C9300-24T-A: What Makes It Unique, How Does It Compare to PoE and Fiber Models, and When Should Enterprises Deploy It?



Core Functionality of the C9300-24T-A: Built for Enterprise-Grade Copper Networks

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300-24T-A​​ is a ​​24-port Gigabit Ethernet Layer 3 switch​​ optimized for high-performance copper-based networks. Unlike PoE or fiber-focused models, it prioritizes ​​cost-effective RJ45 connectivity​​ with ​​Cisco DNA Essentials​​ licensing for automated network management. Its ​​350W power supply​​ supports energy-efficient operations, while ​​StackWise Virtual​​ enables stacking of up to eight switches for simplified scalability.

​Key strengths​​:

  • ​Dedicated copper ports​​ for seamless integration with legacy devices.
  • ​Integrated security​​ with TrustSec and MACsec encryption.
  • ​Modular uplinks​​ (4x slots) for 1G/10G/25G flexibility.

Feature Comparison: C9300-24T-A vs. PoE and Fiber Variants

This model bridges the gap between PoE-heavy and fiber-reliant deployments. Here’s how it contrasts with the C9300-24P-A= (PoE) and C9300-24S-1E (fiber):

​Feature​ ​C9300-24T-A​ ​C9300-24P-A=​ ​C9300-24S-1E​
Port Type 24x 1G RJ45 (non-PoE) 24x PoE+ RJ45 24x 1G SFP
Power Budget 350W (device operations) 740W (PoE-focused) 515W (fiber module support)
Ideal Use Case Core office LANs, legacy upgrades IoT/AP-heavy environments Data center fiber aggregation

Addressing Key User Concerns

​Q: Can this switch handle PoE devices if needed?​
A: No. The 24T-A lacks PoE support, but it can be paired with ​​external injectors​​ or PoE switches like the 24P-A= for hybrid deployments.

​Q: Is it compatible with multi-gigabit speeds?​
A: Yes. Using ​​10G or 25G network modules​​ in its uplink slots, the switch supports high-speed backbone connectivity.

​Q: What’s included in DNA Essentials?​
A: The license covers ​​automated QoS​​, ​​basic threat analytics​​, and ​​Cisco SD-Access​​ for segmentation. For procurement options, visit the [“C9300-24T-A” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

​Q: Does it support redundant power supplies?​
A: Yes. The switch accepts ​​dual 350W AC or DC PSUs​​ for mission-critical uptime.


Final Perspective: Where This Switch Fits in Modern Networks

In retail and education deployments where legacy RJ45 devices dominate, the 24T-A eliminates the cost overhead of unused PoE or fiber ports. Its ​​streamlined design​​ and ​​DNA Essentials integration​​ make it ideal for IT teams transitioning from older Catalyst 2960 setups. While PoE models cater to device-heavy environments, the 24T-A’s ​​low power draw​​ and ​​copper-forward architecture​​ ensure reliability in offices where gigabit copper remains the backbone. Pairing it with fiber switches like the 24S-1E at the core creates a balanced, future-ready infrastructure without overengineering. For businesses prioritizing simplicity and cost control, this switch is a pragmatic choice—even if it lacks the flash of newer multi-gig or PoE++ models.

Related Post

DN3-HW-APL-XL: Is This Cisco’s Next-Gen Ent

Breaking Down the DN3-HW-APL-XL Nomenclature Cisco’s ...

ASR-9901-120G: What Is It, and How Does Cisco

​​Understanding the ASR-9901-120G’s Role in Netwo...

Cisco UCSC-P-N7D200GF= 200G Dual-Port PCIe Ge

​​Architectural Innovations & Hardware Specific...