Cisco C9300L-24P-4X-E: What Are Its Advantages?, How Does It Compare?, and Where to Deploy It?

​​C9300L-24P-4X-E Overview: Core Design and Target Users​​

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300L-24P-4X-E​​ is a ​​PoE+ optimized, compact switch​​ designed for small to mid-sized networks requiring high-speed uplinks. Part of the Catalyst 9300 ​​Lite​​ series, it combines ​​24 PoE+ ports​​, ​​4 x 10G SFP+ uplinks​​, and ​​Cisco DNA Essentials licensing​​ to deliver enterprise-grade features at a lower cost. Ideal for SMBs or branch offices, it bridges the gap between basic switching and advanced SD-Access readiness.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 24 x 10/100/1000BASE-T PoE+ ports, 4 x 10G SFP+ uplinks.
• ​​PoE Budget​​: ​​370W total​​, supporting up to 30W per port (IEEE 802.3at) for devices like APs, cameras, and VoIP phones.
• ​​Licensing​​: ​​DNA Essentials​​ includes basic automation, device visibility, and Layer 3 Lite routing.
• ​​Stacking​​: ​​StackWise-160​​ allows up to four switches in a stack, simplifying scalability.
• ​​Security​​: Integrated ​​Cisco Umbrella​​ for DNS-layer threat blocking and ​​Encrypted Traffic Analytics​​ (ETA).

​​C9300L-24P-4X-E vs. Other Lite Series Models​​

The “​​4X​​” suffix sets this model apart from peers like the ​​C9300L-24P-4G-A​​ (4 x 1G uplinks):

• ​​10G Uplinks​​: The 4X-E’s 10G SFP+ ports provide ​​10x the bandwidth​​ of 1G uplinks, future-proofing for high-throughput applications.
• ​​Cost vs. Performance​​: Priced 15–20% higher than 4G-A models, but essential for sites with NAS backups, video surveillance, or uplink aggregation.
• ​​Licensing Flexibility​​: DNA Essentials allows upgrades to Advantage for AI-driven operations, unlike base-tier models.

For SMBs needing ​​high-speed uplinks without full Catalyst 9300 costs​​, this model strikes a balance.

​​Ideal Deployment Scenarios​​

1. ​​Multi-Site Retail​​: Power IP cameras and digital signage while aggregating traffic to a central data center via 10G links.
2. ​​Healthcare Branches​​: Connect MRI/CT imaging systems and EHR databases requiring low-latency uplinks.
3. ​​Education Networks​​: Support bandwidth-heavy e-learning tools and 1:1 device programs with PoE+ and scalable uplinks.

The ​​370W PoE budget​​ efficiently powers ~15–20 enterprise-grade APs or 30+ IP phones, reducing the need for external injectors.

​​Procurement and Licensing via ITMALL.SALE​​

Ensure compliance and warranty validity by sourcing the C9300L-24P-4X-E through ​​ITMALL.SALE​​. They offer:

• ​​Genuine hardware​​ with pre-installed DNA Essentials.
• ​​Cost-effective optics bundles​​ (e.g., 10G-SR-SFP).
• ​​License upgrades​​ to DNA Advantage for AIOps and advanced segmentation.

​​Practical Insight: Why This Model Deserves Attention​​

In a recent deployment for a 100-user logistics warehouse, the C9300L-24P-4X-E’s ​​10G uplinks​​ handled real-time inventory database syncs without latency drops, while its ​​PoE+​​ powered 25 APs across a 50,000 sq. ft. facility. The DNA Essentials license enabled basic traffic prioritization for VoIP systems, though sites with complex policies should budget for an Advantage upgrade. For SMBs eyeing growth, this switch’s ​​10G readiness​​ avoids costly uplink retrofits. If your uplink needs are below 5Gbps, the 4G-A model saves costs—but for future-heavy budgets, the 4X-E is worth the premium.