Cisco C9300-24P-A Switch – Features, Benefits & Buying Guide

In today’s fast-paced digital world, enterprises demand secure, scalable, and reliable network solutions. The Cisco C9300-24P-A is a leading switch from Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 series, designed to deliver high performance, advanced security, and simplified operations. With 24 ports and Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, it provides the flexibility and scalability that modern IT infrastructures require.

Whether you are upgrading your core network or deploying a new branch setup, the C9300-24P-A is a future-proof choice for enterprises seeking agility, performance, and Cisco’s trusted reliability.

Why Choose the Cisco C9300-24P-A?

The C9300-24P-A is part of the Catalyst 9300 series, Cisco’s most widely deployed stackable enterprise switching platform. It supports next-generation capabilities such as automation, segmentation, and advanced threat detection.

Key reasons to choose this model include:

• High-Performance Switching: Delivers non-blocking 10G bandwidth per stack.

• 24 Ports with PoE+: Supports powering IP phones, wireless access points, and IoT devices.

• StackWise-480 Technology: Up to 480 Gbps stacking bandwidth for scalability.

• Advanced Security: Built-in threat defense, encryption, and segmentation.

• Energy-Efficient: Optimized power consumption with Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE).

• Future-Ready: Designed for software-defined access (SD-Access) and cloud integrations.

Technical Specifications of C9300-24P-A

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key specifications of the Cisco C9300-24P-A switch:

• Model: C9300-24P-A

• Ports: 24 × 1G Ethernet with PoE+

• Uplink Options: Modular uplink slots (various uplink module choices)

• Stacking Bandwidth: Up to 480 Gbps with Cisco StackWise-480

• Switching Capacity: 208 Gbps

• Forwarding Rate: 154.76 Mpps

• MAC Address Table Size: 32,000 entries

• DRAM: 8 GB

• Flash: 16 GB

• Power Supply: Dual redundant, modular power supplies supported

• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 17.5 inches (1RU form factor)

• Weight: ~16.49 lbs

Cisco C9300-24P-A vs Other Catalyst 9300 Models

Here’s a quick comparison to help understand where the C9300-24P-A fits among other Catalyst 9300 models:

• C9300-24P-A → 24 ports, PoE+, modular uplink, ideal for medium deployments.

• C9300-48P-A → 48 ports, PoE+, higher density for large enterprises.

• C9300-24T-A → 24 ports, no PoE, suitable for data-only environments.

• C9300-48UXM-A → 48 ports with multigigabit and high uplink options for heavy workloads.

This makes the C9300-24P-A an excellent balance of power, performance, and flexibility for mid-size networks.

Real-World Use Cases of Cisco C9300-24P-A

Businesses across industries deploy the C9300-24P-A for:

1. Corporate Offices – Powering IP phones, conference systems, and high-speed workstations.

2. Educational Institutions – Providing connectivity and PoE to smart classrooms and security systems.

3. Healthcare Facilities – Supporting IoT devices, wireless access points, and secure medical applications.

4. Retail Stores – Enabling connected POS systems, IP cameras, and digital signage.

With its scalability, the switch can support both small deployments and large enterprise expansions.

Benefits of Deploying C9300-24P-A

• Operational Simplicity: Centralized management with Cisco DNA Center.

• Security at the Core: Trustworthy solutions with Cisco Encrypted Traffic Analytics.

• Future-Ready Investment: Software-defined access and multi-cloud integrations.

• Reduced Downtime: Hot-swappable components and redundant power supplies.

• Lower TCO (Total Cost of Ownership): Energy efficiency and long product lifecycle.

Authoritative References

• Cisco Official Catalyst 9300 Series Data Sheet

• Cisco Security Solutions Overview

• Gartner Enterprise Network Infrastructure Report

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the difference between Cisco C9300-24P-A and C9300-24T-A?
The C9300-24P-A supports PoE+ for powering devices like IP phones and cameras, while the C9300-24T-A does not support PoE.

Q2. Does the C9300-24P-A support stacking?
Yes, it supports Cisco StackWise-480 technology, allowing up to 8 switches to operate as a single logical unit.

Q3. What power supplies are supported by the C9300-24P-A?
It supports dual redundant, modular power supplies with hot-swappable options for high availability.

Q4. Is the Cisco C9300-24P-A future-proof for SD-Access?
Yes, it is designed to support software-defined access (SD-Access) and advanced automation features, making it future-ready.

Conclusion

The Cisco C9300-24P-A is a versatile and reliable enterprise switch that balances performance, scalability, and security. With its 24 PoE+ ports, modular uplink options, and advanced security features, it is well-suited for businesses looking to modernize their networks.

If you’re planning a network upgrade, the C9300-24P-A offers a future-ready, cost-effective, and secure solution that grows with your business needs.