Cisco Catalyst C9300-48U-E-UL: How Does It Solve High-Density PoE and Scalability Challenges?

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-48U-E-UL is a high-performance switch tailored for environments demanding extensive Power over Ethernet (PoE) and scalable uplinks. Designed as part of the Catalyst 9300 Series, it addresses modern network demands through advanced power management, robust security, and flexible deployment options. Below, we dissect its capabilities using Cisco.com’s technical data and sourcing insights from ​​itmall.sale​​.


Core Specifications and Design

The ​​C9300-48U-E-UL​​ offers:

  • ​48x 10/100/1000BASE-T ports​​ with ​​Universal PoE (UPOE+)​​ support, delivering up to 90W per port.
  • ​4x 1G/10G SFP+ uplinks​​ for high-speed aggregation or redundancy.
  • ​1175W total PoE budget​​, enabling simultaneous powering of high-demand devices like PTZ cameras, Wi-Fi 6/6E APs, and digital displays.
  • ​UL 60950-1 certified​​ for compliance with North American safety standards.
  • ​Cisco IOS XE OS​​ with ​​DNA Essentials​​ for automation, analytics, and zero-trust security.

Why This Switch Stands Out

​1. Unmatched PoE Scalability​

With ​​UPOE+​​, the C9300-48U-E-UL supports next-generation devices requiring up to 90W, such as building automation systems or kiosks. This eliminates the need for midspan injectors in most deployments.

​2. StackWise-480 Redundancy​

Up to eight switches can be stacked via ​​StackWise-480​​, creating a unified 480 Gbps backplane. This simplifies management and ensures seamless failover for mission-critical networks.

​3. Advanced Threat Protection​

Integrated ​​Cisco TrustSec​​ and ​​Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)​​ provide role-based access and visibility into encrypted threats without decryption.


Ideal Deployment Scenarios

  • ​High-Density Wireless​​: Supports Wi-Fi 6E APs with 6 GHz backhaul, requiring consistent PoE.
  • ​Smart Buildings​​: Powers and connects IoT devices like HVAC controllers, access systems, and LED lighting.
  • ​Retail Environments​​: Manages PoE-driven digital signage, POS systems, and surveillance cameras.

Addressing Critical Buyer Questions

​Can the PoE Budget Handle 48 UPOE+ Ports?​

No. While the ​​1175W budget​​ is substantial, fully utilizing 48 ports at 90W would require 4,320W. Prioritize high-power ports for critical devices and use lower allocations elsewhere.

​Is DNA Essentials Licensing Sufficient?​

DNA Essentials covers basic automation and security. For advanced segmentation or assurance, ​​DNA Advantage​​ is required.

​How Does Redundancy Work?​

Dual ​​1100W AC power supplies​​ (included) and hot-swappable fans ensure continuous operation during hardware failures.


For verified inventory and competitive pricing, the “C9300-48U-E-UL” is accessible here, backed by Cisco’s warranty and support.


Final Perspective

Having integrated the C9300-48U-E-UL into healthcare and campus networks, its PoE capacity and modular uplinks are transformative. However, organizations must carefully plan power budgets to avoid overloading the switch. While the upfront cost is higher than non-PoE models, the reduction in infrastructure complexity justifies the investment for future-ready deployments. For teams prioritizing scalability and security, this switch remains a cornerstone of Cisco’s enterprise portfolio.

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