In enterprise network access layer selection, the choice between a "basic" and "enhanced" 48-port PoE+ switch often hinges on "general-purpose" vs "specialized" needs. As members of Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 series, the C9300-48P-E (48-port Gigabit PoE+ fixed access switch) and C9300-48P-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 load:
C9300-48P-E: Optimized for general PoE+ use, it uses standard PoE+ modules (30W/port). In full load (48 ports ×1Gbps +24 PoE devices), latency is ~4.5μs, with a total power consumption of ~650W. Ideal for small-to-medium enterprises or community centers.
C9300-48P-A: Designed for high-load PoE++ deployments, it upgrades to enhanced PoE++ modules (60W/port) and optimizes cooling (additional fans + heat sinks). In full load (48 ports ×1Gbps +48 PoE++ devices), latency remains stable at ~4.8μs, with a total power consumption of ~900W. Perfect for large venues or industrial sites.
Their functional differences stem from power delivery and expansion design:
Feature | C9300-48P-E | C9300-48P-A |
---|---|---|
Power Delivery | 48×PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at), 30W/port, total ≈740W (dual power supply) | 48×PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt), 60W/port, total ≈1,440W (dual redundant power) |
Expansion | No modular slots; 48 ports fixed | Supports 1 modular slot (SFP+/10G interfaces) |
Stack Support | StackWise-480 (up to 8 units, 192 ports) | StackWise-480 (up to 8 units, 192 ports) |
Ideal Use Cases | Small-to-medium offices, community centers | Large venues, industrial facilities |
Both follow Cisco’s "industrial reliability" design, but details reflect their use cases:
Size & Weight:
C9300-48P-E is compact (480mm×44.5mm×400mm, ~9kg); C9300-48P-A is bulkier (500mm×44.5mm×420mm, ~10.5kg) with added cooling grilles.
Port Layout:
48P-E has a clean 2×24 port arrangement; 48P-A includes a modular slot (labeled "MOD") for hot-swappable modules.
Labeling:
48P-E marks PoE+ ports with a yellow "PoE+" icon; 48P-A uses an orange "PoE++ MAX" to highlight its enhanced power.
User experience hinges on deployment scale and device type:
C9300-48P-E: Perfect for general use. A 200-person office with 50 IP phones and 30 APs can connect all devices via 48P-E, using Cisco DNA Center for one-click PoE+ configuration.
C9300-48P-A: Built for specialized needs. A large stadium with 80 4K cameras (60W each) and 20 APs can rely on 48P-A’s 60W ports and modular design for stable, scalable connectivity.
C9300-48P-A costs 30%-40% more than 48P-E, primarily due to enhanced PoE++ modules and cooling. The key is aligning with high-power PoE device count:
Small-to-medium offices with 20-40 PoE devices: 48P-E’s "48 ports +740W" is cost-effective.
Large venues with 50+ high-power PoE devices: 48P-A’s "48 ports +1,440W" 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 48P-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-E:
Small-to-medium offices: 50-80 terminals +30-40 PoE phones.
Community centers: 20-30 cameras +10-15 APs (PoE+).
School labs: 40 computers +20 non-PoE whiteboards.
C9300-48P-A:
Large venues: 80-100 4K cameras +20-30 APs.
Industrial facilities: 50-60 PLC controllers +30-40 industrial cameras.
University lecture halls: 100 IP phones +40 APs per floor.
The core divide between C9300-48P-E and C9300-48P-A lies in "general-purpose adaptability" vs "specialized 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 high-power PoE devices do we need now?" and "Will we add more 60W+ terminals 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.