C9300-48T-RE: How Does Cisco’s High-Density Switch Enhance Resilient Enterprise Networking?

​​Introduction to the Cisco Catalyst C9300-48T-RE​​

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300-48T-RE​​ is a Layer 3 switch engineered for enterprises requiring ​​high-density copper connectivity​​ combined with ​​resilient, feature-rich performance​​. Part of the Catalyst 9300 series, this model emphasizes redundancy, security, and seamless integration into Cisco’s software-defined architecture, making it ideal for mission-critical environments like healthcare, finance, or industrial campuses.

​​Core Technical Specifications​​

• ​​48x1G Copper Ports​​: Non-PoE RJ45 interfaces for connecting servers, workstations, and legacy devices.
• ​​4x10G SFP+ Uplinks​​: Supports ​​Cisco StackWise-480​​ (480 Gbps stacking bandwidth) or high-speed backbone links.
• ​​Enhanced Routing Capabilities​​: Built-in ​​Cisco IOS XE​​ with support for ​​BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP​​, suitable for enterprise-edge or small core deployments.
• ​​Cisco DNA Essentials Licensing​​: Includes ​​automated provisioning​​, ​​network assurance​​, and ​​basic security policies​​.

​​Addressing Key User Concerns​​

​​Q: What Does the “-RE” Suffix Signify?​​

The ​​“-RE”​​ denotes ​​Router Essentials​​, a licensing tier enabling advanced routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF) typically reserved for core routers. This makes the 48T-RE suitable for collapsing network layers in mid-sized deployments.

​​Q: How Does It Compare to the C9300-48T-1A?​​

• ​​Licensing​​: DNA Essentials (“-RE”) vs. DNA Advantage (“-1A”), limiting advanced features like SD-Access or AI-driven analytics.
• ​​Routing Focus​​: The 48T-RE prioritizes ​​enterprise routing​​ over automation tools.
• ​​Cost​​: Generally lower TCO for organizations needing robust routing without full SDN capabilities.

​​Licensing and Feature Scope​​

The ​​“-RE” model​​ includes ​​DNA Essentials​​ with optional upgrades to ​​DNA Advantage​​ or ​​Premier​​. Key features under Essentials:

• ​​Basic network automation​​ and health monitoring.
• ​​Lifetime hardware warranty​​ with 90-day Cisco TAC support.
  Upgrades unlock ​​SD-Access​​, ​​Encrypted Traffic Analytics​​, and ​​Cisco Stealthwatch integration​​.

​​Procurement and Availability​​

For pricing and stock verification, [visit the “C9300-48T-RE” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

​​Final Evaluation​​

The C9300-48T-RE is a niche yet strategic tool for enterprises prioritizing ​​high-density connectivity​​ and ​​enterprise-grade routing​​ without overinvesting in SDN features. Its Router Essentials licensing bridges the gap between traditional switches and core routers, making it ideal for distributed campuses or branch offices consolidating network layers. While lacking PoE or Multigigabit ports, its routing prowess and StackWise-480 scalability offer a cost-effective backbone for IT teams balancing performance with budget realities. For organizations eyeing phased SDN adoption, this switch is a resilient stepping stone.