Cisco C9300-48UXM-A Switch – High-Performance Enterprise Access

In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, enterprises need network infrastructure that is secure, scalable, and high-performing. The Cisco C9300-48UXM-A is one of the most powerful switches in the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series, offering advanced security, flexible uplink options, and simplified network management. Designed for next-generation enterprise networks, it enables businesses to handle high-bandwidth applications, cloud connectivity, and IoT devices seamlessly.

This guide provides a detailed look into the Cisco C9300-48UXM-A, including its features, specifications, benefits, and why it’s an excellent choice for modern IT environments.

Why Choose Cisco C9300-48UXM-A?

The C9300-48UXM-A is part of Cisco’s industry-leading Catalyst 9300 Series, known for its high reliability and robust feature set. Here’s why enterprises prefer this model:

• High-speed connectivity with 48 multigigabit ports supporting 1G/2.5G/5G/10G speeds.

• Enhanced security with Cisco DNA software for threat detection and network segmentation.

• Flexible uplinks supporting modular uplink options (40G/100G).

• Advanced automation powered by Cisco DNA Center, reducing manual configuration.

• Energy efficiency with Cisco EnergyWise technology to optimize power usage.

Key Features of Cisco C9300-48UXM-A

High-Performance Multigigabit Access

• Supports next-generation Wi-Fi 6/6E access points with multigigabit Ethernet.

• 48 ports deliver flexible bandwidth to handle demanding workloads.

• Ideal for campuses, large offices, and IoT-driven environments.

Security at Scale

• Integrated Cisco TrustSec for policy-based segmentation.

• Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) to detect threats in encrypted traffic.

• Secure Boot and MACsec encryption for end-to-end data security.

Built for Cloud and Automation

• Managed via Cisco DNA Center for centralized automation and assurance.

• Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) support enables intent-based networking.

• Zero-Touch Provisioning simplifies deployment.

Resiliency and Stackability

• StackWise-480 technology allows stacking of up to 8 switches with up to 480 Gbps stacking bandwidth.

• Redundant fans and power supplies ensure high availability.

• Flexible modular uplinks future-proof the investment.

Technical Specifications of C9300-48UXM-A

• Ports: 48 multigigabit (1G/2.5G/5G/10G)

• Uplink Options: Modular (4x10G, 4x25G, 2x40G, or 2x100G)

• Stacking: StackWise-480, up to 8 members

• Switching Capacity: Up to 1 Tbps

• Forwarding Rate: Up to 740 Mpps

• PoE Support: Full PoE/PoE+/UPOE+ across ports

• Software: Cisco DNA Advantage license (included with -A SKU)

• Security: MACsec, TrustSec, ETA, Secure Boot

• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 21.5 inches (1RU form factor)

Cisco C9300-48UXM-A vs Other Catalyst 9300 Models

• C9300-48UXM-A

  • 48 multigigabit ports

  • Modular uplinks (40G/100G)

  • UPOE+ support

  • Best for high-performance campuses and enterprises

• C9300-48P-A

  • 48 standard 1G PoE+ ports

  • Modular uplinks (10G/40G)

  • PoE+ support

  • Best for standard enterprise access deployments

• C9300-24UXM-A

  • 24 multigigabit ports

  • Modular uplinks (40G/100G)

  • UPOE+ support

  • Best for smaller sites needing high-speed connectivity

Real-World Applications

The Cisco C9300-48UXM-A is widely deployed in industries that require robust, scalable, and secure networks:

• Education: High-density Wi-Fi and secure campus access.

• Healthcare: Supports IoT medical devices with reliable multigigabit connectivity.

• Enterprise Offices: Simplifies large-scale deployments with automation.

• Manufacturing: Secure and resilient networks for industrial IoT.

Expert Insights

According to Cisco, the Catalyst 9300 Series is the best-selling stackable enterprise switch in the industry, trusted for its unmatched security and scalability.

• Gartner recognizes Cisco as a Leader in Enterprise Networking for its continuous innovation.

• Independent benchmarks (see Network World) highlight Cisco 9300’s superior performance and automation capabilities.

• Industry reports confirm that businesses using Cisco Catalyst switches experience up to 30% lower operational costs thanks to automation.

FAQs About Cisco C9300-48UXM-A

Q1: What does the “-A” in C9300-48UXM-A mean?
The “-A” SKU indicates the switch comes with a Cisco DNA Advantage license, which includes advanced automation, security, and analytics features.

Q2: Does the C9300-48UXM-A support Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E deployments?
Yes. Its multigigabit ports are designed to support next-generation access points, making it ideal for Wi-Fi 6/6E rollouts.

Q3: Can I stack the C9300-48UXM-A with other Catalyst 9300 models?
Yes. Using StackWise-480, you can stack up to 8 compatible 9300 models for unified management and increased resiliency.

Q4: How does it differ from the C9300X models?
The C9300-48UXM-A focuses on multigigabit access, while the C9300X series emphasizes higher uplink capacities and modular options for data center use cases.

Conclusion

The Cisco C9300-48UXM-A is a top-tier enterprise switch built for speed, security, and scalability. With its multigigabit access, automation capabilities, and advanced security features, it is the perfect solution for organizations looking to future-proof their networks.

If you’re upgrading your infrastructure, the Cisco C9300-48UXM-A offers the performance and reliability you need.