Cisco C9300-24P-E Switch: How Does It Power High-Density Networks and When Should You Deploy It?

The ​​Cisco Catalyst 9300-24P-E​​ is a purpose-built enterprise switch designed to address the growing demand for high-power PoE and scalable connectivity in modern networks. As part of the Catalyst 9000 series, this model integrates advanced hardware with Cisco’s software-defined architecture. Below, we dissect its capabilities, ideal use cases, and how it stands apart from similar switches.

​​Overview of the C9300-24P-E​​

The ​​C9300-24P-E​​ features ​​24x PoE+ (30W per port)​​ with a total ​​PoE budget of 740W​​—double the capacity of non-“E” variants like the C9300-24P. It includes an ​​enhanced 1100W AC power supply​​, ensuring stable power delivery for bandwidth- and energy-intensive devices such as ​​PTZ cameras, Wi-Fi 6E access points, and IoT hubs​​. Running on ​​Cisco IOS XE​​, it supports automation, zero-trust security, and programmable network policies.

Key specifications:

• ​​Switching Capacity​​: 176 Gbps (non-blocking).
• ​​Stacking​​: Compatible with ​​StackWise-480​​, enabling up to 8 switches in a single logical stack.
• ​​Uplinks​​: Supports modular 25G/40G/100G uplinks for spine-leaf architectures.
• ​​Resiliency​​: Dual redundant power supplies (hot-swappable) and fan trays.

​​Target Use Cases for the C9300-24P-E​​

This switch is engineered for environments requiring:

• ​​High-density PoE deployments​​ (e.g., smart offices, healthcare facilities, or industrial IoT).
• ​​Scalable uplink bandwidth​​ to handle traffic from edge to core.
• ​​Future-ready infrastructure​​ with support for SD-Access, encrypted traffic analytics (ETA), and API-driven management.

​​Addressing Critical User Questions​​

​​Q: How does the 740W PoE budget impact device support?​​

The ​​C9300-24P-E​​ can simultaneously power ​​24 devices at 30W each​​, making it ideal for environments deploying ​​UHD surveillance systems, dual-band APs, or digital signage​​. Comparatively, non-“E” models max out at 370W, limiting high-wattage device density.

​​Q: Is the switch suitable for software-defined networks?​​

Yes. Native integration with ​​Cisco DNA Center​​ allows centralized management of SD-Access policies, network segmentation, and assurance analytics. This simplifies compliance and reduces manual configuration errors.

​​Q: What makes the “E” variant worth the investment?​​

Beyond its doubled PoE capacity, the ​​enhanced power supply​​ ensures headroom for future expansions. Organizations avoid costly midlife upgrades when adding high-power devices.

​​Comparing the C9300-24P-E to Non-“E” Models​​

• ​​PoE Budget​​: 740W vs. 370W (standard 24P).
• ​​Power Supply​​: 1100W AC vs. 715W AC.
• ​​Future-Proofing​​: Designed for next-gen IoT and Wi-Fi 7 readiness.

For enterprises anticipating growth in PoE-dependent devices, the ​​C9300-24P-E​​ mitigates the risk of underpowered infrastructure.

​​Procurement and Compatibility Considerations​​

To source the ​​C9300-24P-E​​ with verified warranties and support, visit [“C9300-24P-E” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Ensure compatibility with existing Catalyst 9000 stacks and Cisco DNA licenses.

​​Final Assessment​​

The ​​C9300-24P-E​​ is a strategic investment for enterprises prioritizing high-power PoE and scalability. While its upfront cost is higher than non-“E” models, the long-term savings from reduced hardware refreshes and seamless IoT integration justify the premium. In an era where network demands escalate unpredictably, this switch offers the headroom and flexibility that forward-thinking IT teams require.