Understanding the C9300-24T-A=

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300-24T-A=​​ is a fixed-configuration enterprise switch designed for high-density copper connectivity and software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities. Part of the Catalyst 9300 Series, this model targets organizations requiring reliable Layer 3 performance with integrated security and automation.

Core Technical Specifications

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 24x 1GBase-T RJ45 ports for copper connectivity + 4x10G SFP+ uplinks.
• ​​Performance​​: ​​1.6 Tbps switching capacity​​ with non-blocking architecture, supporting bandwidth-intensive applications.
• ​​Stacking​​: Compatible with ​​Cisco StackWise-480​​, allowing up to 8 switches to operate as a single logical unit.
• ​​Software​​: Ships with ​​Cisco DNA Advantage Licensing​​, enabling features like ​​SD-Access​​, Assurance, and Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA).

Licensing Breakdown: What Does “-A=” Mean?

The “-A=” suffix denotes ​​DNA Advantage Licensing​​, which includes:

• ​​Full SD-Access functionality​​ for policy-based network segmentation.
• ​​Cisco Stealthwatch® integration​​ for advanced threat visibility.
• ​​3-year subscription​​ covering software updates and Cisco TAC support.

Target Use Cases

• ​​Enterprise Edge Deployments​​: Ideal for connecting endpoints like IP phones, printers, and workstations in office environments.
• ​​Mid-Sized Campus Networks​​: Balances cost and performance for organizations needing gigabit copper access with 10G uplinks.
• ​​IoT Aggregation​​: Manages traffic from sensors, cameras, and other IoT devices requiring low-latency connectivity.

Addressing Common User Questions

​​Q: How does the 24T-A= differ from the 24S-A or 24P-EDU models?​​
A: Unlike the ​​24S-A (fiber-focused)​​ or ​​24P-EDU (PoE+ for education)​​, the 24T-A= prioritizes ​​copper RJ45 ports​​ and lacks built-in PoE. Its value lies in DNA Advantage licensing and copper density.

​​Q: Can DNA Advantage licenses be transferred to another switch?​​
A: No—licensing is ​​tied to the device serial number​​, making it non-transferable.

​​Q: Is the switch upgradable to MultiGigabit speeds?​​
A: No—the 24x1GBase-T ports are fixed. For MultiGig support, consider the Catalyst 9300-24UX model.

Procurement and Availability

The C9300-24T-A= is available through Cisco’s authorized partners. For verified pricing and compliance with licensing terms, ​​“C9300-24T-A=” is accessible via itmall.sale​​.

Final Perspective

The C9300-24T-A= strikes a balance between affordability and advanced SDN capabilities, making it a pragmatic choice for enterprises modernizing their access layers. While its lack of PoE or MultiGig limits niche use cases, the inclusion of DNA Advantage licensing future-proofs deployments for organizations committed to Cisco’s software-driven ecosystem. For teams prioritizing copper infrastructure and centralized network automation, this model offers a clear path to reducing operational complexity—provided they align with Cisco’s licensing framework.