Cisco Catalyst C9300-24T-E Datasheet and Pricing: Expert Technical Overview and Purchase Guide

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series represents the next evolution in enterprise-class stackable access switches, designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern campus networks. Among the flagship models, the Cisco Catalyst C9300-24T-E stands out as a high-performance, fixed-configuration Layer 3 switch optimized for secure, scalable, and resilient network deployments. Engineered to support the digital transformation initiatives of large enterprises, service providers, and government agencies, the C9300-24T-E integrates advanced hardware and software capabilities to deliver unmatched throughput, security, and programmability.

As part of Cisco’s widely adopted Catalyst 9300 family, the C9300-24T-E is tailored for access-layer deployments requiring 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), robust Layer 3 routing, and advanced security features. It is built on Cisco’s Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) 2.0 ASIC, enabling high-density 1G access with wire-speed forwarding and deep programmability. The switch supports Cisco DNA (Digital Network Architecture) for automation, analytics, and assurance, making it a future-proof investment for enterprises embracing intent-based networking.

This datasheet provides an in-depth technical analysis of the Cisco Catalyst C9300-24T-E, covering its hardware specifications, software features, and deployment benefits. Additionally, it includes pricing insights and ordering information to assist network architects and procurement professionals in making informed decisions.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Architecture

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-24T-E is a fixed-configuration switch featuring 24 RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports. It is powered by the UADP 2.0 ASIC, which supports advanced features such as MACsec encryption, flexible NetFlow, and enhanced QoS capabilities. The switch chassis is designed for high availability and scalability, supporting Cisco StackWise-480 technology to stack up to eight switches with a unified data and control plane.

• Ports: 24 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports (RJ-45)
• Uplinks: Four fixed 1G SFP ports; optional uplink modules support 1G/10G/25G SFP/SFP+ and QSFP+ interfaces
• Stacking Bandwidth: Up to 480 Gbps via StackWise-480 technology
• Forwarding Bandwidth: 176 Gbps switching capacity
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 154.76 Mpps (million packets per second)
• PoE Capability: Supports PoE+ (802.3at) delivering up to 30W per port, with a total PoE power budget of 370W
• Memory: 8 GB DRAM, 4 GB flash memory
• CPU: Multicore ARM processor optimized for control plane and management tasks
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 16.1 inches (4.4 x 44.5 x 40.9 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 8.5 lbs (3.86 kg)
• Power Supply: Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies (optional)
• Fans: Front-to-back cooling with redundant fan modules

2.2 Software and Protocol Support

The C9300-24T-E runs Cisco IOS XE Software, a modular operating system that supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, programmability, and automation. It supports a comprehensive suite of routing protocols, security mechanisms, and network services.

• 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, MACsec encryption, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, DHCP Snooping, Control Plane Policing (CoPP)
• Quality of Service (QoS): Flexible classification and marking, hierarchical QoS, Low Latency Queuing (LLQ), Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED)
• Management and Automation: Cisco DNA Center integration, NETCONF/YANG, RESTCONF APIs, Embedded Event Manager (EEM), SNMPv3, Syslog
• Stacking: Cisco StackWise-480 with unified data and control plane for simplified management and high availability

2.3 Environmental and Compliance Specifications

The C9300-24T-E is designed for enterprise environments with strict compliance and environmental standards.

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to