Cisco C9300-24UX Switch

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-24UX Switch represents the pinnacle of enterprise access layer architecture, engineered specifically to power high-density Wi-Fi 6/6E wireless access points, ultra-modern IoT infrastructure, and high-bandwidth network nodes. Built upon the industry-leading Cisco Unified Access Data Plane (UADP 2.0) ASIC architecture and driven by open Cisco IOS XE, the C9300-24UX delivers unmatched Multigigabit ethernet density, Cisco UPOE (Universal Power over Ethernet) delivering up to 60W per port, and dynamic stackable capabilities.

As modern enterprise workloads expand, traditional Gigabit Ethernet switches bottleneck network throughput and fail to feed high-draw PoE endpoints. The Cisco C9300-24UX solves these operational challenges by offering flexible Cisco Multigigabit technology (100M, 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G) over standard copper cabling, making it the ideal foundational building block for next-generation digital workspaces, smart buildings, and enterprise campus environments.

Key Features and Architecture Overview

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The Catalyst C9300-24UX is engineered from the ground up to address complex networking requirements, integrating security, cloud management, automation, and full high-availability deployment options into a single compact 1RU form factor.

• 24 Multigigabit Ports: 24 Ethernet ports supporting automatic auto-negotiation across 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, and 10 Gbps speeds on standard Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a cabling.
• Cisco UPOE Capability: Provides up to 60W of power per port across all copper interfaces, accommodating high-draw devices such as Wi-Fi 6 access points, video conferencing systems, smart lighting, and IP cameras.
• StackWise-480 Technology: Delivers high-density enterprise stacking with up to 480 Gbps of stacking bandwidth for uniform management, simplified configuration, and hardware redundancy.
• Cisco StackPower Integration: Innovative power-stacking technology allowing power supply sharing among up to four switches, providing high availability and power resiliency.
• UADP 2.0 ASIC Architecture: Purpose-built programmable ASIC supporting software-defined networking (SDN), custom pipeline capabilities, and hardware-enforced security profiles.
• Advanced Enterprise Security: Native support for Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), AES-128 MACsec encryption, Trust Anchor Technologies, and Cisco TrustSec authentication.

Multigigabit Performance for Next-Gen Mobility

Deploying high-speed Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E wireless infrastructure requires uplink bandwidth exceeding 1 Gbps per access point. The Cisco C9300-24UX bridges this throughput gap by delivering up to 10 Gbps copper connectivity without replacing existing copper cabling runs. Network administrators can seamlessly transition from standard 1G access switches like the C9300-24T or PoE switches like the C9300-24P to true multigigabit performance.

For organizations deploying high-density switching stacks requiring multi-rate copper and fiber uplinks, integrating the C9300-24UX alongside higher-tier uplink options such as the C9300X-24Y-E or the compact C9300X-12Y-E ensures uncompromised throughput from the edge directly to the core network.

Detailed Hardware Specifications

Understanding the hardware architecture of the Cisco C9300-24UX helps network architects design reliable infrastructure. Below is a complete breakdown of its technical specifications:

Power, Thermal, and Environmental Management

Power consumption and thermal efficiency are critical when running high-wattage UPOE devices across 24 multigigabit ports. The C9300-24UX utilizes platinum-efficient modular power supplies and variable-speed redundant fan modules to maximize operational efficiency while minimizing energy costs.

When deployed in medium-to-large wiring closets alongside compact switches like the C9200CX-8UXG-2X or standard access models such as the C9300-48T, StackPower allows cross-unit power sharing, ensuring that essential UPOE devices remain operational even in the event of an individual power supply unit (PSU) failure.

Product Comparison: Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series

Selecting the optimal model within the Catalyst 9300 portfolio depends on port density, speed requirements, and PoE deployment demands. The table below illustrates how the C9300-24UX compares against adjacent models in the C9300 and C9300X series:

Modularity and Uplink Versatility

The Cisco C9300-24UX features dedicated expansion slots for field-replaceable Network Modules (NM). These uplink modules allow enterprises to easily adapt their uplink capacity from 1G and 10G up to 25G and 40G without replacing the switch chassis itself.

For organizations scaling their access layer while standardizing uplink modules across different catalyst families, combining the C9300-24UX with expansion options like the C9200-NM-2Y, C9200-NM-2Q, C9200-NM-4X, or C9200-NM-4G provides structured hardware longevity. If an uplink slot is unused, deploying a C9200-NM-BLANK module ensures optimal thermal airflow across the chassis.

Enterprise Security and Automated Operations

Enterprise networks face sophisticated cybersecurity challenges daily. The Cisco C9300-24UX delivers integrated security controls designed to safeguard critical assets, protect sensitive data, and maintain full network visibility across physical and virtual domains.

Encrypted Traffic Analytics and Zero-Trust Security

Through Cisco Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), the C9300-24UX analyzes flow characteristics to identify potential malicious threats hidden within encrypted communications—without decrypting the payload or violating user privacy compliance standards. Coupled with hardware-anchored Secure Boot, run-time anti-counterfeit protection, and AES-128 MACsec layer 2 encryption, the C9300-24UX ensures end-to-end zero-trust network access.

Whether integrated into an enterprise core running large multi-layer switches such as the C9500-48Y4C-E or extending access coverage alongside branch switches like the C9200L-48PXG-2Y, Cisco DNA Center automation streamlines policy management, segmentation, and automated software upgrades.

Deployment Scenarios for Cisco C9300-24UX

1. High-Density Wi-Fi 6/6E Wireless Rollouts

Modern Wi-Fi 6 and 6E access points require multi-gigabit connections to prevent throughput bottlenecks, alongside UPOE power to drive advanced features like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons and multi-radio arrays. The C9300-24UX delivers up to 10G speed and 60W UPOE across all 24 ports, providing a perfect deployment platform for corporate offices, educational campuses, and healthcare environments.

2. Smart Buildings and IoT Convergence

Modern commercial buildings demand reliable power and data for connected lighting, smart HVAC sensors, IP security cameras, and automated door controllers. By supplying up to 60W UPOE per port, the C9300-24UX replaces legacy high-voltage power lines with clean Ethernet-based power, reducing infrastructure installation costs significantly.

In environments requiring specialized compact form factors or varied PoE deployment types, network architects often pair the C9300-24UX with compact switches such as the C9200CX-12P-2X2G, C9200CX-8P-2X2G, or power-pass-through units like the C9200CX-8PT-2G for optimized spatial placement.

3. Seamless Enterprise Migration Path

Upgrading legacy networking gear can be challenging. The C9300-24UX integrates seamlessly into existing Cisco infrastructure. Network operators can incrementally upgrade legacy branch switches—such as the C9200L-24PXG-2Y or C9200L-48PXG-4X—to the C9300-24UX without requiring redesigns of the underlying core network or command-line scripting syntax.

For smaller branch locations where basic multigigabit or Gigabit PoE capabilities are sufficient, deployment engineers can complement the C9300 series using entry-level SMB switches like the C1300X-24NGU-4X, C1300X-48NGU-4X, or C1300X-24MU-4X, ensuring a tailored fit for every architectural tier.

Software Features and Subscription Licensing

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series runs on open, programmable Cisco IOS XE software, enabling automated provisioning, telemetry streaming, and advanced protocol support.

Network Essentials vs. Network Advantage

The C9300-24UX can be ordered with either **Network Essentials** or **Network Advantage** software suites, combined with a corresponding Cisco DNA subscription term (Cisco DNA Essentials or Cisco DNA Advantage):

• Network Essentials: Includes comprehensive Layer 2 switching capabilities, basic Layer 3 routing (OSPF routed access, EIGRP Stub, RIP), basic telemetry, and Quality of Service (QoS) management.
• Network Advantage: Unlocks full Layer 3 enterprise routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), advanced Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF), Cisco TrustSec, MPLS, and advanced telemetry for deep network analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes the C9300-24UX different from standard Gigabit Cisco switches?

Unlike standard Gigabit switches that max out at 1 Gbps per copper port, the C9300-24UX features 24 Cisco Multigigabit ports supporting 100M, 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and up to 10G copper speeds over standard Cat5e/Cat6 cables. Additionally, it supports Cisco UPOE up to 60W per port.

2. Can I stack the C9300-24UX with other Catalyst 9300 series models?

Yes, the C9300-24UX utilizes StackWise-480 technology and can be stacked with any standard Catalyst 9300 Series switch (such as the C9300-24T or C9300-48T) using dedicated stacking cables. Note that C9300X models run on StackWise-1T, which downshifts to StackWise-480 speeds when mixed in a stack with native C9300 switches.

3. What type of cabling is required to support 10G Multigigabit speeds?

To achieve full 10 Gbps speeds on Multigigabit copper ports, standard Cat6a cabling is recommended for distances up to 100 meters. However, 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps speeds can routinely be achieved on standard existing Cat5e and Cat6 installations.

4. Does the C9300-24UX support 90W UPOE+?

The C9300-24UX natively supports Cisco UPOE (up to 60W per port). If your deployment specifically requires 90W UPOE+ (802.3bt Type 4), consider upgrading to Catalyst 9300X models such as the C9300X-24HX or C9300X-48HX.

5. Is the power supply hot-swappable on the C9300-24UX?

Yes, the switch supports dual redundant, field-replaceable power supplies. You can replace or add a secondary power supply unit without shutting down or interrupting active network traffic.

Conclusion and Ordering Information

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-24UX Switch provides the perfect convergence of multigigabit speed, high-wattage UPOE power delivery, enterprise security, and software-defined automation. Designed to eliminate network bottlenecks and power modern smart enterprise endpoints, it is an essential investment for future-proofing your network infrastructure.

For full network integration, optional accessories, power supplies, network modules, or custom enterprise quotes, contact the IT hardware specialists at NexoGet today.