In enterprise network access layer selection, the choice between a "professional-grade" and "flagship" 48-port PoE++ switch often hinges on "high-load adaptability" vs "extreme-scenario performance." As members of Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 series, the C9300-48P-A (48-port Gigabit PoE++ fixed access switch) and C9300-48T-A (48-port Gigabit PoE+++ enhanced access switch) share the same family DNA but diverge significantly in power delivery, expansion capabilities, and use cases. This article breaks down their core differences from hardware specs, features, design, user experience, to cost-effectiveness.
Both models leverage the Cisco Silicon One Q200 chipset, delivering identical foundational performance: ~2.56Tbps switching capacity and 1.92Mpps packet forwarding rate. However, their performance manifests differently under extreme loads:
C9300-48P-A: Optimized for high-load PoE++ use, it uses enhanced PoE++ modules (60W/port). In full load (48 ports ×1Gbps +48 PoE++ devices), latency is stable at ~4.8μs, with a total power consumption of ~900W. Ideal for large venues or industrial sites.
C9300-48T-A: Designed for extreme PoE+++ deployments, it upgrades to PoE+++ modules (90W/port) and optimizes cooling (4 fans + copper heat sinks). In full load (48 ports ×1Gbps +48 PoE+++ devices), latency remains low at ~5.1μs, with a total power consumption of ~1,200W. Perfect for ultra-large stadiums or data centers.
Their functional differences stem from power delivery and expansion design:
Feature | C9300-48P-A | C9300-48T-A |
---|---|---|
Power Delivery | 48×PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt), 60W/port, total ≈1,440W (dual power supply) | 48×PoE+++ (IEEE 802.3bt), 90W/port, total ≈2,160W (triple redundant power) |
Expansion | Supports 1 modular slot (SFP+/10G interfaces) | Supports 2 modular slots (dual 10G/stacking modules) |
Stack Support | StackWise-480 (up to 8 units, 192 ports) | StackWise-480 (up to 8 units, 192 ports) |
Ideal Use Cases | Large meeting rooms, industrial facilities | Ultra-large stadiums, data centers |
Both follow Cisco’s "industrial reliability" design, but details reflect their use cases:
Size & Weight:
C9300-48P-A is compact (500mm×44.5mm×420mm, ~10.5kg); C9300-48T-A is bulkier (550mm×44.5mm×450mm, ~12kg) with added cooling grilles.
Port Layout:
48P-A has a clean 2×24 port arrangement; 48T-A includes dual modular slots (labeled "MOD1/MOD2") for hot-swappable modules.
Labeling:
48P-A marks PoE++ ports with an orange "PoE++ MAX" icon; 48T-A uses a red "PoE+++ ULTRA" to highlight its extreme power.
User experience hinges on deployment scale and device type:
C9300-48P-A: Perfect for professional use. A 500-person banquet hall with 80 4K cameras and 30 APs can connect all devices via 48P-A, using Cisco DNA Center for one-click PoE++ configuration.
C9300-48T-A: Built for flagship needs. A large stadium with 120 8K cameras and 40 5G base stations can rely on 48T-A’s 90W ports and triple power design for stable, scalable connectivity.
C9300-48T-A costs 40%-50% more than 48P-A, primarily due to PoE+++ modules and triple power redundancy. The key is aligning with high-power PoE device count:
Small-to-medium venues with 50-80 PoE devices: 48P-A’s "48 ports +1,440W" is cost-effective.
Ultra-large venues with 80+ high-power PoE devices: 48T-A’s "48 ports +2,160W" avoids multiple switches, saving long-term costs.
Both support IOS XE upgrades (e.g., 17.3.x to 17.6.x) via DNA Center or CLI, but 48T-A requires extra care:
Issue Type | Symptom | Solution |
---|---|---|
Power Module Compatibility | Red blinking after upgrade | Use Cisco’s compatibility matrix to confirm power module support; replace with official models. |
Uneven PoE+++ Delivery | Some devices underpowered | Check power load balance with show power inline ; redistribute ports across power supplies. |
Modular Interface Failure | Module unrecognizable after upgrade | Confirm module compatibility with target IOS; update module firmware first. |
High-Load Packet Loss | Dropouts during peak traffic | Ensure proper ventilation; restart switch if overheating persists. |
C9300 series targets "all-scenario access," but their traits define distinct use cases:
C9300-48P-A:
Large meeting rooms: 80-100 4K cameras +30-40 APs (PoE++).
Industrial facilities: 50-60 PLC controllers +40-50 industrial cameras.
University gyms: 100 IP phones +50 APs per floor.
C9300-48T-A:
Ultra-large stadiums: 120-150 8K cameras +50-60 5G base stations.
Data centers: 80-100 servers (BMC) +40-50 storage devices (PoE+++).
International expos: 200 8K displays +100 APs per exhibition hall.
The core divide between C9300-48P-A and C9300-48T-A lies in "high-load adaptability" vs "extreme-scenario performance." The former is a "versatile tool" for compact, cost-sensitive environments; the latter is a "high-performance solution" for dense, high-demand deployments.
When purchasing, ask: "How many 90W+ PoE devices do we need now?" and "Will we add 8K/5G devices in 3 years?" The answer will guide you to the model that best fits your network’s needs—because "fit" often matters more than "specs" in long-term usability.