Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-Port PoE+ Network Advantage Switch

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-Port PoE+ Network Advantage switch is the cornerstone of modern enterprise networks, delivering scalable connectivity, robust security, and gasped-for performance at the access layer. Built to meet the demands of increasingly connected environments—from classrooms and corporate campuses to edge offices and small data centers—this switch blends high-density PoE+ ports with forward-looking architectural choices that streamline operations, enhance security, and reduce total cost of ownership. With its Network Advantage licensing, you gain access to Cisco’s most advanced features for segmentation, analytics, and policy-driven networking, all designed to simplify management while accelerating your journey to automated, intent-based networking. If you’re seeking a reliable, scalable, and secure platform that can grow with your organization, the Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-Port PoE+ Network Advantage switch stands out as a premier choice that balances performance, resilience, and ease of deployment.

• High-density 48-port PoE+ access switching with strong power budgeting to support IP phones, cameras, wireless APs, and other PoE devices without a separate power supply overhaul.
• PoE+ capability on every port simplifies wiring plans and reduces installation time, enabling faster scalability for evolving campus networks and ROBO sites.
• Stackable architecture and Cisco’s proven reliability deliver resiliency across multiple switches, enabling simplified management and seamless failover in critical deployments.
• Network Advantage licensing unlocks advanced features for security, segmentation, and analytics, helping your IT team implement micro-segmentation and policy-based controls with ease.
• Next-gen security and threat visibility, including integrated firewalling controls, identity-based access, and scalable encryption across the access layer for enhanced data protection.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-Port PoE+ Network Advantage Switch

• Series: Catalyst 9300
• Ports: 48 x PoE+ Ethernet ports (copper 10/100/1000 Mbps)
• PoE Budget: High PoE budget designed to power a large number of PoE devices; exact wattage varies by SKU
• Uplink Options: Modular uplinks available (supporting 1G/10G interfaces, depending on SKU)
• Performance: Enterprise-class switching with low latency, robust QoS, and support for high-density access deployments
• Software Licensing: Network Advantage license enabling advanced security, analytics, and policy features
• Security: Identity, access control, and encrypted management for secure network operations
• Management: Integrated provisioning, monitoring, and analytics through Cisco tools and familiar CLI/GUI interfaces
• Power methods: Standard power input with PoE on all ports; redundancy and energy efficiency features supported by Cisco platforms
• Warranty/Support: Includes Cisco hardware warranty and access to software updates and Cisco support services per SKU

How to Install Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-Port PoE+ Network Advantage Switch

• Plan your topology: Map out device locations, identify prioritized PoE endpoints (phones, cameras, APs), and determine uplink aggregation requirements to ensure optimal performance and redundancy.
• Rack-mount the switch: Use the provided rack ears to secure the unit in a standard 19-inch rack. Verify clearance for cable management and ventilation to maintain performance and longevity.
• Power and cabling: Connect power sources per your data center standards and route PoE cables to endpoints. Keep PoE cables organized to minimize interference and simplify future changes.
• Connect uplinks: Attach modular uplinks (1G/10G) as needed to connect to core switches or distribution layers. Ensure link aggregation is configured if supported by your network design.
• Initial configuration: Access the switch via console or out-of-band management if available. Apply the Network Advantage license to unlock advanced features, then configure core settings such as VLANs, QoS policies, and ACLs.
• Security hardening: Implement 802.1X authentication, MAC-based access control lists, and port security to protect endpoints and prevent unauthorized devices from joining the network.
• PoE provisioning: Set PoE policies to ensure critical devices receive required power levels while optimizing energy efficiency across the switch.
• Monitoring and validation: Use Cisco management tools to monitor performance, PoE utilization, and security events. Validate that all endpoints are getting service and that uplinks are stable.
• Firmware and updates: Keep the device running with the latest firmware and security patches. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates without disrupting users.
• Documentation: Record the configuration, license status, port assignments, and network map to assist future upgrades and troubleshooting.

Frequently asked questions

• What makes the Catalyst 9300 48-Port PoE+ Network Advantage switch unique?
  The 9300 series combines high-density PoE+ ports, robust security features, and Cisco’s proven reliability with Network Advantage licensing. This combination provides scalable access-layer connectivity, enhanced policy control, and analytics-ready telemetry ideal for enterprise campuses and multi-site deployments.
• What is PoE+ and how does it benefit my network?
  PoE+ supplies higher wattage per port than standard PoE, enabling devices like IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras to operate without separate power adapters. This simplifies installation, reduces cabling clutter, and lowers total cost of ownership by consolidating power and data over a single cable per device.
• Can I stack multiple Catalyst 9300 switches?
  Yes. The Catalyst 9300 supports stacking to create a single logical switch with increased port density, simplified management, and improved fault tolerance. Stacking simplifies upgrades and maintenance, and helps ensure business continuity in the event of a single unit failure.
• What are the security capabilities included with Network Advantage?
  Network Advantage unlocks advanced security features such as identity-based access controls, policy-based segmentation, encrypted management, and integrated threat detection to help protect endpoints and sensitive data across the network edge.
• How do I manage and monitor the switch?
  Management is available via the Cisco CLI, the graphical user interfaces, and Cisco’s management and analytics tools. Network telemetry, port-level monitoring, and PoE usage dashboards make it easier to optimize performance and plan capacity.
• Is this switch suitable for campus deployments?
  Absolutely. Its dense PoE+ port count, reliable performance, campus-friendly features, and scalable licensing make it an ideal fit for enterprise campuses, classrooms, labs, and other high-demand environments.