Cisco C9300-48UXM-A=: How Does It Deliver Ultra-High PoE and Multi-Gigabit Performance?

​​Technical Architecture and Core Specifications​​

The ​​Cisco Catalyst 9300-48UXM-A=​​ is a ​​48-port Multi-Gigabit UPOE switch​​ designed for enterprises requiring extreme power delivery and high-speed connectivity. Its 48 ports support ​​1G/2.5G/5G/10G speeds​​ with ​​Universal PoE+ (UPOE+)​​, delivering ​​up to 90W per port​​ and a total PoE budget of ​​1,800W​​. Powered by ​​Cisco IOS XE​​, the switch integrates advanced security, automation via DNA Center, and support for SD-WAN overlays.

​​Critical Features for Demanding Deployments​​

• ​​Unmatched PoE Scalability​​: With ​​90W per port​​, the 48UXM-A= powers high-demand devices like ​​Wi-Fi 6E access points​​, industrial sensors, and digital signage without oversubscription.
• ​​Modular Uplink Flexibility​​: A ​​40G/100G network module slot​​ future-proofs connectivity, enabling seamless integration with high-speed cores or data centers.
• ​​StackWise-480 Virtualization​​: Stack up to eight switches with ​​480 Gbps stacking bandwidth​​, creating a single management domain for simplified operations.

​​Addressing Top User Concerns​​

​​Q: Can the 48UXM-A= handle mixed-speed devices on the same switch?​​
Yes. Its ​​Multi-Gigabit Auto-Negotiation​​ allows 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G devices to coexist, optimizing bandwidth without infrastructure upgrades.

​​Q: What does the “A=” suffix signify?​​
The “A=” denotes a ​​pre-bundled Essentials License​​, providing base features like Layer 3 routing and basic security. The optional ​​Advantage License​​ unlocks advanced capabilities like encrypted traffic analytics and SD-Access.

​​Ideal Deployment Environments​​

• ​​Smart cities​​: Manages traffic cameras, street lighting, and environmental sensors with ​​Cisco Cyber Vision​​ for IoT security.
• ​​High-density offices​​: Supports hybrid work setups with PoE-powered video conferencing systems and desktop VoIP phones.
• ​​Manufacturing floors​​: Powers robotic arms and PLCs with ​​IP67-rated industrial modules​​ (via Cisco’s ET variant) for harsh conditions.

​​Procurement Strategy​​

For organizations prioritizing ​​cost efficiency without sacrificing enterprise-grade performance​​, the “C9300-48UXM-A=” is available through IT Mall. Their refurbished units include Cisco-certified hardware, full diagnostics, and warranty options, offering up to 50% savings over new purchases.

​​Practical Observations​​

In a recent deployment for a convention center’s AV infrastructure, the 48UXM-A=’s ​​silent operation and redundant power supplies​​ ensured uninterrupted 4K streaming and lighting control. While newer Catalyst 9500 switches offer higher port densities, the 48UXM-A= remains a go-to for ​​ultra-high PoE workloads​​ where budget and backward compatibility are key. Always validate power redundancy configurations against peak operational loads to avoid downtime during critical events.