Cisco C9300X-48HX-A Switch: How Does It Compa
The Cisco Catalyst C9300X-48HX-A is a high-...
Core Specifications and Hardware Highlights
The Cisco Catalyst C9300-24P-RE is a 24-port Layer 3 stackable switch designed for mission-critical environments requiring high PoE+ capacity and uninterrupted uptime. It features 24x 1GBase-T RJ45 ports (supporting 30W PoE+ per port) and 4x 1G/10G SFP+ uplinks, with a total PoE budget of 740W.
Key differentiators:
- Dual redundant power supplies (RE): Hot-swappable modules ensure zero downtime during power failures.
- StackWise-480 technology: Delivers 480 Gbps stacking bandwidth for scalable, unified management.
- Cisco DNA Advantage licensing: Enables SD-Access, AI-driven analytics, and API-driven automation.
How Does the C9300-24P-RE Compare to Non-RE Models?
The “RE” suffix signifies built-in redundancy—a critical upgrade over the standard C9300-24P. While the base model supports optional external redundancy, the RE variant includes integrated dual power supplies and enhanced cooling, making it ideal for:
- Healthcare: Powering life-critical devices like patient monitors.
- Industrial IoT: Sustaining operations in harsh environments.
- Financial networks: Ensuring 24/7 transaction processing.
Performance comparison:
| Feature | C9300-24P-RE | C9300-24P (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Redundant Power Supplies | Integrated | Optional add-on |
| PoE Budget | 740W | 740W |
| Uplink Flexibility | 4x 10G SFP+ | 4x 10G SFP+ |
Deployment Scenarios: Where Does the C9300-24P-RE Shine?
- Hospitals and clinics: Powers PoE-driven medical devices while complying with uptime SLAs.
- Manufacturing floors: Supports PLC systems and ruggedized APs with dust-resistant hardware.
- Data center edge: Acts as a top-of-rack switch for small clusters, leveraging 10G uplinks for spine connectivity.
A logistics company in Germany reduced unplanned downtime by 70% after deploying the C9300-24P-RE in warehouses, citing its dual power supplies as a “game-changer” during grid fluctuations.
Addressing Critical User Questions
Q: Is the RE model worth the higher cost?
Yes, if your network demands zero downtime. For non-critical offices, the base model suffices.
Q: Can I upgrade an existing C9300-24P to an RE configuration?
No—the RE’s redundancy is hardware-based. Migration requires replacing the chassis.
Q: What’s the lifespan of the integrated power supplies?
Cisco’s field-replaceable units (FRUs) are rated for 7+ years, with 24/7 support via Smart Net.
Why This Switch Matters for Future-Proof Networks
The C9300-24P-RE isn’t just a switch—it’s an insurance policy against outages. In sectors where downtime costs thousands per minute, its redundancy and PoE+ headroom eliminate single points of failure. Smaller businesses might balk at the premium, but enterprises with IoT expansions or hybrid cloud dependencies will find it indispensable.
For procurement details, explore “C9300-24P-RE”.
Personal Insight: Having deployed the C9300-24P-RE in a semiconductor plant, I witnessed its resilience firsthand when a power surge crippled non-redundant switches nearby. While the upfront investment is substantial, the avoided losses from halted production validated the ROI within months. For IT leaders prioritizing risk mitigation, this switch is a tactical asset, not just a purchase.