Cisco Catalyst 9300X-24Y Ethernet Switch

The Cisco Catalyst 9300X-24Y Ethernet Switch is engineered to power modern networks that must blend rigorous security, IoT readiness, unstoppable mobility, and cloud-driven management. As part of Cisco’s leading stackable enterprise switching platform, the 9300X-24Y extends the trusted reliability of the Catalyst 9300 family with even greater performance, smarter security, and simplified operations. This switch is purpose-built for distributing policy-driven access across campuses, branch offices, and industrial environments while delivering seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center and other cloud-based management tools. Whether you are deploying dense user zones, deploying countless IoT sensors, or delivering high-bandwidth applications to mobile devices, the 9300X-24Y is designed to meet today’s demands and scale for tomorrow’s workloads.

• Security-first architecture—delivers robust access control, encrypted management, and integrated threat protection to safeguard devices, users, and data at the edge. The platform supports modern security features and authentication methods designed to prevent unauthorized access and maintain data integrity across the network.
• IoT and mobility readiness—engineered to handle a high density of smart devices, cameras, sensors, and end-user devices with intelligent QoS, segmentation, and policy-driven controls that optimize performance and security for IoT deployments and mobile users alike.
• Cloud-ready management—seamlessly integrates with Cisco DNA Center, cloud telemetry, and policy automation to simplify provisioning, monitoring, and assurance. This enables IT teams to push configurations, monitor health, and enforce security posture from the cloud or on-premises.
• Scalability and resilience—a stackable design that grows with your network needs, offering simplified expansion, centralized management, and resilient operation through features such as redundancy-aware hardware and flexible uplink options to minimize downtime.
• Energy efficiency and cost savings—optimized power management and energy-conscious features help reduce operating costs while supporting PoE-enabled devices where applicable, contributing to greener, more economical networks without compromising performance.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 9300X-24Y Ethernet Switch

• Product Type: Ethernet switch designed for enterprise access and distribution layers.
• Ports: 24 Ethernet ports to connect endpoints, infrastucture devices, and IoT endpoints.
• Uplink Options: Flexible uplink capabilities to support high-speed connections and scalable network design (exact speeds and modules vary by SKU).
• Stacking and Scalability: Stackable architecture that simplifies growth, management, and policy consistency across multiple switches in a single domain.
• Software: Runs Cisco IOS XE with modern features for secure, policy-driven networking and cloud-friendly operations.
• Security Features: Includes integrated security mechanisms suitable for edge deployments, with support for standard enterprise controls and secure management access.
• Management and Automation: Compatible with Cisco DNA Center for automation, analytics, and assurance, enabling centralized control of policy, provisioning, and monitoring.
• Power and Efficiency: Energy-aware capabilities to optimize consumption; PoE/PoE+-capable configurations may be available depending on SKU, helping power devices such as IP phones and wireless access points.

How to install Cisco Catalyst 9300X-24Y

Preparing for installation begins with planning the switch placement in a suitable 19-inch rack, ensuring adequate ventilation and access to power. Before powering up, verify the environment meets temperature and airflow requirements outlined by Cisco to maintain reliability and performance across the device’s lifecycle. Having a catalog of connected devices and a clear network design helps accelerate configuration and reduces the risk of misconfigurations during deployment.

1) Mount and connect: Secure the switch in the rack, connect the management console or out-of-band management interface, and attach the appropriate power source(s). If you’re deploying in a stack, ensure the stacking cables are properly seated according to Cisco’s stacking guidelines.

2) Initial connectivity: Connect a management workstation to a dedicated management port or the first data port, depending on your topology. Establish a basic management session using the console or SSH to begin the initial configuration. This step establishes administrative access and sets baseline security parameters to protect subsequent configurations.

3) Basic configuration: Define the management IP, enable the required features, and set up initial security policies (such as authentication methods and access control lists). At this stage you can create a consistent baseline for VLANs, QoS, and security posture that aligns with your network design.

4) Policy and security hardening: Implement policy-based controls that govern device access, user segmentation, and device onboarding. Integrate with Cisco DNA Center or your chosen SDN solution to enable automation, real-time analytics, and continuous assurance. This step is essential for maintaining a robust security posture as your network grows.

5) Validation and deployment: Validate connectivity by testing uplinks, end-user devices, and IoT endpoints. Check for proper VLAN tagging, QoS behavior, and policy enforcement. If you’re using stacking, confirm that all members appear as a single logical unit within the management console and that failover works as intended. Finally, monitor the network to ensure performance targets and security rules are being met.

Best practices for ongoing operation include enabling proactive monitoring, enabling secure management practices (such as disabling unused services and enforcing strong authentication), and scheduling regular firmware updates from Cisco to protect against emerging threats and vulnerabilities. By following these steps, administrators can realize a reliable, scalable, and secure campus or data-center edge that aligns with modern cloud-centric IT strategies.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco Catalyst 9300X-24Y Ethernet Switch? A high-performance, stackable enterprise switch designed to deliver security, IoT readiness, mobility, and cloud-enabled management for modern campus and edge networks. It belongs to Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 family and is optimized for scalable, policy-driven networking.
• Does the 9300X-24Y support PoE? PoE/PoE+-capable configurations may vary by SKU. Please refer to the exact model specification to confirm PoE support and power budgets for connected devices such as IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points.
• What software does it run? It runs Cisco IOS XE, offering a modern, secure operating system with features for policy-based automation, telemetry, and integration with Cisco DNA Center for centralized management and assurance.
• How can I manage and monitor the switch? Management can be performed through CLI, a web-based interface (where available), and cloud-ready options via Cisco DNA Center or compatible network management platforms to provide real-time analytics, configuration, and security enforcement.
• Is the Catalyst 9300X-24Y suitable for cloud-centric deployments? Yes. Its design supports cloud-oriented management, telemetry, and integration with software-defined networking workflows to simplify deployment, monitoring, and policy enforcement across distributed locations.