Cisco C9300-24P-A vs C9300-24T-A: A Detailed Comparison from Specifications to Scenarios

Jul 18 , 2025 4

Cisco C9300-24P-A vs C9300-24T-A: A Detailed Comparison from Specifications to Scenarios

In enterprise network deployment, the choice of access-layer switches directly impacts the stability of terminal devices and operational costs. As star models of Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 series, the C9300-24P-A (24-port PoE+ access switch) and C9300-24T-A (24-port Gigabit Ethernet access switch) are often compared. While both belong to the Catalyst 9300 family, their interface capabilities differ, leading to distinct application scenarios. This article breaks down their core differences from technical specs, features, design, user experience, to cost-effectiveness.

1. Basic Performance: Processing Speed and Hardware Configuration

A key advantage of the Catalyst 9300 series is its hardware architecture based on the Cisco Silicon One Q200 series chip, balancing high performance with low power consumption. Both models share this chip, delivering consistent switching capacity (≈2.56Tbps) and packet forwarding rates (≈1.92Mpps), easily handling enterprise-level high-throughput demands.

The main differences lie in RAM and storage expansion:

• RAM: Both come with 4GB DDR4 RAM, expandable to 8GB (via optional memory modules), supporting multi-threaded processing and complex protocols (e.g., IPv6, OSPF).

• Storage: Both include 4GB eMMC flash for system images and configs. External storage (USB 3.0, up to 2TB) is compatible with both for expansion.

2. Feature Set: PoE+ Defines Usage Boundaries

The core difference is port power delivery capability:

• C9300-24P-A: 24×10/100/1000BASE-T PoE+ ports (IEEE 802.3at), with 30W max per port and ≈370W total PoE budget (subject to power supply limits). This directly powers IP phones, wireless APs, IP cameras, and other powered endpoints, eliminating separate power adapters.

• C9300-24T-A: 24×10/100/1000BASE-T non-PoE ports, offering data transmission only. Ideal for connecting self-powered devices (e.g., computers, printers, servers) or as a pure data access layer.

Beyond power, both support StackWise-480 stacking (up to 8 units, expanding to 192 ports), Cisco DNA Center (centralized management), SD-Access (software-defined access), and features like 802.1X security and QoS.

3. Design and Aesthetics: Industrial Design Nuances

Catalyst 9300 series emphasizes compactness and reliability, with both models sharing a similar look:

• Dimensions: 440mm (W) × 44.5mm (H) × 350mm (D), ≈7.5kg (without power supply), fitting 19-inch racks.

• Ports: Front-panel 24×Gigabit ports (auto-MDIX), with optional AC/DC power supplies (top/bottom).

The only visible difference is port labeling: C9300-24P-A’s PoE+ ports feature a yellow “PoE+” icon, while C9300-24T-A ports are unmarked. This helps admins quickly identify device types.

4. User Experience: Scenario-Driven Efficiency

For IT admins, the user experience hinges on deployment costs and maintenance ease:

• C9300-24P-A: Ideal for “plug-and-play” scenarios. For example, deploying 50 IP phones + 20 APs in an office: using C9300-24P-A eliminates separate power lines—just one cable per device—reducing cabling costs by ~40% and simplifying troubleshooting (check only network connectivity).

• C9300-24T-A: Better for environments with existing power infrastructure. In a data center edge room, where servers/storage use PDUs, C9300-24T-A saves on PoE module costs (≈15%-20% cheaper) and avoids overload-related downtime.

5. Cost-Effectiveness: Matching Needs to Avoid Overprovisioning

C9300-24P-A typically costs 15%-20% more than C9300-24T-A, primarily due to PoE+ hardware (power chips, cooling). The key is aligning with your scenario:

• If deploying many powered endpoints (IP phones, APs, cameras), C9300-24P-A’s “plug-and-play” reduces upfront cabling and long-term maintenance—more cost-effective over time.

• If connecting self-powered devices or on a tight budget with no near-term PoE needs, C9300-24T-A offers better value.

6. System Upgrades: Common Issues and Fixes

Cisco switch upgrades (e.g., from IOS XE 17.3.x to 17.6.x) via Cisco DNA Center or CLI support ISSU (in-service software upgrade) to minimize downtime. Common issues and solutions:

7. Product Series Use Cases: Highlighting Advantages

Catalyst 9300 series targets “enterprise all-scenario access.” Typical use cases:

• C9300-24P-A:

• Education: Classroom APs (PoE-powered), teacher IP phones, surveillance cameras—unified PoE+ simplifies cabling.

• Retail: Store APs, electronic price tags, security cameras—avoids messy power lines.

• SMB Headquarters: Employee IP phones, conference room APs, and 4K cameras (PoE+ supports high-power devices).

• C9300-24T-A:

• Data Centers: Connecting servers/storage (no PoE needed), reducing unnecessary power consumption.

• Industrial Plants: PLC controllers, industrial PCs (self-powered), adapting to harsh environments (with industrial PSUs).

• Branch Offices: Employee computers, printers, video conferencing terminals—pure data access with firewall-based zoning.

Conclusion: Choose Based on Needs, Avoid Overkill

The core difference between C9300-24P-A and C9300-24T-A is PoE+ support, dictating their ideal scenarios. The former is a “versatile” access switch for powered endpoints; the latter is a “cost-effective” data switch for self-powered environments. When purchasing, align with future terminal plans (PoE needs), cabling costs, and budgets—“sufficiency” often trumps “comprehensiveness” in efficient network deployment.