Description
Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UXM-A Ethernet Switch
The Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UXM-A Ethernet Switch is a state-of-the-art, enterprise-class networking solution designed to meet the demands of modern campus networks. Built for scalability, security, and reliability, this fixed-architecture switch delivers robust performance, flexible uplink options, and seamless integration with Cisco’s intent-based networking portfolio. It’s ideal for organizations seeking a high-density, secure access layer switch that supports future growth, high-availability, and intelligent management across distributed sites.
Engineered to power today’s connected workspaces, the C9300-48UXM-A combines high port density with advanced features that optimize traffic handling, improve security posture, and simplify day-to-day administration. From small branch offices to large campuses, this switch enables a uniform policy framework, consistent user experience, and reduced operational complexity—delivering a scalable foundation for voice, video, collaboration, IoT, and data-intensive applications.
- High-density, enterprise-grade access: 48 x 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports designed for reliable campus access, with PoE-capable configurations to power IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points in a single, streamlined device.
- Flexible uplink and scaling options: The C9300-48UXM-A supports versatile uplink configurations to match your network topology, including 4 x 10-Gigabit SFP+ uplinks or higher-speed options through modular connectivity, enabling smooth growth as traffic patterns evolve.
- Stacking and resilience: Built for resiliency and simplified management, this switch can participate in Cisco StackWise-Architecture deployments, enabling seamless chassis-like scalability, easy configuration, and centralized monitoring across multiple units in a stack.
- Comprehensive security posture: Integrated security features protect users and devices at the edge, with capabilities such as secure access (802.1X), DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and policy-driven access controls to prevent common threats from penetrating the network.
- Intelligent network management: Runs Cisco IOS XE software with advanced QoS, routing, and policy capabilities, and offers integration with Cisco DNA Center for simplified intent-based network management, automated policy enforcement, and real-time analytics.
Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UXM-A Ethernet Switch
- Form factor: Fixed, 1U rack-mountable switch designed for enterprise access and distribution layers.
- Ports: 48 x 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE-capable configurations available (subject to the exact SKU and power budget).
- Uplink options: Flexible uplink configurations available, including 4 x 10-Gigabit SFP+ uplinks or higher-speed options depending on the model variant.
- Stacking: Supports Cisco StackWise-Architecture for scalable stacking, simplified management, and consistent policies across multiple switches in a single logical unit.
- Power and efficiency: Designed with energy-efficient features and intelligent cooling to reduce operating costs while maintaining performance and reliability in busy campus environments.
- Security features: Built-in security capabilities at the edge, including 802.1X authentication, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, IP source guard, and access control policies to protect against unauthorized devices and threats.
- Software and management: Cisco IOS XE-based software with robust routing, switching, QoS, and policy capabilities; integrates with Cisco DNA Center for zero-touch provisioning, telemetry, and centralized policy management.
- Quality of Service: Advanced QoS features to prioritize critical traffic such as voice and video, ensuring reliable performance for collaboration and real-time applications.
- Lifecycle and updates: Regular software updates and security patches through Cisco’s support ecosystem, with ongoing enhancements to features and stability via IOS XE.
- Performance characteristics: Engineered to handle high-traffic workloads at the network edge, enabling consistent throughput, low latency, and predictable performance for a wide range of enterprise workloads.
How to install Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UXM-A Ethernet Switch
Installing the Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UXM-A is designed to be straightforward for IT teams accustomed to Cisco platforms. Follow these generalized steps to deploy the switch in your campus or enterprise edge:
- Plan and prepare: Identify the placement for the switch in a standard 19-inch rack, ensuring adequate airflow and cooling. Confirm the selected uplink configuration and verify power availability to support the device’s PoE or power budget requirements.
- Rack and mount: Secure the switch in a 1U rack slot using the provided mounting brackets. Ensure the device is firmly anchored to prevent movement during operation or maintenance.
- Power connection: Connect to a suitable power source, verifying that the power rails and circuit protectors meet the switch’s requirements. If your deployment supports redundant power, connect to secondary power inputs as specified by the SKU.
- Initial cabling: Install the uplink connections (SFP+ or QSFP+ modules as appropriate) and connect access ports to end devices or access points. Label cables for easy identification and future maintenance.
- Software and configuration: Access the device via console or a management network and load the desired IOS XE image. Apply baseline configuration for VLANs, management access, and basic security settings. Enable desired features such as QoS, ACLs, and routing policies as part of your network design.
- Stacking and interconnects: If deploying in a stack, connect StackWise cables between switches in the stack, then configure the stack interface (virtual switch) to ensure unified management and consistent policies.
- Security posture: Implement 802.1X authentication for endpoints, enable DHCP snooping and dynamic ARP inspection, and apply access-control policies to protect the edge.
- Monitoring and validation: Use Cisco DNA Center or the CLI to verify interface status, latency, and throughput. Confirm PoE budgets (if applicable) are sufficient for powered devices and that QoS policies are functioning as intended.
- Documentation and backup: Record IP addresses, VLANs, and policy configurations. Create a backup of the configuration and firmware image to ensure quick recovery in case of device changes or failures.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UXM-A best suited for? It is designed for enterprise campus networks requiring dense access-layer ports, robust security, scalable uplinks, and seamless management through Cisco IOS XE and DNA Center integration.
- Does this switch support PoE/PoE+? The C9300-48UXM-A family offers PoE-capable configurations in select SKUs, enabling power delivery to IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points from the switch itself.
- Can I stack multiple C9300-48UXM-A switches? Yes. The switch supports Cisco StackWise-Architecture, allowing the creation of a single logical switch from multiple physical units for simplified management and consistent policy enforcement.
- What kind of security features are included? It includes edge security features such as 802.1X authentication, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, IP source guard, and ACL-based access controls to defend against common threats at the network edge.
- How is software maintained? The switch runs Cisco IOS XE and benefits from ongoing software updates, security patches, and feature enhancements through Cisco’s support ecosystem, with options for IOS XE upgrades as your network evolves.
- Can it integrate with Cisco DNA Center? Yes, the C9300-48UXM-A is designed to work with Cisco DNA Center for centralized policy management, zero-touch provisioning, telemetry, and more efficient network operations.
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