Cisco Catalyst 9300-48T-E Datasheet and Pricing: Expert Technical Overview and Buying Guide

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-48T-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 evolution in network infrastructure, delivering high performance, advanced security, and unparalleled scalability. Engineered for digital transformation initiatives, the C9300-48T-E is optimized for high-density wired connectivity with 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it ideal for large enterprise deployments, branch offices, and high-density user environments.

Built on Cisco’s Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) 2.0 ASIC, the Catalyst 9300 series offers programmability, enhanced security, and automation capabilities that align with Cisco’s intent-based networking vision. The “-E” suffix denotes the Enterprise licensing tier, which unlocks advanced Layer 3 routing protocols and features essential for complex network topologies.

The C9300-48T-E supports Cisco StackWise technology, enabling up to eight switches to be interconnected and managed as a single logical unit, providing high availability and simplified management. This switch is also fully compatible with Cisco DNA Center for centralized network automation, assurance, and analytics.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-48T-E is a fixed-configuration switch with the following hardware characteristics:

• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps (1G) Ethernet ports (RJ-45)
• Uplink Interfaces: 4 x 1G/10G SFP+ uplink ports (modular uplink slots supporting 1G/10G optics)
• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps (non-blocking)
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 154.76 Mpps (million packets per second)
• Stacking Bandwidth: Up to 480 Gbps via Cisco StackWise-480 technology
• Memory: 8 GB DRAM, 4 GB Flash memory
• Power Supply: Dual redundant, field-replaceable power supplies (supports 715W or 1100W options)
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 17.5 inches (4.4 x 44.5 x 44.5 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 10.1 kg (22.3 lbs)
• Cooling: Front-to-back airflow with variable speed fans

2.2 Software and Licensing

The C9300-48T-E comes with Cisco IOS XE Software, a modular operating system that supports advanced programmability, automation, and security features. The “-E” license tier includes:

• Full Layer 3 routing capabilities including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and IS-IS
• Advanced security features such as Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) and MACsec encryption
• Support for Cisco DNA Essentials and Cisco DNA Advantage feature sets (depending on license purchased)
• Network segmentation via Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) and Private VLANs
• Support for Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) and Cisco TrustSec

2.3 Environmental and Compliance Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-48T-E is designed for enterprise environments with the following environmental specifications:

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing
• Compliance: UL, CE, FCC Class A, RoHS, WEEE, and NEBS Level 3 certified

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 High-Density Gigabit Connectivity

With 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the C9300-48T-E provides extensive wired connectivity for high-density user environments such as enterprise offices, classrooms, and data centers. The switch supports Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) on all ports, enabling the deployment of IP phones, wireless access points, and other powered devices without additional power infrastructure.

3.2 Advanced Stacking Technology

Cisco StackWise-480 technology allows up to eight Catalyst 9300 switches to be interconnected with a stacking bandwidth of 480 Gbps. This creates a single logical switch with unified management, simplifying network operations and increasing resiliency. The stack master automatically manages configuration and software updates across the stack, reducing downtime and operational complexity.

3.3 Enterprise-Grade Security

Security is paramount in modern networks, and the C9300-48T-E incorporates multiple layers of protection:

• MACsec Encryption: Hardware-based encryption on all wired ports to secure data