C9200-24T-E++: How Does Cisco’s Enhanced Layer 3 Switch Elevate Non-PoE Network Performance?

What Is the Cisco Catalyst C9200-24T-E++?

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9200-24T-E++​​ is a ​​24-port Layer 3 switch​​ optimized for high-throughput enterprise networks where Power over Ethernet (PoE) isn’t required but scalability, security, and low-latency data handling are critical. Cisco.com categorizes it under the Catalyst 9200 Series, emphasizing its ​​40G stacking bandwidth​​, ​​Cisco UADP 2.0 ASIC​​, and ​​SD-Access readiness​​ for software-defined segmentation. Unlike PoE-focused siblings like the 24PXG-E++, this model prioritizes pure data performance for environments with separate power infrastructure.

Core Technical Advantages

• ​​High-Speed Stacking​​: ​​StackWise-160​​ supports up to ​​8 switches​​ in a single stack, delivering ​​160 Gbps backplane bandwidth​​ for seamless inter-switch communication.
• ​​Advanced Layer 3 Features​​: Supports ​​OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP routing​​, enabling deployment as a collapsed core in mid-sized networks.
• ​​Cisco DNA Integration​​: ​​Automated network policies​​ and ​​AI-driven analytics​​ simplify compliance and threat response via Cisco DNA Center.
• ​​Low-Latency Forwarding​​: ​​Cut-through switching​​ reduces latency to <3 µs for financial trading platforms or real-time data analytics.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

Cisco.com recommends the 24T-E++ for:

• ​​Data Center Edge​​: Aggregating traffic from servers and storage systems where PoE is irrelevant but 10G uplinks are essential.
• ​​Branch Offices​​: Centralizing connectivity for ​​SD-WAN appliances​​, ​​VoIP gateways​​, and user devices with dedicated power circuits.
• ​​Media Production​​: Supporting ​​4K/8K video editing suites​​ requiring jitter-free data transfers and multicast efficiency.

Addressing Key User Concerns

​​Q: Can it coexist with existing PoE switches in the same network?​​
A: Yes. While the 24T-E++ lacks PoE, its ​​10G SFP+ uplinks​​ seamlessly integrate with PoE-capable switches like the 24PXG-E++ in hybrid topologies.

​​Q: How does it handle security for sensitive data?​​
A: ​​MACsec encryption​​ secures data at Layer 2, while ​​Cisco TrustSec®​​ enforces role-based access control across the network fabric.

​​Q: What’s the upgrade path from older Catalyst 2960-X switches?​​
A: The 24T-E++ offers ​​1:1 port density replacement​​ with ​​5× higher throughput​​ and ​​Cisco DNA Center compatibility​​, easing migration.

​​Q: Is redundant power supported?​​
A: Optional ​​hot-swappable power supplies​​ ensure uptime, critical for 24/7 operations like network operations centers (NOCs).

Cost Efficiency vs. Performance Gains

Without PoE hardware overhead, the 24T-E++ delivers ​​30–40% lower power consumption​​ than PoE models while maintaining ​​line-rate 10G performance​​. For enterprises managing ​​500+ non-PoE endpoints​​, this translates to ​​15k–15k–15k–20k annual energy savings​​ alongside reduced cooling costs.

For organizations prioritizing data-centric performance, “C9200-24T-E++” is available at IT Mall, offering Cisco-certified units with extended support tiers.

Strategic Insight

The 24T-E++ challenges the misconception that non-PoE switches are merely “dumb” access layer devices. Its ability to serve as a lean, high-performance core for data-heavy environments—paired with SD-Access automation—makes it a stealthy powerhouse. In industries like media or finance, where microseconds impact revenue, opting for a PoE-free design isn’t a limitation but a strategic advantage. Companies clinging to all-in-one PoE switches for non-PoE use cases risk overpaying for unused features while underdelivering on speed and scalability. As networks grow more segmented, the 24T-E++ exemplifies doing one thing exceptionally well: moving data faster, smarter, and more securely.