Comprehensive Product Overview

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E is a key member of the Catalyst 9300L Series, engineered to deliver high-performance, secure, and scalable network access for modern enterprise environments. Designed as a cost-effective replacement for legacy Catalyst 3850 switches, it balances performance, flexibility, and affordability, making it perfect for SMBs, enterprise branch offices, and distributed workplaces navigating digital transformation and hybrid work demands.

At its core, the C9300L-24P-4G-E is built on Cisco IOS XE, unifying wired network management with intuitive controls and seamless integration with Cisco’s intent-based networking tools. It features 24 Gigabit Ethernet copper ports with PoE+ (Power over Ethernet) support, providing up to 505W total PoE budget to power wireless access points (APs), IP cameras, VoIP phones, and IoT devices—eliminating the need for separate power cables and reducing installation costs.

Equipped with 4 fixed 1G SFP uplink ports, the switch offers flexible connectivity options for fiber or copper uplinks, enabling seamless integration into existing network topologies and supporting scalable aggregation from branch to campus environments. Its advanced StackWise-320 technology delivers up to 320 Gbps stacking bandwidth, allowing up to 8 switches to be stacked into a single, resilient cluster for simplified management and high availability—critical for businesses that can’t afford network downtime.

Security is embedded into every layer of the C9300L-24P-4G-E. It supports integrated Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) for policy-based automation, safeguarding against evolving cyber threats, while features like Secure Boot and Cisco Trust Anchor ensure hardware and software integrity. The switch also supports IPv4 and IPv6 routing (up to 32,000 IPv4 routes and 16,000 IPv6 routes), enabling efficient segmentation and routing across complex enterprise topologies.

With a compact 1RU form factor, the C9300L-24P-4G-E optimizes rack space in small server rooms and branch wiring closets, while its energy-efficient design reduces power consumption and operational costs. It supports flexible deployment and management options—local, virtual, or full cloud via Cisco Meraki Dashboard—adapting to diverse IT models and simplifying network operations for small IT teams. Backed by Cisco’s reliable hardware and software, the switch offers investment protection through backward compatibility and flexible licensing options, ensuring it can grow with your business needs.

Key Features & Business Benefits

Technical Specifications

Ideal Application Scenarios

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E is tailored for environments that require reliable, cost-effective network access with PoE support, scalability, and enterprise-grade security. Below are its ideal application scenarios:

1. Small-to-Medium Businesses (SMBs) – Serves as the core access switch for SMBs with 50-200 employees, powering VoIP phones, wireless APs, and IoT devices while providing flexible uplinks to connect to routers or larger enterprise networks. Its compact size and low operational costs make it ideal for small office spaces.
2. Enterprise Branch Offices – Delivers scalable access for distributed branch locations, supporting remote workers, on-site staff, and connected devices. StackWise-320 technology allows easy expansion as branch needs grow, while seamless integration with Cisco DNA tools simplifies centralized management across multiple branches.
3. Education Institutions (K-12 & Small Colleges) – Powers classroom networks, connecting student devices, IP cameras, and wireless APs in schools and small colleges. PoE+ support eliminates the need for separate power sources in classrooms, reducing installation and maintenance costs.
4. Healthcare Clinics & Small Hospitals – Provides secure, reliable access for medical devices (e.g., patient monitors, VoIP phones, IoT sensors) in clinics and small hospitals. Enterprise-grade security ensures compliance with healthcare regulations (HIPAA) and protects sensitive patient data.
5. Retail Stores & Hospitality Venues – Supports point-of-sale (POS) systems, guest Wi-Fi APs, and security cameras in retail stores, restaurants, and small hotels. Its compact 1RU form factor fits in limited backroom space, while PoE+ simplifies device deployment across the venue.
6. Remote & Distributed Workspaces – Enables secure network access for remote teams and distributed workspaces, supporting video conferencing, cloud collaboration tools, and connected devices. Flexible management options (local or cloud) make it easy for small IT teams to oversee multiple remote sites.

Supported Accessories & Modules

The Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E is compatible with a range of Cisco accessories and modules to enhance its functionality, scalability, and resiliency. Below are the key supported items:

SFP Transceiver Modules (for Uplink Ports)

• 1GBASE-SX SFP (GLC-SX-MMD): Short-reach (up to 550m) over multi-mode fiber (MMF), ideal for on-premises uplinks between switches.
• 1GBASE-LX/LH SFP (GLC-LH-SMD): Long-reach (up to 10km) over single-mode fiber (SMF), suitable for connecting branch offices to campus networks.
• 1GBASE-T SFP (GLC-T): Copper SFP module for 1Gbps uplinks over Cat5e/Cat6 cables, offering flexible connectivity to legacy copper infrastructure.
• 1GBASE-BX SFP (GLC-BX-U/D): Single-fiber bi-directional SFP, reducing fiber cabling costs for long-reach uplinks.

Power Supplies & Redundancy

• PWR-C1-715WAC-P: Platinum-rated AC power supply (default included), 715W output, 100-240V AC.
• PWR-C1-1100WAC-P: 1100W Platinum AC power supply for higher PoE budget or redundancy.
• Redundant Power Supply Kit: Enables 1+1 power redundancy to prevent downtime from power supply failures.

Cabling & Connectivity

• Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a Ethernet Cables: For copper ports (PoE+ devices) and 1GBASE-T SFP uplinks.
• Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF) Patch Cords (LC/LC): For 1GBASE-SX SFP modules, ideal for short-reach uplinks.
• Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) Patch Cords (LC/LC): For 1GBASE-LX/LH SFP modules, suitable for long-reach uplinks.
• Fiber Optic Cleaning Kits: For maintaining SFP transceiver performance and extending module lifespan.

Rack & Mounting Accessories

• Rack Mount Kit (C19-RMK-1RU): Standard 19” rack mounting hardware for 1RU devices.
• Cable Management Arm: Organizes cables for clean, efficient rack installation and easy maintenance.

Related Cisco Products

• Cisco Catalyst 9100 Series APs: Wi-Fi 6/6E access points optimized for use with the C9300L-24P-4G-E, delivering high-performance wireless connectivity.
• Cisco DNA Center: Centralized management platform for intent-based networking, enabling automation, monitoring, and policy enforcement across wired and wireless networks.
• Cisco Prime Infrastructure: Legacy network management tool for monitoring and configuring the C9300L-24P-4G-E and other Cisco devices.
• Cisco C9300L-48P-4G-E: 48-port PoE+ variant of the C9300L Series, ideal for larger branch offices or SMBs with higher device density.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the total PoE budget of the Cisco C9300L-24P-4G-E?

A: The C9300L-24P-4G-E provides a total PoE budget of 505W when equipped with the default 715W Platinum AC power supply (PWR-C1-715WAC-P). This is sufficient to power 24 PoE+ devices (e.g., wireless APs, IP cameras, VoIP phones) simultaneously.

Q: How many switches can be stacked with the C9300L-24P-4G-E?

A: Using StackWise-320 technology, the C9300L-24P-4G-E supports stacking of up to 8 switches in a single cluster, delivering a maximum stacking bandwidth of 320 Gbps. This enables simplified management and high availability for growing networks.

Q: Is the C9300L-24P-4G-E compatible with Wi-Fi 6 access points?

A: Yes. The switch is fully compatible with Cisco Catalyst 9100 Series Wi-Fi 6/6E access points. Its PoE+ ports provide sufficient power for Wi-Fi 6 APs, while its 1G SFP uplinks support high-bandwidth wireless traffic, ensuring seamless integration into modern wireless networks.

Q: What licensing is required for the C9300L-24P-4G-E?

A: The C9300L-24P-4G-E comes with Cisco Network Essentials licensing, which provides basic enterprise features, including routing, security, and management. For advanced features (e.g., SD-Access, advanced analytics), you can upgrade to Network Advantage licensing.

Q: Can the switch be managed via the cloud?

A: Yes. The C9300L-24P-4G-E supports cloud management via the Cisco Meraki Dashboard, as well as on-premises management via Cisco DNA Center, Prime Infrastructure, WebUI, or CLI. This flexibility makes it suitable for businesses with diverse IT management models.

Q: Does the C9300L-24P-4G-E support IPv6 routing?

A: Yes. The switch supports IPv6 routing with up to 16,000 IPv6 routes, as well as IPv4 routing (up to 32,000 routes). This ensures future-proofing for networks adopting IPv6 and enables seamless integration into multi-protocol enterprise environments.

Q: What is the difference between the C9300L-24P-4G-E and C9300L-48P-4G-E?

A: The key difference is port density: the C9300L-24P-4G-E has 24 PoE+ copper ports, while the C9300L-48P-4G-E has 48 PoE+ copper ports. Both models feature 4x1G SFP uplinks, StackWise-320, and Cisco IOS XE, but the 48-port variant is designed for larger environments with higher device density.

Q: Is redundant power supply supported?

A: Yes. The C9300L-24P-4G-E supports 1+1 power redundancy with an optional second power supply (e.g., PWR-C1-715WAC-P or PWR-C1-1100WAC-P). This ensures the switch remains operational if one power supply fails, reducing downtime.

Q: What is the maximum operating temperature for the switch?

A: The C9300L-24P-4G-E has an operating temperature range of -5°C to 45°C (23°F to 113°F), making it suitable for deployment in most indoor environments, including small server rooms and branch wiring closets.

Q: Can the C9300L-24P-4G-E replace legacy Catalyst 3850 switches?

A: Yes. The C9300L-24P-4G-E is designed as a cost-effective replacement for legacy Catalyst 3850 switches, offering higher performance, better PoE support, StackWise-320 technology, and seamless integration with modern Cisco networking tools. It also supports backward compatibility with existing Catalyst 3850 configurations.