Overview of the C9300-48P-EDU

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300-48P-EDU​​ is a high-port-density Power over Ethernet (PoE+) switch designed specifically for educational institutions. Optimized for large-scale deployments, this model addresses the connectivity and power demands of modern campuses, from classrooms to administrative buildings.

Technical Specifications and Key Features

• ​​Port Configuration​​:
  • 48x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports + 4x10G SFP+ uplinks.
  • ​​740W PoE+ budget​​, delivering ​​up to 30W per port​​ (IEEE 802.3at) for devices like wireless APs, IP cameras, and digital signage.
• ​​Performance​​: ​​1.6 Tbps non-blocking throughput​​ ensures seamless handling of high-bandwidth applications like video streaming and cloud-based learning tools.
• ​​Stacking​​: Supports ​​Cisco StackWise-480​​, enabling up to 8 switches to operate as a single logical unit with 480Gbps per-stack bandwidth.
• ​​Software​​: Pre-loaded with ​​Cisco DNA Essentials for Education​​, providing basic automation and network segmentation via SD-Access.

Education Licensing and Compliance

• ​​EDU-Specific Benefits​​: Includes discounted pricing, ​​5-year hardware warranties​​, and extended software support under Cisco’s Education Licensing program.
• ​​E-Rate Eligibility​​: Complies with U.S. federal E-Rate funding requirements, reducing procurement costs for qualifying schools and libraries.

Primary Use Cases in Education

• ​​Campus-Wide Wi-Fi 6/6E​​: Powers high-density access points in lecture halls, dormitories, and outdoor spaces.
• ​​Smart Classrooms​​: Connects interactive displays, document cameras, and student devices simultaneously.
• ​​Security Infrastructure​​: Supports IP surveillance cameras and access control systems across academic facilities.

Addressing Critical User Questions

​​Q: How does the 48P-EDU differ from the standard C9300-48P?​​
A: The EDU variant includes ​​pre-negotiated education discounts​​, E-Rate compliance, and extended warranties—features absent in the standard model.

​​Q: Can the switch support older PoE devices?​​
A: Yes—backward compatibility with ​​802.3af (15.4W per port)​​ ensures seamless integration with legacy IP phones and basic APs.

​​Q: Is DNA Center integration included?​​
A: DNA Essentials is pre-installed, but ​​SD-Access and AI-driven analytics require an upgrade to DNA Advantage​​.

Procurement and Availability

The C9300-48P-EDU is sold exclusively through Cisco’s authorized education partners. For E-Rate-compliant procurement, ​​“C9300-48P-EDU” can be sourced via itmall.sale​​.

Final Perspective

The C9300-48P-EDU is a pragmatic solution for schools balancing budget constraints with growing connectivity demands. While its lack of Multi-Gig ports limits future wireless upgrades, its PoE+ density and E-Rate eligibility make it indispensable for institutions prioritizing immediate scalability. For IT administrators in education, this switch isn’t just about powering devices—it’s about enabling equitable access to digital learning tools without breaking the bank.