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Core Innovations and Target Applications
The Cisco Catalyst 9300L-24UXG-2Q-A= is a 24-port multi-gigabit UPOE+ switch engineered for high-density environments requiring simultaneous power delivery and multi-gigabit/100G performance. It combines 24 x 5/10GBase-T UPOE+ ports (90W per port, 1,920W total PoE budget) with 2 x QSFP28 100G uplinks, making it ideal for campuses, IoT hubs, and wireless networks transitioning to Wi-Fi 7 or 25G backhaul. Built on Cisco StackWise-320, it enables stacking of up to eight switches with 320 Gbps stacking bandwidth, while Cisco DNA Center integration simplifies policy automation and threat response.
Hardware Specifications and Performance
- Port Configuration: 24 x 5/10GBase-T UPOE+ ports + 2 x QSFP28 uplinks (40G/100G native or 4x25G breakout).
- Switching Capacity: 1.2 Tbps (non-blocking).
- Forwarding Rate: 900 Mpps.
- Power Supply: 2200W AC (hot-swappable, N+1 redundancy).
- Security: MACsec-256 encryption, TrustSec microsegmentation, and Cisco Cyber Vision for OT/IoT traffic monitoring.
Running Cisco IOS XE 17.12+, the switch supports Application Hosting, allowing localized deployment of containerized apps (e.g., network analytics) directly on the device.
Critical Use Cases
- Wi-Fi 7/6E backhaul: Delivers 90W to 802.11be access points while providing 10G/25G uplinks for congestion-free data aggregation.
- Smart factories: Powers AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), AR/VR maintenance tools, and PLC systems with <1ms latency.
- Healthcare networks: Supports connected MRI machines, patient monitoring systems, and telemedicine carts with zero downtime.
The QSFP28 uplinks enable seamless migration to 100G spine-leaf architectures or DWDM metro connections, avoiding costly mid-life upgrades.
Licensing and Software Integration
- Cisco DNA Essentials: Basic automation, monitoring, and device onboarding.
- Cisco DNA Advantage: Unlocks AI Endpoint Analytics, Predictive NetOps, and SD-WAN integration for unified policy enforcement.
No additional licenses are required for UPOE+ functionality or StackWise-320 stacking.
Competitive Differentiators
- Unmatched Power Density: Competing switches (e.g., Aruba 8400) cap PoE at 60W per port, forcing power-sharing and risking device shutdowns.
- Native Multi-Gig/100G Flexibility: Entry-tier models lack 5/10GBase-T or breakout capabilities, limiting future-proofing.
- Edge Compute Capability: Rare in rivals, Application Hosting reduces latency by processing IoT data locally.
Sourcing and Compatibility Notes
For verified hardware and Cisco support, “C9300L-24UXG-2Q-A=” is available here. Use QSFP-100G-SR4 (100m) or QSFP-40G-LR4 (10km) transceivers based on distance requirements.
Why This Model Matters
The C9300L-24UXG-2Q-A= isn’t just a switch—it’s a cornerstone for hyper-converged edge networks. While its price reflects its enterprise pedigree, the TCO justification lies in eliminating oversubscription risks, enabling AI-driven IoT, and scaling to 100G without forklift upgrades. For IT leaders navigating the transition to smart campuses or Industry 4.0, this switch erases the historical trade-offs between power, speed, and intelligence.