Cisco Catalyst C9300-24S Ethernet Switch

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-24S Ethernet Switch is a cornerstone of modern enterprise networks, engineered to reimagine how teams connect, collaborate, and secure data across the campus. As part of the Catalyst 9000 family, this switch brings together stackable agility, robust security, and intelligent automation to power a hybrid work world. Designed for reliability and scalability, the C9300-24S delivers high-density fiber connectivity, seamless stacking, and a foundation for intent-based networking, helping organizations future-proof their access layer while simplifying management and enhancing policy enforcement across the network.

• Stackable architecture for scalable growth. Build a resilient campus fabric with Cisco StackWise technology that lets you combine multiple switches into a single, logical chassis. This simplifies management, reduces downtime during expansion, and maintains consistent performance as your network evolves.
• High-density fiber connectivity. The 24 SFP ports provide abundant fiber access at the edge, enabling fast, reliable uplinks and flexible deployment in dense campus environments where fiber is preferred for performance and distance.
• Advanced security and policy enforcement. Protect your organization with built‑in security features that span network access and data planes, including robust authentication, encryption, and traffic visibility to prevent threats from traversing your network.
• Intelligent automation and management. Run Cisco IOS XE software with programmable APIs, allowing simplified day-to-day operations, faster provisioning, and seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center for centralized policy, assurance, and analytics.
• Designed for a hybrid world and enterprise reliability. Engineered to handle mixed traffic patterns and evolving workloads, the C9300-24S supports secure remote access, QoS, and dependable performance in campus environments from small to large scale deployments.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst C9300-24S Ethernet Switch

• Port count: 24 SFP fiber ports for high-density fiber connectivity and flexible deployment options across the access layer.
• Stacking capability: Supports Cisco StackWise technology to create a scalable, single-management switch fabric that simplifies upgrades and maintenance across multiple chassis.
• Operating system: Cisco IOS XE, the modern, secure, and programmable operating system that enables automation, open APIs, and seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center and other management platforms.
• Security features: Built-in security with access control, 802.1X authentication, and encryption capabilities designed to safeguard data as it moves through the network. The platform offers visibility and enforcement at scale to help prevent breaches and enforce policy consistently.
• Management and automation: Supports RESTful APIs, CLI, and web-based management interfaces. Designed to work with centralized management solutions for policy-driven automation and rapid service delivery across the campus.
• Deployment versatility: Suitable for a range of campus edge needs, including campus backbone access, data center top-of-rack scenarios, and hybrid cloud integration, with compatibility across Cisco’s broader security, wireless, and software-defined networking ecosystem.
• Power and connectivity options: Availability of SKU variants with different power and feature sets. Exact PoE/PoE+ capabilities vary by model; verify the specific SKU to confirm power options for endpoints and devices connected to the switch.
• Reliability and efficiency: Engineered for continuous operation in busy enterprise environments, with cooling and thermal design that supports quiet, reliable cooling and energy efficiency aligned with modern data center and campus standards.

How to Install Cisco Catalyst C9300-24S Ethernet Switch

Installing the Cisco Catalyst C9300-24S is a straightforward process designed to minimize downtime and maximize uptime. Start by preparing the physical environment: mount the switch in a standard 19-inch rack, ensuring adequate airflow around the chassis. If you are stacking multiple units, plan the stacking topology in advance and connect the appropriate stacking cables between units to establish a unified control plane. Once the hardware is in place, follow these steps to bring the switch online and ready for production:

Step 1: Physical setup – Verify the rack mounting, secure all devices, and confirm that power connections are stable. Ensure that the space is free of obstructions that could impede airflow and access for maintenance.

Step 2: Cable and port planning – Route the 24 SFP fiber ports to your distribution paths. Plan uplinks and downstream connections, paying attention to color-coded cables and labeling for easier management in a growing network.

Step 3: Power-on and initial access – Power up the switch and connect a management workstation to a known management interface (console or out-of-band management network). Use the console to access the initial setup dialog or connect remotely if you have already configured out-of-band access.

Step 4: Basic configuration – Establish a secure management IP address, set an enable secret, and assign a recognizable hostname. Configure basic access control and enable SSH for secure remote management. If you are integrating with Cisco DNA Center, ensure API access is enabled and your device is registered for centralized policy and assurance.

Step 5: Stacking and topology – If deploying in a stack, connect the StackWise cables according to Cisco’s guidance and verify the stack’s unity with management tools. Use the appropriate commands to identify stack members and confirm the master switch is elected properly.

Step 6: Security and policy – Implement baseline security policies, including 802.1X authentication for endpoints, MAC address lockdown on critical ports, and access control lists to limit management interfaces. Enable encrypted management channels and, if applicable, MACsec to protect data in motion on high-priority links.

Step 7: QoS and routing – Define QoS policies for critical applications, classify traffic, and ensure that latency-sensitive services receive appropriate priority. For inter-VLAN routing and inter-switch communication, configure the necessary routing protocols and ensure proper segmentation aligned with your security design.

Step 8: Verification – Use show commands to verify port status, stacking integrity, and security configurations. Run tests to validate throughput on selected SFP ports and confirm that the management plane is reachable from your centralized tooling. Document the final topology for ongoing maintenance and future expansion.

For organizations adopting automation, you can import this switch into your network’s automation framework and use templates for rapid provisioning. The Cisco IOS XE backbone enables scriptable configuration, policy provisioning, and integration with monitoring dashboards, giving IT teams the capabilities to scale deployments without sacrificing control or security.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco Catalyst C9300-24S Ethernet Switch? The C9300-24S is a high-density, stackable access switch in the Cisco Catalyst 9000 family, designed to provide secure, scalable fiber connectivity at the edge while integrating with Cisco’s intent-based networking ecosystem.
• Does the C9300-24S support PoE? PoE capabilities vary by SKU. Some variants offer PoE/PoE+ options, while others are non-PoE. Check the exact model’s specifications to confirm PoE capabilities and power budgets for connected devices.
• What makes the C9300-24S suitable for a hybrid work environment? Its combination of high-density fiber ports, stackability, security features, and automation-friendly IOS XE software enables reliable access for on-premises users and seamless integration with cloud-based services and security policies, supporting a hybrid work model.
• How does stacking benefit network management? Stacking creates a single, logical switch fabric, simplifying configuration, management, and failure domains. It enables easier capacity planning, faster upgrades, and consistent policy enforcement across multiple devices.
• What management tools work with the C9300-24S? The switch supports Cisco IOS XE, REST APIs, CLI, and web interfaces, and it integrates with Cisco DNA Center for centralized policy, assurance, and automation across the network.