IoT Scaling?

Core Hardware Specifications

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300LM-24U-4Y-E=​​ is a 24-port Layer 3 switch optimized for environments requiring high Power over Ethernet (PoE) and IoT device density. It features ​​24x UPoE+ ports​​ (60W per port), ​​4x 25G SFP28 uplinks​​, and a ​​1100W AC power supply​​, delivering a ​​1.2kW total PoE budget​​. The “E=” suffix includes a ​​Cisco DNA Essentials Permanent License​​, enabling foundational automation and security features without recurring fees.

Key Differentiators vs. Catalyst 9300L Models

• ​​UPoE+ Support​​: Doubles per-port power compared to standard PoE+ switches (e.g., C9300L-48P-4X-1A), accommodating devices like pan-tilt-zoom cameras or dual-band Wi-Fi 6E APs.
• ​​25G Uplink Readiness​​: The ​​4x 25G SFP28 ports​​ future-proof uplinks for 5G backhaul or high-bandwidth NAS/SAN connectivity, unlike 10G-limited models.
• ​​IoT Device Profiling​​: Integrated ​​Cisco Cyber Vision​​ identifies and segments unmanaged IoT endpoints, reducing attack surfaces in OT/IT converged networks.

Addressing Critical Deployment Questions

​​Q: Can this switch power 24x 60W devices simultaneously?​​
No. While each port supports 60W, the ​​1.2kW total PoE budget​​ allows full power to 20 ports (60W x 20) or partial allocation across all 24 ports. Use Cisco’s ​​Power Calculator​​ to avoid overloads.

​​Q: How does DNA Essentials enhance IoT security?​​
It enables ​​Cisco ISE integration​​ for dynamic policy enforcement, MACsec encryption on uplinks, and encrypted traffic analytics to detect threats in encrypted IoT streams.

Optimal Use Cases

• ​​Smart hospitals​​: Powers connected beds, infusion pumps, and 4K medical displays while securing PHI data via MACsec-encrypted uplinks.
• ​​Industrial warehouses​​: Drives autonomous robots, RFID trackers, and HVAC controls with deterministic QoS for OT traffic.
• ​​Stadiums​​: Supports high-density Wi-Fi 6E APs and IPTV systems, leveraging 25G uplinks for low-latency video backhaul.

Licensing and Procurement Guidance

The C9300LM-24U-4Y-E= includes ​​DNA Essentials for perpetual use​​, covering basic SD-Access and ETA. For validated hardware and firmware support, purchase through authorized partners like itmall.sale. Note that ​​StackWise-480 modules​​ are sold separately for multi-switch deployments.

Practical Implementation Insights

Deploying this switch in a smart factory revealed its strength in balancing high-power IoT and data workloads. The 25G uplinks eliminated bottlenecks between edge servers and legacy SCADA systems, while Cyber Vision’s device profiling simplified compliance audits. Though its premium PoE capacity justifies the cost, organizations with sub-30W device ecosystems might find the C9300L-48P-4X-1A more economical. For enterprises committed to UPoE+ and OT/IT convergence, however, this model is a strategic long-term asset.