Cisco Catalyst C9300-48S Ethernet Switch – Enterprise-Grade Security, IoT Readiness, and Cloud-Driven Mobility

Introducing the Cisco Catalyst C9300-48S Ethernet Switch, a cornerstone of modern enterprise networks designed to harmonize security, IoT integration, mobility, and cloud connectivity. This switch sits at the heart of Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 Series, renowned for being the leading stackable enterprise switching platform. Built to support today’s distributed, device-rich environments, the C9300-48S delivers robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, advanced security features, and seamless scalability for campus and branch deployments. With its resilient architecture, this switch enables IT teams to consolidate network operations, optimize performance, and accelerate digital transformation—without compromising reliability or control. Whether you’re powering smart classrooms, connected manufacturing, or remote offices, the C9300-48S is engineered to simplify deployment, reduce operational complexity, and future-proof your network against evolving business demands.

• The Cisco Catalyst C9300-48S is built for high-density fiber connectivity, delivering 48 SFP ports that enable flexible uplinks and access paths across campus or data center edge locations. This design supports scalable bandwidth growth, efficient segmentation, and improved network resilience, helping you deploy robust service levels for video, IoT devices, and latency-sensitive applications while maintaining a clean, organized cabling layout.
• Security sits at the core of the C9300-48S’s design. It supports enterprise-grade features that help protect devices, data, and users as they traverse the network. From strong authentication and access control to threat-aware policy enforcement, the switch is engineered to minimize attack surfaces and to help organizations meet regulatory requirements without sacrificing performance or user experience.
• Stackable architecture simplifies management and expansion. By combining multiple switches in a single logical fabric, administrators can scale capacity and port density with ease, while preserving uniform policies, configurations, and monitoring. This approach reduces operational overhead, accelerates rollout of new services, and provides a straightforward path to network modernization as your organization grows.
• Software-defined intelligence powers efficient operations. The C9300-48S runs Cisco IOS XE and offers tight integration with Cisco DNA Center and cloud management solutions, enabling centralized provisioning, policy-driven automation, and holistic visibility across the network. With telemetry, analytics, and intent-based networking, IT teams can optimize performance, security, and reliability at scale.
• Designed for modern workloads and IoT readiness, the Catalyst 9300 family supports dynamic QoS, granular traffic segmentation, and reliable uptime for business-critical applications. Its energy-conscious design helps reduce total cost of ownership, while smart fan and cooling features keep the system performant in various environmental conditions. The result is a resilient, future-ready platform that keeps pace with rapid changes in the enterprise.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst C9300-48S Ethernet Switch

• Model: Cisco Catalyst 9300-48S Ethernet Switch
• Ports: 48 SFP fiber ports for flexible fiber connectivity and uplinks
• Form Factor: Fixed, rack-mountable switch in the Catalyst 9300 family
• Software: Cisco IOS XE operating system with access to advanced features and cloud-ready capabilities
• Management: Cisco DNA Center compatibility for centralized management, policy automation, and telemetry
• Networking Features: Layer 2/3 switching, security and IoT readiness, and support for scalable campus deployments

How to install Cisco Catalyst C9300-48S Ethernet Switch

• Plan your deployment by mapping cabling paths, determining stack topology, and selecting placement in a secure, well-ventilated rack environment. Ensure power sources meet local electrical standards and that cooling is adequate for sustained operation. Prepare configuration baselines aligned with your organization’s security and QoS policies.
• Mount the switch securely in a standard 19-inch rack. Use the included mounting brackets and follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure proper ventilation and cable management. Before powering on, verify that all mounting hardware is tightened and that there is enough clearance for airflow around the device.
• Connect fiber cables to the 48 SFP ports and attach uplinks as required by your network design. Route cables neatly to minimize interference and accidental disconnections. Label ports for straightforward management and future expansion, and confirm that fiber transceivers are compatible with your network backbone.
• Power up the switch and perform an initial console-based configuration. Use the console or an out-of-band management path to set basic device parameters such as hostname, management IP, and a secure admin password. From there, you can proceed with any required Layer 2/3 configurations and access control policies.
• Enable security, QoS, and IoT policies aligned with your security architecture. Integrate the switch with Cisco DNA Center or your preferred management platform to enable automatic provisioning, real-time telemetry, and centralized policy enforcement. Validate functionality by running basic connectivity tests, VLAN configurations, and access control lists to ensure expected behavior across the network.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many ports does the Cisco Catalyst 9300-48S have? A: The switch includes 48 SFP fiber ports for flexible fiber connectivity and uplinks.
• Q: Is the Catalyst 9300-48S stackable? A: Yes. It is part of Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 family, designed to be stacked with other switches to form scalable, resilient fabrics with unified policies and management.
• Q: What software does it run and how can I manage it? A: It runs Cisco IOS XE and integrates with Cisco DNA Center for centralized management, automation, and telemetry, enabling streamlined operations and policy enforcement.
• Q: Is this switch suitable for IoT and cloud workloads? A: Yes. The Catalyst 9300-48S is engineered for IoT readiness, mobility, and cloud connectivity, delivering security, performance, and scalability to support diverse devices and cloud integrations.
• Q: What should I consider during installation? A: Plan topology and cabling carefully, ensure proper rack mounting and cooling, perform initial secure configuration, and integrate with a centralized management platform to achieve consistent policy enforcement and visibility across the network.