CISCO Catalyst 9300 48-Port Multi-Gigabit Data Only Network Essentials switch

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-Port Multi-Gigabit Data Only Network Essentials Switch (C9300X-48TX-E) is a next-generation enterprise-class switching platform designed for high-performance, secure, and scalable network access. With 48 multi-gigabit ports supporting speeds from 100M to 10G, this switch delivers the bandwidth needed for modern applications, including IoT, wireless convergence, and digital workplaces. Powered by Cisco IOS XE and a quad-core x86 CPU, it offers advanced analytics, automation, and security features.

Advantages

This switch provides exceptional performance with a switching capacity of up to 960 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 714.28 Mpps. It supports Cisco StackWise-480 technology for stacking up to 480 Gbps of bandwidth, ensuring high availability and simplified management. The perpetual Network Essentials license includes Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 routing, MACsec-256 encryption, and Encrypted Traffic Analytics for enhanced security. Its 1RU form factor and dual redundant power supply slots (power supplies sold separately) make it ideal for space-constrained environments.

Suitable for

• Enterprise campus networks requiring high-density multi-gigabit access
• Organizations deploying Wi-Fi 6/6E access points needing 2.5/5/10G uplinks
• Data-only environments where PoE is not required
• SD-Access ready deployments for software-defined networking

Key specifications

• 48 x 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet ports
• 1 modular uplink slot (supports various uplink modules)
• Switching capacity: 960 Gbps (StackWise-480)
• Forwarding rate: 714.28 Mpps
• CPU: 2.4 GHz Quad-Core x86
• DRAM: 16 GB, Flash: 16 GB
• Management ports: RJ-45 Console, USB-C Console, USB 2.0, 10/100/1000 Management
• Software: Cisco Network Essentials (perpetual)
• Layer support: Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 (static, RIP, OSPF limited)
• Security: MACsec-256, TrustSec, Flexible NetFlow, Encrypted Traffic Analytics
• Jumbo frame support: up to 9198 bytes
• VLANs: 4094, MAC address table: 64,000 entries
• Form factor: 1RU rack-mountable
• Operating system: Cisco IOS XE

Recommendations

For optimal performance, pair this switch with Cisco modular uplink modules and redundant power supplies (sold separately). Ideal for high-density access layer deployments requiring multi-gigabit speeds and advanced security.