Catalyst 9300

How Catalyst 9300 model codes work

Cisco builds the Catalyst 9300 part number from the port count and a letter for the power over Ethernet type, and adds an uplink code on the fixed-uplink C9300L line, whose 48-port models switch 104 Gbps with 1G uplinks and 176 Gbps with 10G uplinks.

Searching by Cisco part number? See the C9300-24T, C9300-48P and C9300-48U.

9300, 9300X, 9300L and 9300LM compared

Cisco sells the Catalyst 9300 family in four lines, and its data sheet separates them by uplinks, stacking and multigigabit density:

For Meraki networks, Cisco sells Meraki-mode switches under -M part numbers, deploys them through the Meraki dashboard and requires a term license for the switch to appear there.

Modular uplinks or fixed uplinks

Uplink design is the first decision because it cannot be changed after purchase. A C9300 takes an optional network module, and Cisco lists five for the line: four 1G ports, four multigigabit ports, eight 10G/1G ports, two 40G ports, or two 25G/10G/1G ports. Catalyst 3850 network modules also fit the Catalyst 9300 models, while C9300X network modules are supported only on C9300X switches, so an uplink plan that needs 100G calls for that line.

A C9300L has its uplinks built into the chassis and takes no network module: -4X models carry four 10G SFP+ uplink ports and -4G models four 1G SFP ports, so choose a -4X model if the uplink may need 10G later. Optics for either line are on the Optical Transceivers page, and network modules on switch expansion modules.

Stacking: StackWise-480, StackWise-320 and the license level

A Catalyst 9300 stack holds up to eight switches, and the C9300 and C9300L lines never mix. Cisco's rule is direct: "You cannot stack fixed uplink models (C9300L SKUs) with modular uplink models (C9300 SKUs)." The C9300 line stacks over StackWise-480 at 480 Gbps using STACK-T1 StackWise cables in 50 cm, 1 m and 3 m lengths. The C9300L line stacks over StackWise-320 at 320 Gbps with an optional C9300L stack kit, which holds two data stack adapters and one data stack cable.

License level is a stacking rule as well as a feature tier: Cisco's stacking table admits "Other C9300 SKUs with same license level", and sets the same condition for the C9300L line, so a Network Advantage switch and a Network Essentials switch will not form one stack. Stack cables are on the Stacking Cables page.

PoE budgets, as Cisco publishes them

A PoE budget is the total power a switch shares across its ports, and on most Catalyst 9300 configurations it is lower than every port drawing its full rating at once. Cisco rates PoE+ at 30 W per port and Cisco UPOE at 60 W per port, and its own footnote shows the arithmetic: 24 PoE+ ports at 30 W come to 720 W.

The 48-port PoE+ switch is where power sizing most often goes wrong: it reaches 1440 W, enough for all 48 ports at 30 W, only with two supplies when one is an 1100 W or 1900 W unit and the other at least 715 W, while two 715 W supplies give 1152 W.

Network Essentials, Network Advantage and what the suffix means

The suffix on a Catalyst 9300 part number records its network stack license level: Cisco's ordering guide lists -E as Network Essentials and -A as Network Advantage across the line, so read the suffix on each listing. Cisco DNA and Catalyst software subscriptions are separate, term-based licenses, and unless a listing says so they are not part of the sale; we will confirm in writing which level the unit we ship holds.

Buying a refurbished Catalyst 9300

A refurbished Catalyst 9300 carries the part number and hardware Cisco sells new, so it joins an existing stack of the same line and license level. Every switch runs from an inbound test on arrival through disassembly, cleaning and inventory to reassembly, configuration and an outbound test once it is picked for your order. The warranty runs two years from Enterasource, and FedEx Ground shipping costs nothing anywhere in the lower 48 states. Related lines are the Catalyst 9200 and Catalyst 9500, and the full range is under Cisco Switches.

Cisco Catalyst 9300 questions

Can a Catalyst 9300 stack with a 9300L?

No. Cisco states that fixed-uplink C9300L models cannot stack with modular-uplink C9300 models. The C9300L stacks with other C9300L and C9300LM switches over StackWise-320, the C9300 with other C9300 switches over StackWise-480, and the C9300X with either C9300X or C9300 models, at StackWise-480 speed in a mixed stack. Every member also needs the same license level.

What is the difference between UPOE and UPOE+?

Power per port. Cisco UPOE delivers up to 60 W per port on the U models, while Cisco UPOE+ delivers up to 90 W per port on the H models, which follow IEEE 802.3bt Type 4. How many ports draw full power at once depends on the model and the supplies fitted, so size the supplies with Cisco's budget tables before ordering.

Do 9300 network modules fit the 9300X?

Cisco does not list them that way. Its data sheet supports Catalyst 9300X network modules only on Catalyst 9300X models, and lists Catalyst 3850 and Catalyst 9300 network modules for the Catalyst 9300 models, so plan the module for the line you own. The 100G modules, for example, are C9300X parts and need a C9300X switch.