In-Depth Cisco Catalyst 9300-24S-E Datasheet and Pricing Analysis for Enterprise Network Architects

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-24S-E is a high-performance, stackable enterprise-class switch designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern campus and branch networks. As part of Cisco’s flagship Catalyst 9300 Series, the 24S-E model is engineered to deliver advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities, robust security features, and seamless integration with Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture (DNA). This switch is optimized for organizations requiring high-density 1 Gigabit Ethernet SFP ports, enabling flexible fiber connectivity options for scalable, resilient, and secure network infrastructures.

Built on Cisco’s Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) 2.0 ASIC, the C9300-24S-E supports advanced programmability, automation, and telemetry features, making it a future-proof solution for enterprises embracing software-defined networking (SDN) and intent-based networking paradigms. The switch’s modular design supports Cisco StackWise-480 technology, allowing up to eight switches to be interconnected with a unified data and control plane, simplifying management and increasing redundancy.

The “E” in the product code denotes the Enhanced Image, which includes advanced Layer 3 routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and multicast routing, making it suitable for complex network topologies requiring dynamic routing and segmentation.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Architecture

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-24S-E is a fixed-configuration switch featuring 24 SFP ports, each supporting 1 Gigabit Ethernet fiber connectivity. The switch chassis is a 1RU form factor, optimized for rack mounting in enterprise data centers and wiring closets.

• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps (non-blocking)
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 130.95 Mpps (million packets per second)
• Ports: 24 x 1G SFP (fiber) ports
• Uplink Modules: Supports modular uplink slots with options for 1G, 10G, 25G, and 40G uplinks (optional)
• Stacking Bandwidth: Up to 480 Gbps via StackWise-480 technology
• CPU: Dual-core ARM processor for control plane operations
• Memory: 8 GB DRAM, 4 GB flash storage
• Power Supply: Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies (optional)
• Fans: Front-to-back redundant fans for optimized cooling

2.2 Software and Protocol Support

The C9300-24S-E runs Cisco IOS XE Software, a modular operating system that supports advanced networking features, programmability, and automation.

• Layer 2 Features: VLANs, Private VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, RSTP, MSTP), EtherChannel, Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
• Layer 3 Features: Static routing, OSPFv2/v3, EIGRP, BGP, IS-IS, VRF-Lite, Policy-Based Routing (PBR)
• Security: 802.1X Network Access Control, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, DHCP Snooping, MACsec encryption support
• Quality of Service (QoS): Advanced QoS with classification, marking, policing, shaping, and queuing
• Automation and Programmability: NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC, Cisco DNA Center integration, Embedded Event Manager (EEM), Python scripting
• Telemetry and Analytics: Streaming telemetry, Flexible NetFlow, Cisco Prime Infrastructure support

2.3 Physical and Environmental Specifications

• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 18.5 inches (4.4 x 44.5 x 47 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 10.5 lbs (4.76 kg)
• Operating Temperature: 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C)
• Storage Temperature: -40 to 158 °F (-40 to 70 °C)
• Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing
• Power Consumption: Typical 75W, maximum 110W depending on configuration

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 High-Density Fiber Connectivity

The C9300-24S-E’s 24 SFP ports provide enterprise-grade fiber connectivity, ideal for environments requiring long-distance links, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and high bandwidth aggregation. This makes it a preferred choice for campus distribution layers, data center access, and fiber-to-the-desk deployments.

3.2 Advanced Security and Segmentation

Security is paramount in modern networks,