Cisco Catalyst 9300 Modular Uplinks 48-Port GE Managed Switch

Overview

The Cisco C9300-48T-E is a 48-port Gigabit Ethernet managed switch designed to deliver high-speed connectivity, flexibility, and robust security for growing enterprise networks. It features 48 copper downlink ports for connecting user devices and access points, along with modular uplink slots that allow you to customize fiber or copper interfaces to fit your network backbone. With a switching capacity of 256 Gbps and stacking bandwidth up to 480 Gbps, this switch handles heavy traffic loads efficiently, making it suitable for environments with numerous users, IoT devices, and high-performance wireless access points.

Built on Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 platform, it supports Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) for scalable and secure campus networks. The switch’s x86 architecture includes 8 GB of RAM and 16 GB of flash storage, enabling it to run containers and approved third-party applications directly on the device. Its 1U rack-mount chassis supports dual redundant power supplies, ensuring continuous operation in mission-critical settings such as corporate offices, universities, and healthcare facilities.

Key features

• Forty-eight Gigabit Ethernet ports provide ample connectivity for user devices and wireless access points, supporting high-density deployments.
• Modular uplink slots offer flexibility to choose fiber or copper interfaces, allowing seamless integration with existing network backbones or aggregation layers.
• Stacking capability supports up to eight switches with 480 Gbps bandwidth, simplifying management by creating a single logical switch for the entire stack.
• Support for dual redundant power supplies enhances network availability by minimizing downtime in critical environments.
• Onboard 8 GB RAM and 16 GB flash storage enable hosting of security, monitoring, or other approved applications without additional hardware.
• Designed for SD-Access, it facilitates secure segmentation and policy enforcement across campus networks, improving overall network security and scalability.

Key specs

• Ports: 48 Gigabit Ethernet copper downlinks
• Switching capacity: 256 Gbps
• Stacking bandwidth: up to 480 Gbps for eight-member stacks
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Storage: 16 GB flash
• Chassis: 1U rack-mountable
• Power: Supports dual redundant power supplies

Connectivity and compatibility

The modular uplink slots allow you to tailor the switch’s connectivity to your network’s needs, supporting both fiber and copper interfaces. This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of backbone and aggregation equipment, making it easier to integrate into existing infrastructures. The 48 copper downlink ports connect directly to user devices and access points, supporting high-speed Gigabit Ethernet connections that are essential for modern enterprise environments.

Performance and reliability

With a switching capacity of 256 Gbps and stacking bandwidth reaching 480 Gbps, this switch maintains smooth traffic flow even under heavy network loads. The ability to stack up to eight units into a single logical switch simplifies network management and enhances scalability. Dual redundant power supplies provide an extra layer of reliability, reducing the risk of downtime in critical applications. The x86 architecture and ample memory allow the switch to run additional applications, adding security and monitoring capabilities without extra hardware.

Ideal uses and environments

This switch is well suited to enterprise networks that require high port density, flexible uplink options, and strong security features. It fits naturally in corporate offices, university campuses, healthcare facilities, and other mission-critical environments where uptime and performance are essential. The SD-Access readiness makes it a strong choice for organizations looking to implement secure, scalable campus networks that can adapt to evolving connectivity demands.