Cisco Catalyst C9300-48P-E Datasheet and Price: Expert Technical Overview for Enterprise Networks

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-48P-E is a flagship enterprise-class stackable access layer switch designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern campus networks. As part of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series, it represents the next generation of enterprise switching, delivering high performance, advanced security, and comprehensive programmability. The “48P” in the model number denotes 48 ports with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), enabling seamless connectivity and power delivery to a wide range of endpoint devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras.

Engineered for scalability and resiliency, the C9300-48P-E supports Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture (DNA), facilitating automation, assurance, and security through software-driven intelligence. It is optimized for Layer 2 and Layer 3 enterprise access deployments, offering robust routing capabilities, high throughput, and advanced QoS features. The “E” suffix indicates the Enhanced Image, which includes full Layer 3 routing capabilities, making it suitable for complex network topologies requiring dynamic routing protocols.

This switch is ideal for organizations seeking a future-proof solution that supports high-density access, converged wired and wireless infrastructure, and advanced security policies. It integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s broader portfolio, including DNA Center for centralized management and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for policy enforcement.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-48P-E is a fixed-configuration switch with the following key hardware specifications:

• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports with PoE+ (up to 30W per port)
• Uplink Modules: Four fixed 1G SFP or optional 1G/10G SFP+ uplinks (depending on model variant)
• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps (non-blocking)
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 154.76 Mpps (million packets per second)
• PoE Power Budget: 740W total PoE power budget, supporting IEEE 802.3at PoE+ and legacy 802.3af devices
• Stacking: Cisco StackWise-480 technology supporting up to 8 switches in a stack with 480 Gbps stack bandwidth
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 17.5 inches (4.4 x 44.5 x 44.5 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 10.5 kg (23.1 lbs)
• Power Supplies: Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies (AC or DC options available)
• Fans: Front-to-back or back-to-front airflow with redundant fans for high availability

2.2 Software and Protocol Support

The C9300-48P-E runs Cisco IOS XE Software, a modular operating system designed for high availability and programmability. Key software capabilities include:

• Layer 2 Features: VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, RSTP, MSTP), EtherChannel, Private VLANs, MACsec encryption
• Layer 3 Features: Static routing, OSPFv2/v3, EIGRP, BGP, VRF-Lite, PIM-SM/SSM for multicast routing
• Security: 802.1X port-based authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, DHCP Snooping, Control Plane Policing (CoPP)
• Quality of Service (QoS): Advanced classification, marking, queuing, and shaping for voice, video, and data traffic
• Automation and Programmability: NETCONF, RESTCONF, Cisco DNA Center integration, Cisco Embedded Event Manager (EEM), Python scripting
• Management: SNMPv3, Syslog, RMON, Cisco Prime Infrastructure compatibility

2.3 Environmental and Compliance Specifications

The C9300-48P-E is designed for enterprise environments with the following environmental ratings:

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
• Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing
• Regulatory Compliance: UL, CE, FCC Class A, RoHS, WEEE

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 High-Density PoE+ for Converged Access

The C9300-48P-E provides 48 PoE+ ports with a total power budget of 740W, enabling organizations to power a wide array of endpoint devices directly through the Ethernet cable. This capability simplifies network design by eliminating the need for separate power sources for IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, and IoT devices. The switch supports Cisco’s Smart Power Management, which dynamically allocates power