Cisco Catalyst 9300 24-Port Fixed PoE+ Switch with 4x1G Uplinks — Network Essentials

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series stands at the forefront of modern enterprise networking, delivering a resilient, secure, and scalable switch platform designed for security, IoT, mobility, and cloud integration. This 24-port fixed PoE+ model with four 1G uplinks is purpose-built for networks that demand high availability, energy efficiency, and intelligent management. It represents Cisco’s next generation of the industry’s most widely deployed switching platform, combining advanced security, software-defined access, and seamless integration with cloud-based management. Whether you’re building a campus core, a working-edge data environment, or a robust IoT-enabled network, the Catalyst 9300 offers the reliability and performance needed to support today’s demanding business applications while preparing you for tomorrow’s innovations.

• All-in-one enterprise access switch designed for the security, IoT, mobility, and cloud initiatives that power modern businesses. The Catalyst 9300 family is engineered to deliver secure access, scalable performance, and unified policy enforcement across the network edge.
• 24 fixed PoE+ ports plus four dedicated 1G uplinks provide flexible, high-density connectivity. This configuration supports IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and sensor devices without needing additional power infrastructure, while maintaining a clean, high-performance distribution layer.
• Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) support enables simplified device deployment and centralized power management. IEEE 802.3at compatibility ensures power delivery to a wide range of endpoint devices, helping IT teams reduce cable clutter and accelerate installation timelines.
• Advanced security and compliance features protect the edge from evolving threats. With Cisco IOS XE, Trust Anchor, secure boot, and integrated threat defense, the Catalyst 9300 offers policy-based segmentation, secure access, and consistent enforcement across users and devices, including IoT endpoints.
• Stackable, modular design with support for Cisco DNA Center and automation, telemetry, and policy-driven management. This leads to faster provisioning, simplified operations, and resilient networks that stay online through software updates and hardware upgrades.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 9300 24-Port Fixed Uplinks PoE+, 4X1G Uplinks, Network Essentials

• Ports: 24 fixed 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports with PoE+ support; 4 x 1G uplink ports for reliable connections to distribution layers or core switches.
• Licensing: Network Essentials license included, delivering essential features for secure access, basic policy enforcement, and reliable network operations.
• Performance: High-performance switching with Cisco IOS XE software, enabling robust Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 functionality, advanced QoS, and security features suitable for enterprise environments.
• Security: Built-in security paradigms, including secure boot, Trust Anchor, and integrated threat defense, helping to protect edge devices and IoT connections from common attack vectors.
• Power and efficiency: PoE+ support on multiple ports reduces the need for separate power injectors; energy-conscious design aims to lower total cost of ownership while supporting growing device densities.
• Form factor: 1U fixed chassis suitable for standard 19-inch racks, delivering compact, reliable deployment in campus closets or data center edge locations.
• Management: Seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center for centralized automation, policy enforcement, and telemetry, along with local management via CLI or web interfaces as appropriate.

how to install Cisco Catalyst 9300 24-Port Fixed PoE+

Installing the Cisco Catalyst 9300 24-Port Fixed PoE+ switch begins with selecting an appropriate deployment scenario and ensuring power, cooling, and rack space are sufficient. Begin by mounting the unit in a standard 19-inch rack and securing it with the included hardware. Connect the switch to a stable power source and verify power-on self-test (POST) indicators. Once powered, plan your topology to leverage the four 1G uplinks by connecting them to your distribution layer or to a core switch in a modular campus design. It is recommended to label PoE ports and assign VLANs to ensure security and segmentation from day one.

Next, estimate your PoE device density to confirm that the PoE budget aligns with your deployment. PoE+ ports can power a range of devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and network cameras. If you anticipate high device density or high-powered endpoints, consider enabling features like energy management to optimize PoE usage and reduce waste. After physical wiring, perform initial software configuration. This involves setting up basic device credentials, enabling appropriate VLANs, configuring trunk and access ports, and applying QoS policies to ensure reliable voice and video performance across the network.

Software configuration can be performed via the console, SSH, or through a centralized management platform such as Cisco DNA Center. Begin with secure administrative access, then implement core policies for security, segmentation, and device onboarding. For IoT and mobile devices, apply appropriate access control lists (ACLs) and dynamic VLAN assignment to minimize risk and improve user experience. Finally, test connectivity across all endpoints and verify PoE functionality by powering up a sample device on a PoE-enabled port. Document the configuration and maintain a baseline to simplify future upgrades or troubleshooting. With routine maintenance and firmware updates, the Catalyst 9300 remains a resilient, scalable backbone for growing networks.

For ongoing management, leverage Cisco DNA Center or compatible network management tools to monitor port utilization, uptime, PoE power consumption, and overall health. Regularly review security advisories, update firmware, and refine policies to maintain a secure, high-performance network that meets evolving business needs. The Catalyst 9300’s ability to integrate with cloud management platforms ensures you can extend visibility and control beyond the traditional data center, maximizing uptime and accelerating service delivery across campus locations.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the main advantage of the Catalyst 9300 24-Port PoE+ with 4x1G uplinks? This model combines PoE+ capability with a fixed port count and uplink simplicity, delivering secure, scalable access at the network edge while reducing the need for separate power infrastructure and enabling rapid deployment of IP phones, wireless APs, and IoT devices.
• Does this switch support Cisco DNA Center integration? Yes. The Catalyst 9300 family is designed to work with Cisco DNA Center for automation, telemetry, and policy-driven network management, helping IT teams provision, monitor, and optimize campus networks at scale.
• What security features are included? The switch includes secure boot, Trust Anchor, and integrated threat defense, along with policy-based segmentation and secure access to protect endpoints and IoT devices connected at the edge.
• Can I stack or scale beyond 24 ports with this model? The 24-port fixed PoE+ model is designed for specific edge deployments. If you need higher density or larger campus deployments, consider the scalable Catalyst 9300 lineup with flexible stacking and higher port counts.
• What about PoE budget and power requirements? PoE+ ports provide power for compatible devices, reducing the need for extra cables or power injectors. The total PoE budget depends on configuration and hardware options; plan for your device density and Power over Ethernet needs when sizing the switch.
• Is this switch suitable for IoT-rich environments? Absolutely. The Catalyst 9300 is optimized for security, policy enforcement, IoT device onboarding, and cloud integration, making it a strong backbone for IoT-enabled offices and campuses.