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Technical Specifications and Licensing Overview
The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-DNA-A-48= is a 48-port Gigabit Ethernet Layer 3 switch bundled with Cisco DNA Advantage licensing, targeting enterprises requiring advanced automation and security. Unlike PoE models, this variant focuses on pure data aggregation, featuring 4 x 1G/10G SFP+ uplinks and Cisco StackWise-160 for scalable stacking. The “DNA-A-48=” SKU includes a 3-year DNA Advantage subscription, granting access to SD-Access, Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), and AI-driven network assurance.
Key Benefits and Operational Value
- Advanced Automation: DNA Advantage enables intent-based networking, automating policy enforcement across wired/wireless domains.
- Enhanced Security: Integrates Cisco Stealthwatch for real-time threat detection and ISE integration for dynamic segmentation.
- Cost Predictability: The 3-year bundled license eliminates mid-term renewal hassles, ideal for budget-conscious IT teams.
- Energy Efficiency: Consumes 35% less power than PoE counterparts, reducing operational costs in data-centric environments.
Ideal Deployment Scenarios
- Enterprise Core/Distribution Layers: Manages traffic between access switches and data centers with OSPF/BGP routing support.
- Cloud Gateway: Acts as an aggregation point for hybrid cloud workloads, leveraging Cisco SD-WAN integration.
- IoT Security Gateways: Segregates and monitors IoT traffic using Cisco Cyber Vision embedded in DNA Advantage.
For procurement options, visit itmall.sale’s C9300L-DNA-A-48= listing.
Comparison: C9300L-DNA-A-48= vs. C9300L-48T-4G-E=
| Feature | C9300L-DNA-A-48= | C9300L-48T-4G-E= |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Tier | DNA Advantage (3-year) | DNA Essentials (3-year) |
| Security Tools | Stealthwatch, ETA | Basic ETA |
| Uplink Capacity | 4x 10G SFP+ | 4x 1G/10G |
| Automation Depth | Full SD-Access | Limited CLI Automation |
Addressing Critical User Questions
Q: Can the DNA Advantage license be extended beyond 3 years?
A: Yes—Cisco offers renewal options for perpetual software access, but hardware support requires separate Smart Net coverage.
Q: Does this switch support multi-cloud management?
A: Yes, via Cisco DNA Center’s multi-domain integration with AWS, Azure, and Kubernetes clusters.
Q: Is MACsec encryption supported?
A: Yes, but requires additional network modules for AES-256 encryption on uplink ports.
Q: What’s the stacking bandwidth limit?
A: StackWise-160 delivers 160Gbps per stack member, scaling up to 8 units in a single logical stack.
Strategic Perspective
The C9300L-DNA-A-48= is a strategic enabler for enterprises prioritizing automation and zero-trust security over PoE functionality. While its upfront cost is higher than Essentials-licensed models, the 3-year DNA Advantage bundle delivers long-term savings by consolidating advanced tools into a single SKU. However, organizations must assess whether SD-Access and Stealthwatch align with their operational maturity—smaller teams might find the learning curve steep. For tech-forward industries like finance or healthcare, this switch’s analytics-driven architecture justifies the investment, bridging gaps between legacy infrastructure and cloud-native demands.