Cisco C9300L-24T-4G-10A: What Are Its Capabilities, Where Does It Fit, and Why the “10A” Matters?

Understanding the C9300L-24T-4G-10A Switch

The ​​Cisco C9300L-24T-4G-10A​​ is a ​​fixed-configuration Catalyst 9300L Series switch​​ tailored for cost-sensitive enterprises needing reliable Layer 3 connectivity without Power over Ethernet (PoE). It features ​​24x Gigabit Ethernet ports​​, ​​4x 1G SFP uplinks​​, and a ​​10-year hardware warranty​​ (denoted by “10A”), making it a long-term investment for networks prioritizing stability over advanced PoE or multigigabit features.

Core Hardware and Software Features

• ​​Port Layout​​: 24x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 ports + 4x 1G SFP uplinks.
• ​​Power Efficiency​​: ​​AC power supply​​ with ​​EnergyWise​​ for dynamic power scaling.
• ​​Software​​: Includes ​​Cisco DNA Essentials​​ for basic automation and ​​10 years of software updates​​ under the “10A” program.
• ​​Resilience​​: ​​StackWise-160​​ supports stacking of up to four switches for redundancy.

How It Compares to Similar Catalyst Models

Unlike the PoE-enabled C9300L-24P-4G-EDU, the 24T-4G-10A omits PoE support, reducing upfront costs for environments without IP phones or wireless APs. The ​​10-year warranty​​ also distinguishes it from base models (e.g., C9300L-24T-4G-E), which typically offer 5-year coverage. However, it lacks the mGig or 10G uplinks of higher-tier Catalyst 9300 switches.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

• ​​Small Business Core Networks​​: Provides reliable connectivity for desktops, servers, and non-PoE devices.
• ​​Retail Back Offices​​: Manages inventory systems, POS terminals, and surveillance NVRs.
• ​​Branch Offices​​: Serves as a cost-effective aggregation switch for remote sites with limited IT staff.

Addressing Key User Questions

​​Q: Does the “10A” include software licensing?​​
A: No—the 10-year warranty covers hardware replacement only. ​​DNA Essentials​​ must be renewed separately after the initial term.

​​Q: Can this switch support PoE with injectors?​​
A: Yes, but using external PoE injectors adds complexity. For native PoE, consider the C9300L-24P-4G.

​​Q: Is Layer 3 routing supported?​​
A: Yes—static routing, OSPF, and EIGRP are included with DNA Essentials.

​​Q: What’s the maximum stack throughput?​​
A: ​​StackWise-160​​ delivers 160Gbps across the stack, sufficient for most small to mid-sized deployments.

Purchasing and Warranty Details

The C9300L-24T-4G-10A is available through itmall.sale, which offers Cisco’s full 10-year warranty and volume pricing for qualified buyers.

My Assessment

The C9300L-24T-4G-10A is a “set-and-forget” workhorse for organizations prioritizing longevity over cutting-edge specs. The decade-long warranty signals Cisco’s confidence in its reliability—a rarity in lower-cost switches. While its lack of PoE or 10G uplinks limits scalability, it’s a shrewd pick for budget-aware teams managing static, device-light environments. Just ensure your DNA Essentials license aligns with your automation roadmap; otherwise, its value diminishes post-subscription. If simplicity and durability trump flashy features, this switch won’t disappoint.