What Is the C9300-24U-EDU Switch? Multi-Gig PoE+ and Education Licensing Explained

Introduction to the C9300-24U-EDU

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300-24U-EDU​​ is a specialized Multi-Gigabit switch designed explicitly for educational institutions. Combining high-density Power over Ethernet (PoE+) and flexible uplink speeds, it addresses the unique bandwidth and device demands of modern academic environments, from K-12 schools to universities.

Technical Specifications and Key Features

• ​​Multi-Gig Ports​​: 24x ​​RJ45 ports​​ supporting speeds from 100Mbps to 5Gbps, with 4x10G SFP+ uplinks for backbone connectivity.
• ​​PoE+ Budget​​: ​​740W total power​​ (up to 90W per port via IEEE 802.3bt), ideal for ​​Wi-Fi 6/6E access points​​, digital signage, and classroom IoT devices.
• ​​Stacking​​: ​​Cisco StackWise-480​​ technology enables up to 8 switches to operate as a unified system with 480Gbps throughput per stack member.
• ​​Software​​: Pre-loaded with ​​Cisco DNA Essentials for Education​​, providing basic SD-Access segmentation and network automation.

Education-Specific Licensing and Compliance

• ​​EDU Licensing​​: Includes discounted, pre-negotiated terms under Cisco’s Education Licensing program, with ​​5-year hardware warranties​​ and software support.
• ​​E-Rate Eligibility​​: Compliant with U.S. federal E-Rate funding requirements, reducing procurement costs for qualifying institutions.

Primary Use Cases in Education

• ​​Classroom Modernization​​: Powers interactive whiteboards, VR labs, and student devices in high-density environments.
• ​​Campus Wireless Upgrades​​: Supports ​​ultra-dense Wi-Fi 6/6E deployments​​ in lecture halls and dormitories.
• ​​Hybrid Learning Infrastructure​​: Ensures reliable connectivity for cloud-based tools and video collaboration platforms.

Addressing Common Deployment Questions

​​Q: How does the EDU model differ from the standard C9300-24U?​​
A: The EDU variant includes ​​preferential pricing​​ and tailored licensing for schools, along with extended warranties and compliance with E-Rate guidelines.

​​Q: Can the switch support legacy PoE devices?​​
A: Yes—backward compatibility with ​​IEEE 802.3af/at​​ ensures seamless integration with older IP phones, cameras, or APs.

​​Q: Are upgrades to DNA Advantage possible?​​
A: Yes, but transitioning to DNA Advantage forfeits EDU program pricing benefits.

Procurement and Availability

The C9300-24U-EDU is exclusive to academic institutions through Cisco’s validated licensing partners. For compliance-assured procurement, ​​“C9300-24U-EDU” can be acquired via itmall.sale​​.

Final Perspective

The C9300-24U-EDU stands as a future-proof backbone for schools navigating digital transformation. Its blend of Multi-Gig adaptability and high-wattage PoE+ tackles both current and emerging classroom technologies. While its upfront cost may challenge tight budgets, the long-term savings from E-Rate eligibility and reduced hardware refreshes solidify its ROI. For IT teams in education, this model isn’t just a switch—it’s a strategic enabler for equitable, scalable learning environments.