Cisco C9300L-24UXG2Q-10E: What Does It Offer, How Does It Compare, and When to Deploy?

Defining the C9300L-24UXG2Q-10E

The ​​Cisco C9300L-24UXG2Q-10E​​ is a ​​multigigabit (mGig) Catalyst 9300L Series switch​​ optimized for mid-market enterprises requiring high-density, future-ready connectivity. It combines ​​24x auto-sensing mGig RJ45 ports​​ with ​​2x 40G QSFP+ uplinks​​, pre-licensed with ​​Cisco DNA Essentials​​ and backed by a ​​10-year hardware warranty​​ (denoted by “10E”). Designed for scalability, it bridges the gap between access-layer flexibility and core-network performance.

Hardware and Software Breakdown

• ​​Port Configuration​​:
  • 24x 1/2.5/5/10GBase-T mGig ports (IEEE 802.3bz) for Wi-Fi 6/6E APs, IoT devices, and 10G workstations.
  • 2x 40G QSFP+ uplinks, configurable as 4x 10G via breakout cables.
• ​​Power Efficiency​​: ​​740W total PoE+ budget​​, supporting ​​30W per port​​ for cameras, digital signage, and VoIP systems.
• ​​Software​​: Includes ​​Cisco DNA Essentials​​ for zero-touch provisioning, encrypted traffic analytics, and ​​10 years of software updates​​.
• ​​Resilience​​: ​​StackWise-320​​ enables stacking of up to eight switches with 320Gbps per unit.

Key Advantages Over Competing Models

• ​​vs. C9300L-24UXG-2Q-E​​: The “10E” variant adds a ​​10-year hardware warranty​​ and extended software support, contrasting with the standard 5-year coverage.
• ​​vs. C9300-48UXM-A-CAP​​: Lacks 90W UPoE and 40G stacking, but offers a ​​lower TCO​​ for sub-10G IoT environments.
• ​​vs. C9300L-24T-4G-10A​​: Doubles uplink capacity with 40G ports and adds mGig readiness.

Optimal Use Cases

• ​​Hybrid Work Hubs​​: Supports high-bandwidth collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams Rooms, 4K displays).
• ​​Retail Digitalization​​: Powers interactive kiosks, AR fitting rooms, and loss prevention systems.
• ​​Light Industrial IoT​​: Connects AGVs, condition-monitoring sensors, and PLCs with PoE+ simplicity.

Addressing Critical User Questions

​​Q: Can the 40G uplinks integrate with 100G core switches?​​
A: Yes—via QSFP-40G-to-4x10G breakout cables, but direct 100G compatibility requires QSFP28 ports (Catalyst 9400+).

​​Q: Is the 10-year warranty tied to specific licenses?​​
A: No—it covers hardware only. ​​DNA Essentials​​ must be renewed separately after the initial term.

​​Q: How does StackWise-320 handle failover?​​
A: Sub-second stack member failover ensures minimal disruption during uplink or power outages.

​​Q: Can this switch replace a small core router?​​
A: For basic Layer 3 tasks (OSPF, static routing), yes. For BGP or MPLS, pair with a dedicated router.

Availability and Licensing

The C9300L-24UXG2Q-10E is available through itmall.sale, which offers Cisco-certified hardware and extended support contracts.

My Take

The C9300L-24UXG2Q-10E is a strategic pick for organizations balancing mGig readiness with budget realities. The decade-long warranty signals confidence in its durability—a rarity in mid-tier switches. However, its PoE+ limitations (vs. UPoE) and lack of native 25G/100G may frustrate future-proofing purists. For teams prioritizing ​​today’s hybrid work needs​​ over tomorrow’s IoT unknowns, it’s a pragmatic investment. Just ensure your DNA Essentials renewal aligns with automation goals; otherwise, its value plateaus post-year-10.