Cisco C9300-48UXM Switch

Comprehensive Overview of the Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UXM Switch

Watch Product Video Cisco C9300-48UXM Switch  
Download PDF Datasheet|Cisco C9300-48UXM Switch

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UXM switch stands at the absolute forefront of enterprise-grade access layer switching platforms. Engineered to power next-generation smart buildings, high-density Wi-Fi 6/6E wireless environments, and demanding IoT deployments, this switch seamlessly combines multi-gigabit copper connectivity, resilient UPOE power delivery, and stackable architecture. Designed as a key component of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series, the C9300-48UXM delivers uncompromising bandwidth density, defense-in-depth security, and cloud-ready operational simplicity.

Modern enterprise networks require high throughput to support bandwidth-intensive endpoints such as modern Wi-Fi access points, high-definition IP video cameras, multi-monitor VoIP desktop stations, and smart lighting systems. The C9300-48UXM addresses these challenges head-on by providing 48 total ports featuring Cisco Multigigabit (mGig) technology alongside flexible Universal Power over Ethernet (Cisco UPOE) capability. By leveraging this switch, IT administrators can eliminate data transmission bottlenecks, future-proof their physical network cabling investment, and consolidate power infrastructure into a unified management framework.

For organizations expanding their switching topology across multiple branches or upgrading core distribution units, integrating options like the C9300X-48HX or C9300X-48TX offers a cohesive architecture. Additionally, modern high-density wireless deployments can be seamlessly connected back to this enterprise switch platform using high-performance Wi-Fi 6 access points such as the MikroTik cAP ax or MikroTik hAP ax3 for robust office-wide wireless coverage.

Key Hardware Architecture and Port Configuration

The physical design of the C9300-48UXM is crafted for dynamic enterprise scaling. It incorporates 48 copper ports operating across variable speeds, including standard 100Mbps, 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps, and up to 10Gbps NBASE-T auto-negotiation speeds. This speed flexibility allows enterprise organizations to maximize the throughput of existing Cat5e and Cat6 copper cabling without undertaking costly physical recabling projects.

Flexible Port Layout and Speed Breakdown

Understanding the exact port allocation of the C9300-48UXM is essential for optimal network design and link distribution:

• 36 Multigigabit Ports (100M/1G/2.5G/5G): Dedicated to high-speed client connectivity, delivering optimal throughput for 802.11ax/6E access points and workstation endpoints.
• 12 Multigigabit Ports (100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G): High-density 10G-capable copper ports designed for hyper-demanding hardware, server connections, or high-bandwidth local storage appliances.
• Modular Uplink Architecture: Supports pluggable uplink network modules providing 1G, 10G, 25G, and 40G speed choices to integrate directly with upstream core distribution switches.

Network operators looking for alternative density configurations or complementary deployment switches can evaluate models like the C9300-24UX for lower port count multi-gigabit setups, or deploy the C9300-48U and C9300-48P for standard Gigabit Ethernet requirements. For compact branch offices requiring compact form factors, compact switches like the C9200CX-8UXG-2X or the C9200CX-12P-2X2G present space-efficient enterprise alternatives.

Power over Ethernet Capabilities: Cisco UPOE

Power over Ethernet (PoE) has evolved beyond supplying power to basic desktop IP phones. The C9300-48UXM features Cisco Universal Power over Ethernet (Cisco UPOE), capable of delivering up to 60 Watts per port across all standard copper interfaces. This significant power capability enables network engineers to run high-draw devices directly over Ethernet cables without requiring local AC power outlets.

Supported UPOE endpoints include:

• High-performance Wi-Fi 6E access points operating with multiple spatial streams and full radio features.
• Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) IP security cameras equipped with internal heating elements and high-definition video engines.
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) thin clients and desktop screens.
• Smart LED lighting grids, access control systems, and building automation sensors.

To support full UPOE across all 48 ports simultaneously, dual redundant power supply slots are built into the chassis. Combining dual power supplies ensures uninterrupted operation and high system availability, matching the resilience offered by higher-tier core models like the C9300X-24HX and C9300X-48HXN.

High-Performance Hardware Specifications

Below is a detailed breakdown of the technical specifications and hardware dimensions of the Cisco C9300-48UXM switch:

StackWise-480 Architecture and High Availability

Scalability is a cornerstone of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 platform. The C9300-48UXM incorporates Cisco StackWise-480 technology, providing an industry-leading stacking bandwidth of 480 Gbps. Stacking allows up to 8 switches to be united into a single logical unit with unified management, simplified IP management, and control plane redundancy.

StackWise-480 Capabilities

With StackWise-480, network operators achieve single-pane-of-glass management. The logical switch maintains a shared state, allowing seamless failover if a master switch experiences power or uplink loss. Cross-stack EtherChannel configurations further enhance resilience by distributing uplink bandwidth across physically separate chassis within the stack.

Cisco StackPower Technology

In addition to data stacking, the C9300-48UXM supports Cisco StackPower, an innovative power-interconnect system that allows power supplies across stacked switches to be pooled into a shared power domain. If a power supply fails in one unit, StackPower dynamically redistributes surplus power from adjacent switches to maintain mission-critical ports without dropping connected endpoints.

For network setups where high-density modular uplinks are essential, combining this switch with modular network adapters such as the C9200-NM-2Y, C9200-NM-2Q, C9200-NM-4X, or C9200-NM-4G ensures versatile connectivity options across different rack locations. When an expansion slot is unused, fitting a protective module like the C9200-NM-BLANK maintains optimal airflow and cooling performance.

Advanced Software Features and Licensing Models

The C9300-48UXM runs on Cisco IOS XE, an open, programmable operating system engineered for enterprise automation, telemetry, and advanced security. Cisco IOS XE supports telemetry streaming, patchability without downtime, and open APIs (such as NETCONF, RESTCONF, and YANG) for integration with modern DevOps tools.

Cisco DNA Software Subscriptions

Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches are powered by Cisco DNA (Digital Network Architecture) software subscriptions, available in two primary feature tiers:

• Network Essentials / DNA Essentials: Covers core enterprise switching requirements including basic Layer 3 routing (OSPF, EIGRP Stub, RIP), advanced quality of service (QoS), 802.1X authentication, and telemetry monitoring.
• Network Advantage / DNA Advantage: Unlocks advanced enterprise capabilities such as full Layer 3 routing protocols (BGP, full OSPF, IS-IS), Cisco TrustSec, MACsec-256 encryption, Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), dynamic segmentation, and network assurance.

Depending on enterprise requirements, administrators can compare feature tiers with non-PoE or standardized models such as the C9300-24T, C9300-48T, C9300-24P, or C9300-24U to match precise budget and functionality requirements.

Comparative Analysis: Catalyst 9300 vs Catalyst 9200 Series

Choosing the right switching platform requires evaluating performance metrics, uplink capabilities, and power budgets. The table below compares the Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UXM against popular Catalyst 9200 series models to highlight performance differences across enterprise tiers:

For organizations evaluating mid-tier branch switches, reviewing models like the C9200-48PXG or fixed-uplink variants such as the C9200L-48PXG-4X and C9200L-24PXG-4X provides valuable comparative insight when balancing infrastructure budget against performance demands.

Enterprise Security, Telemetry, and SD-Access Integration

Network security is built directly into the silicon of the Cisco C9300-48UXM. As cyber threats evolve, securing access points and end devices at the port level becomes vital. The C9300-48UXM provides end-to-end visibility and zero-trust framework enforcement.

Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)

One of the standalone capabilities of the Catalyst 9300 series is Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA). ETA leverages specialized hardware ASICs to analyze initial packet sequences and crypto-metadata without decrypting the payload. This allows security teams to identify malware hidden inside encrypted streams, detect rogue applications, and enforce compliance across all connected endpoints.

Cisco TrustSec and MACsec-256 Encryption

The C9300-48UXM supports IEEE 802.1AE MACsec-256 link encryption, providing line-rate hardware encryption between switches and host devices. Combined with Cisco TrustSec Security Group Tags (SGTs), network administrators can define access control policies based on user identity rather than rigid IP subnets, greatly simplifying micro-segmentation in enterprise networks.

SD-Access Architecture Integration

In a Cisco SD-Access environment, the C9300-48UXM acts as a high-performance Fabric Edge node. It seamlessly automates user onboarding, applies uniform security policies from edge to cloud, and isolates guest traffic from internal enterprise assets without requiring complex manual VLAN routing.

To construct a robust network topology, enterprise routers can be positioned alongside these switches. Top-tier edge routers such as the MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC or MikroTik CCR2116-12G-4S+ offer powerful enterprise routing capabilities to manage upstream WAN traffic effectively.

Deployment Scenarios and Real-World Applications

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

Deploying Wi-Fi 6 access points requires network ports capable of handling throughput exceeding 1 Gbps alongside higher power budgets. The C9300-48UXM delivers up to 10Gbps per port on its mGig interfaces and 60W UPOE power, ensuring access points operate at full capacity without throughput degradation or power throttling.

2. Smart Building and IoT Consolidation

Modern commercial buildings utilize connected LED lighting, automated HVAC sensors, physical access control units, and security cameras. The C9300-48UXM consolidates these disparate systems into a unified Ethernet infrastructure, providing centralized management, uninterruptible power backing via StackPower, and simplified maintenance.

3. Enterprise Campus Access Layer

For corporate headquarters and large administrative campuses, the C9300-48UXM serves as an ideal access layer switch. Its StackWise-480 capability allows network engineering teams to scale port density organically while maintaining simplified administration and seamless failover protection.

For smaller branch offices or edge deployments where lower power budgets are sufficient, options like the C9200L-48PL-4G or C9200L-48PL-4X deliver cost-effective connectivity. Similarly, compact desktop routers such as the MikroTik RB5009UG+S+IN can serve smaller remote office branches efficiently.

Installation, Thermal Management, and Power Efficiency

The C9300-48UXM is built for high-density rack environments. Efficient front-to-back airflow ensures optimal heat dissipation even under heavy UPOE workloads. Dual hot-swappable fan modules provide thermal redundancy, dynamically adjusting fan speeds based on real-time temperature telemetry.

Power Supply Options

To accommodate diverse power budgets, the switch supports interchangeable AC and DC power supplies. Common power supply configurations include 550W, 800W, 1100W, and 1900W AC units. When configured with dual 1900W power supplies, the chassis yields maximum available UPOE power, guaranteeing full 60W power availability across all active ports.

Network engineers configuring high-density switching closets can complement their switching fabric with upstream optical switches such as the C9300X-12Y-E or C9300X-24Y-E to establish ultra-fast 25G/100G optical uplinks across campus distribution cores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes the Cisco C9300-48UXM different from standard 48-port Catalyst switches?

The C9300-48UXM features 48 Multigigabit (mGig) ports (36 ports up to 5G and 12 ports up to 10G) paired with 60W Cisco UPOE capabilities. Standard 48-port switches typically offer only 1Gbps copper ports and 30W PoE+ power. The mGig and UPOE combination makes the C9300-48UXM ideal for Wi-Fi 6/6E access points and high-draw IoT hardware.

Does the C9300-48UXM support standard 1Gbps or 100Mbps Ethernet cables?

Yes. All copper ports on the C9300-48UXM feature auto-negotiation, supporting 100Mbps, 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps, and 10Gbps speeds over standard Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a cabling, eliminating the need to re-wire existing building infrastructure.

Can the C9300-48UXM be stacked with other Catalyst 9300 switches?

Yes. The C9300-48UXM can be stacked with any standard Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switch using StackWise-480 cables. Up to 8 switches can be combined into a single logical management unit with shared control planes and dynamic load balancing.

What power supplies are recommended for maximum UPOE performance?

To maximize UPOE power distribution across all 48 ports, installing dual 1100W or 1900W AC power supplies is recommended. Cisco StackPower can also be utilized to pool power across multiple stacked units for redundancy.

Where can I explore complementary network hardware or alternatives?

You can explore related enterprise hardware across our catalog, including high-capacity core switches like the C9500-48Y4C-E, branch switches like the C9200L-24PXG-2Y and C9200L-48PXG-2Y, or desktop compact switches like the C9200CX-12P-2XGH.

Final Verdict: Why Invest in the Cisco C9300-48UXM?

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-48UXM switch is an essential investment for enterprise networks preparing for the future of digital connectivity. By offering multi-gigabit copper speeds up to 10G, robust 60W Cisco UPOE power delivery, and high-speed StackWise-480 architecture, it addresses bandwidth constraints while consolidating device power requirements. Backed by the security and automated management capabilities of Cisco IOS XE and SD-Access, the C9300-48UXM delivers high performance, scalability, and long-term infrastructure protection for modern enterprise environments.