​​Core Functionality and Target Audience​​

The ​​Cisco Catalyst 9300L-24T-4G-1E​​ is a ​​24-port non-PoE Layer 3 switch​​ designed for environments prioritizing ​​high-speed data connectivity​​ over power delivery, such as data closets, small campuses, or IoT gateways. It features ​​four 1G SFP uplinks​​ for fiber connectivity and supports ​​Cisco StackWise-160​​, enabling stacking of up to eight switches with ​​160 Gbps stacking bandwidth​​. Built on ​​IOS XE Software​​, it offers feature parity with higher-end Catalyst models, including ​​SD-Access​​ and ​​Cisco DNA Center​​ integration for automated policy enforcement.

​​Technical Specifications and Hardware Design​​

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 24 x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports + 4 x 1G SFP uplinks.
• ​​Switching Capacity​​: 88 Gbps (non-blocking).
• ​​Forwarding Rate​​: 65.47 Mpps.
• ​​Power Supply​​: 350W AC (fixed, non-redundant).
• ​​Security​​: ​​MACsec-128 encryption​​, ​​Cisco TrustSec​​ for microsegmentation, and ​​Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)​​ for threat mitigation.

The switch supports ​​Layer 3 routing protocols​​ like OSPF and EIGRP, making it suitable for small core or distribution layer deployments.

​​Ideal Deployment Scenarios​​

• ​​Enterprise data closets​​: Connects workstations, printers, and servers with ​​QoS prioritization​​ for VoIP or video traffic.
• ​​IoT gateways​​: Aggregates data from non-PoE sensors, PLCs, and edge compute nodes.
• ​​Retail backbones​​: Links POS systems, inventory databases, and security appliances with fiber uplinks for latency-sensitive operations.

The ​​1G SFP uplinks​​ enable long-distance fiber connections (up to 10km with ​​GLC-LH-SMD​​ modules) or copper uplinks via ​​GLC-T​​ transceivers.

​​Licensing and Software Capabilities​​

• ​​Cisco DNA Essentials​​: Provides ​​zero-touch provisioning​​, ​​basic analytics​​, and ​​device onboarding​​.
• ​​Cisco DNA Advantage​​ (optional): Adds ​​AI-driven network insights​​, ​​SD-WAN integration​​, and ​​Encrypted Traffic Analytics​​.

No additional licenses are required for core Layer 2/3 features, reducing upfront costs for budget-conscious deployments.

​​Competitive Advantages Over Alternatives​​

• ​​Stacking Scalability​​: Competing switches (e.g., HPE 1920S) lack stacking capabilities, forcing manual per-unit management.
• ​​Advanced Security​​: Entry-level models often omit MACsec or TrustSec, leaving networks vulnerable to lateral threats.
• ​​Future-Proof Software​​: IOS XE ensures compatibility with emerging features like ​​Cisco Cyber Vision​​ for IoT security.

​​Sourcing and Compatibility Notes​​

For authentic hardware and Cisco support, “C9300L-24T-4G-1E” is available here. Pair with ​​GLC-LH-SMD​​ (10km) or ​​GLC-SX-MMD​​ (550m) SFP modules based on uplink requirements.

​​Why This Switch Stands Out​​

The C9300L-24T-4G-1E is a ​​stealth enabler for lean, secure networks​​. While it lacks PoE, its focus on ​​pure data performance​​ and ​​stacking agility​​ makes it ideal for organizations prioritizing scalability over power delivery. For IT teams managing non-PoE environments or hybrid WAN edges, this switch delivers enterprise-grade security and automation without the complexity—or cost—of overbuilt hardware.