Cisco Catalyst 9300 24-Port PoE+, Network Essentials

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches are the cornerstone of modern campus networks, engineered for security, IoT, mobility, and cloud-first workflows. The Cisco Catalyst 9300 24-Port PoE+, Network Essentials model brings powerful PoE+ capability to the access layer, delivering scalable performance and robust policy control while simplifying management. Built for reliability and future-ready features, this switch is designed to support a growing ecosystem of IP phones, cameras, wireless access points, sensors, and other PoE-enabled devices—all with centralized, policy-driven visibility. Whether you’re accelerating digital transformation in a smart building, deploying convenient guest access, or ensuring secure IoT connectivity, this model offers the balance of price and performance you need to keep your network secure, resilient, and easy to manage.

• Powerful PoE+ performance for endpoint devices - Power IP phones, cameras, wireless access points, and other PoE-enabled endpoints from a centralized power budget, enabling streamlined installation, reduced clutter, and simplified supply management.
• Security at the edge - Built-in security features protect edge devices and user data, helping to prevent threats at the point of access while enabling secure segmentation for IoT devices and guest networks.
• Scalable, stackable architecture - The Catalyst 9300 family is designed for easy expansion across floors or buildings, with stacking capabilities that improve resiliency and simplify administration as your network grows.
• Cloud-ready and policy-driven - Integrates with Cisco DNA Center and other cloud-management solutions for centralized policy, automation, and analytics that reduce operational overhead and accelerate deployments.
• Enterprise-grade reliability and efficiency - Durable hardware, energy-aware design, and robust QoS ensure dependable performance for voice, video, and data traffic while optimizing power usage and cooling.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 9300 24-Port PoE+, Network Essentials

• Model: Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series, 24-Port PoE+, Network Essentials license
• Ports: 24 x 10/100/1000 PoE+ ports; 4 uplink ports for core/aggregation connectivity (SFP/SFP+ options)
• PoE Capability: PoE+ support with a substantial total power budget for connected devices
• Management: Cisco IOS XE-based, with options for centralized management via Cisco DNA Center and secure local administration
• Security: Advanced edge security features including protections designed for IoT devices, segmentation capabilities, and policy enforcement
• Networking Features: Layer 2 switching with essential Layer 3 capabilities, IPv4/IPv6 readiness, QoS, and basic routing for scalable campus networks
• Redundancy and Availability: Support for stacking with other Catalyst 9300 switches and options for resilient power configurations
• Energy Efficiency: Energy-aware design to reduce consumption during idle periods and optimize cooling requirements

how to install Cisco Catalyst 9300 24-Port PoE+, Network Essentials

Getting started with this switch is straightforward when you plan for a smooth integration into your existing campus network. Begin by inventorying your endpoints and identifying the edge devices that will connect to the 24 PoE+ ports. Consider how you will deploy stacking to maximize port density and resiliency across multiple cabinets or rooms. Ensure proper cabling pathways and ventilation in the equipment rack to support heat dissipation and maintain stable performance.

Step-by-step guidance for a typical deployment:

• Unbox and verify the model, power requirements, and licensing. Confirm that you have the Network Essentials license activated to access the intended security and management features.
• Mount the switch in a standard 19-inch rack, connect it to a reliable power source, and ensure airflow around the chassis. If you plan to stack, align stacking ports and cabling according to Cisco guidelines.
• Connect the 24 PoE+ ports to your endpoints—IP phones, cameras, APs, and other PoE devices—at the edge. Use the 4 uplink ports to connect to your distribution or core network, ensuring redundancy where appropriate.
• Power up and perform initial configuration through the console or a secure management interface. Assign a management IP, configure basic security policies, and enable essential features (VLANs, QoS, ACLs) to meet your organizational requirements.
• Integrate with central management and analytics platforms (for example, Cisco DNA Center) to automate provisioning, push policy changes, monitor device health, and collect performance data. Validate end-to-end connectivity and run a quick security policy test to verify segmentation and access control.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco Catalyst 9300 24-Port PoE+, Network Essentials? It is a campus-access switch in the Catalyst 9300 family, offering 24 PoE+ ports for powering endpoint devices and a Network Essentials license that covers core security, management, and policy features for efficient deployment at scale.
• What devices can be powered by PoE+ on this switch? This model is designed to power a wide range of PoE-enabled devices, including IP phones, network cameras, wireless access points, and other IoT endpoints, from a centralized power budget at the edge.
• Is the switch stackable? Yes. The Catalyst 9300 switches are designed to be stacked with compatible models to increase port density, simplify management, and enhance network resilience.
• Does it support cloud-management integration? Yes. The Network Essentials license aligns with Cisco DNA Center and related cloud-management workflows to enable policy-based automation, visibility, and simplified operations.
• What security features does it include? The device provides essential security features at the edge, including basic threat prevention, access control, and segmentation capabilities suited for IoT and guest networks, with options to add more advanced protections via licensing and IOS XE capabilities.