Ten Key Differences Between Cisco C9300-24S-E and C9300-24S-A

Jul 24 , 2025 36

Ten Key Differences Between Cisco C9300-24S-E and C9300-24S-A

Cisco’s C9300-24S series, including the C9300-24S-E (Europe) and C9300-24S-A (Americas), are regional variants of a reliable enterprise access switch. Below is a detailed comparison across 11 dimensions:

1. Performance: Same Hardware, Consistent Capabilities

Both models share the identical C9300 hardware platform, delivering consistent core performance:

• Processor: Classic MIPS multi-core (1.2GHz dual-core).

• RAM: 2GB DDR3 (expandable to 4GB).

• Storage: 2GB eMMC (USB 2.0 support).

• Forwarding Rate: 80Gbps line-rate forwarding (64-byte packets).

2. Feature Set: Core Functions with Regional Nuances

Both support IOS XE basics like VLANs, QoS, and 802.1X, but differ in localized optimizations:

• C9300-24S-E: Optimized for European wireless APs (e.g., Cisco Aironet 2800i) with lower latency; compliant with EU EN 301 549 accessibility standards.

• C9300-24S-A: Tuned for North American ISP IPoE (DHCP Option 82) deployments with higher broadband connection success rates; compliant with FCC Part 15B electromagnetic standards.

3. Design & Appearance: Subtle Regional Details

Both adopt a 1U rack-mount design (44mm height) with front-facing ports, but regional compliance drives subtle differences:

• Power Adapters: E uses a Euro-style round-head adapter (220-240V input); A uses a US-style flat-head adapter (100-240V input).

• Certification Labels: E displays “CE” marks and “230V” voltage labels; A shows “FCC ID” without additional voltage notes.

4. User Experience: Seamless for Admins, Planning Matters

For IT admins and end-users, both models offer identical usability:

• Deployment: Quick setup via DNA Center (10 minutes to configure ports, PoE, and VLANs).

• Management: Unified Web GUI/CLI interface—familiar to anyone versed in Cisco tools.

• Troubleshooting: Consistent syslog/SNMP metrics for monitoring CPU, port traffic, and faults.

5. Cost-Effectiveness: Same Hardware, Different Pricing

Hardware costs are nearly identical, but regional factors (taxes, certifications) may cause minor price gaps:

• C9300-24S-E: Slightly higher in Europe due to stricter EU environmental standards (RoHS).

• C9300-24S-A: More competitive in North America, with bundled services common in dealer offers.

6. Use Cases & Series Advantages

The C9300-24S series excels in “needs-specific” scenarios:

• European Offices: 24S-E’s CE certification and local AP compatibility reduce deployment friction.

• North American Branches: 24S-A’s IPoE optimization ensures stable broadband connections.

• Education/Medical: Both models’ PoE+ and QoS features support critical applications without budget overruns.

7. System Upgrades: Process, Pitfalls, and Fixes

Cisco IOS XE upgrades for C9300-24S models follow these steps:

Upgrade Steps:

1. Backup Config: Use write memory or DNA Center to save settings.

2. Download Firmware: Get the latest IOS XE image from Cisco.com (match hardware version).

3. Upload Firmware: Transfer via TFTP/SCP or push via DNA Center.

4. Execute:

• CLI: Set boot system flash:/new_image.bin and reload.

• DNA Center: Install via the “Software Center.”

Common Issues & Fixes:

• Problem 1: Upgrade fails (e.g., power loss mid-process).
  Fix: Boot into ROMmon (hold Mode key), load the old firmware with boot system flash:/old_image.bin, then retry.

• Problem 2: Features break post-upgrade (e.g., PoE failure).
  Fix: Check Cisco’s hardware-software compatibility matrix; roll back to a stable version if a bug is confirmed.

• Problem 3: Management interface unreachable.
  Fix: Verify IP settings (default: 192.168.1.1); use Console port (serial cable) to reconfigure.

Conclusion

The C9300-24S-E and -24S-A are built on the same reliable hardware platform, with differences boiling down to regional compliance and local optimizations. The 24S-E thrives in European environments with AP compatibility, while the 24S-A excels in North America with IPoE stability. Both are excellent choices for SMBs and branches—simply pick based on your location’s certification and service needs.