Cisco C9300-48UN-E: What Makes It Ideal for Scalable Multi-Gigabit and PoE+ Workloads?

​​Technical Profile and Core Functionality​​

The ​​Cisco Catalyst 9300-48UN-E​​ is a ​​48-port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet switch​​ optimized for enterprises balancing high-speed connectivity with Power over Ethernet (PoE+) demands. Its 48 ports support ​​1G/2.5G/5G/10G speeds​​, with ​​30W PoE+​​ per port (up to 740W total), catering to devices like advanced wireless access points, VoIP systems, and IoT endpoints. Running ​​Cisco IOS XE​​, it offers programmable network automation, integrated security, and compatibility with ​​Cisco DNA Center​​ for centralized management.

​​Key Differentiators for Modern Networks​​

• ​​Multi-Gigabit Flexibility​​: Auto-sensing ports eliminate the need for infrastructure upgrades, supporting legacy Cat5e cabling at 2.5G and Cat6 at 10G.
• ​​Modular Uplink Options​​: A ​​network module slot​​ accommodates 10G SFP+ or 40G QSFP+ uplinks, enabling seamless integration with high-capacity cores.
• ​​StackWise-320 Efficiency​​: Stack up to eight switches with ​​320 Gbps stacking bandwidth​​, simplifying management and reducing latency in distributed environments.

​​Resolving Critical User Questions​​

​​Q: Can the 48UN-E handle both PoE and non-PoE devices simultaneously?​​
Yes. The switch dynamically allocates power using ​​Cisco’s UPOE Lite technology​​, prioritizing critical devices (e.g., security cameras) while non-PoE endpoints operate at full bandwidth.

​​Q: Is the “-E” suffix tied to software licensing?​​
Correct. The ​​Essentials License​​ included with the 48UN-E provides base features like Layer 3 Lite routing, while the optional ​​Advantage License​​ unlocks advanced security and SD-Access capabilities.

​​Optimal Deployment Use Cases​​

• ​​Hybrid work environments​​: Supports bandwidth-heavy video conferencing systems and desk phones in office/remote setups.
• ​​Education campuses​​: Powers Wi-Fi 6 access points and digital classroom tools while segmenting traffic for labs and admin networks.
• ​​Hospitality venues​​: Manages IPTV, occupancy sensors, and energy systems with ​​Cisco EnergyWise​​ for reduced operational costs.

​​Procurement Insights​​

Organizations seeking ​​enterprise-grade performance at reduced costs​​ can explore the “C9300-48UN-E” at IT Mall. Their refurbished units include Cisco-verified hardware, genuine IOS licenses, and a 3-year warranty—ideal for budget-conscious yet reliability-driven deployments.

​​Lessons from the Field​​

Deploying the 48UN-E in a mid-sized retail chain highlighted its ​​adaptive thermal management​​, which maintained performance during peak holiday traffic without throttling. While newer models like the Catalyst 9400 series offer higher PoE budgets, the 48UN-E’s ​​balance of Multi-Gigabit flexibility and PoE+ density​​ makes it a pragmatic choice for growing businesses. Always audit existing cabling and device power requirements to avoid under-provisioning the PoE budget.