Cisco Catalyst C9200-24P-A Datasheet and Pricing Guide: Expert Technical Overview for Enterprise Networks

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9200-24P-A is a high-performance, enterprise-grade Layer 3 access switch designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern campus and branch networks. As part of the Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series, the C9200-24P-A delivers advanced security, automation, and operational simplicity, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking scalable, resilient, and secure network infrastructure.

Engineered to support digital transformation initiatives, the C9200-24P-A integrates Cisco’s latest innovations in hardware and software, including Cisco IOS XE operating system, advanced Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, and comprehensive programmability. This switch is optimized for high-density access deployments, providing 24 ports with full PoE+ support to power IP phones, wireless access points, and other edge devices.

The “-A” suffix denotes the Network Advantage software license, which unlocks advanced Layer 3 routing protocols, enhanced security features, and superior automation capabilities, enabling network architects to build scalable and resilient campus networks with ease.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst C9200-24P-A is a fixed-configuration switch with the following key hardware attributes:

• Ports: 24 x 1G Ethernet ports with PoE+ (802.3at) support, delivering up to 30W per port.
• Uplink Interfaces: 4 x 1G SFP uplink ports for fiber or copper connectivity, supporting flexible network topologies.
• Switching Capacity: 128 Gbps switching fabric, enabling non-blocking throughput for all ports simultaneously.
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 95.2 Mpps (million packets per second), ensuring low latency and high packet forwarding efficiency.
• Power Supply: Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies (optional), with a default single power supply included.
• PoE Power Budget: Up to 370W total PoE power budget, supporting a wide range of powered devices.
• Dimensions: 1RU form factor, 44.5 cm (17.5 in) width, 44.5 cm (17.5 in) depth, and 4.45 cm (1.75 in) height.
• Weight: Approximately 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs), suitable for standard 19-inch rack mounting.
• Memory: 8 GB DRAM and 4 GB flash memory for IOS XE image and configuration storage.

2.2 Software and Licensing

The C9200-24P-A runs Cisco IOS XE, a modular and programmable operating system that supports advanced network services and automation. The “-A” model includes the Network Advantage license, which provides:

• Advanced Layer 3 routing protocols: OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and multicast routing (PIM).
• Enhanced security features: MACsec encryption, TrustSec, and advanced access control lists (ACLs).
• Automation and programmability: Support for NETCONF, RESTCONF, and streaming telemetry.
• High availability features: StackWise Virtual technology for switch stacking and redundancy.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Advanced traffic shaping, policing, and prioritization capabilities.

2.3 Environmental and Compliance Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst C9200-24P-A is designed for enterprise environments with the following environmental tolerances:

• Operating temperature range: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F).
• Storage temperature range: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F).
• Relative humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing.
• Compliance: UL, CE, FCC Class A, RoHS, and WEEE compliant.

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 Advanced Security and Network Segmentation

Security is paramount in today’s network environments, and the Cisco Catalyst C9200-24P-A addresses this with a comprehensive suite of security features. MACsec encryption ensures data confidentiality on all wired links, preventing man-in-the-middle attacks and eavesdropping. Cisco TrustSec technology enables scalable network segmentation through software-defined access policies, reducing attack surfaces and simplifying compliance.

Additionally, the switch supports advanced ACLs and dynamic ARP inspection to mitigate common Layer 2 attacks. Integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) allows for centralized policy enforcement and device profiling.

3.2 High Availability and Resiliency

The C9200-24P-A supports Cisco StackWise Virtual technology, allowing up to eight switches to be interconnected and managed as a single logical unit. This stacking capability provides seamless failover and redundancy, minimizing downtime and simplifying network management.

Dual redundant power supplies and field-replaceable fans further enhance hardware availability. The switch’s modular IOS XE architecture supports in-service software upgrades (ISSU), enabling software updates without disrupting network operations.

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