Cisco C9300-48T-A vs C9300-48T-E: A Detailed Comparison of 48-Port PoE+++ Access Switches

Jul 18 , 2025 5

Cisco C9300-48T-A vs C9300-48T-E: A Detailed Comparison of 48-Port PoE+++ Access Switches

In enterprise network access layer selection, the choice between a "flagship" and "enhanced flagship" 48-port PoE+++ switch often hinges on "extreme-scenario adaptability" vs "complex-environment resilience." As members of Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 series, the C9300-48T-A (48-port Gigabit PoE+++ fixed access switch) and C9300-48T-E (48-port Gigabit PoE+++ enhanced access switch) share the same family DNA but diverge significantly in power redundancy, expansion capabilities, and use cases. This article breaks down their core differences from hardware specs, features, design, user experience, to cost-effectiveness.

1. Performance Differences: "Stable Output" vs "Extreme Stress Resistance"

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:

• C9300-48T-A: Optimized for high-load PoE+++ use, it uses enhanced PoE+++ modules (90W/port). In full load (48 ports ×1Gbps +48 PoE+++ devices), latency is stable at ~5.1μs, with a total power consumption of ~1,200W. Ideal for large venues or industrial sites.

• C9300-48T-E: Designed for extreme PoE+++ deployments, it upgrades to dual PoE+++ power modules (90W/port) and optimizes cooling (4 fans + graphene heat sinks). In full load (48 ports ×1Gbps +48 PoE+++ devices), latency remains low at ~5.3μs, with a total power consumption of ~1,400W. Perfect for data centers or 5G micro-base station clusters.

2. Feature Set: "Professional Coverage" vs "Enhanced Expansion"

Their functional differences stem from power delivery and expansion design:

3. Design & Aesthetics: "Compact" vs "Robust"

Both follow Cisco’s "industrial reliability" design, but details reflect their use cases:

• Size & Weight:
  C9300-48T-A is compact (550mm×44.5mm×450mm, ~12kg); C9300-48T-E is bulkier (580mm×44.5mm×480mm, ~13.5kg) with added cooling grilles and a cable management slot.

• Port Layout:
  48T-A has a clean 2×24 port arrangement; 48T-E includes triple modular slots (labeled "MOD1/MOD2/MOD3") for hot-swappable modules, with one slot optimized for 5G small cell modules.

• Labeling:
  48T-A marks PoE+++ ports with a red "PoE+++ ULTRA" icon; 48T-E uses a blue "PoE+++ ENHANCED" to highlight its enhanced expandability.

4. User Experience: "Effortless Setup" vs "Professional Management"

User experience hinges on deployment scale and device type:

• C9300-48T-A: Perfect for professional use. A 500-person banquet hall with 120 8K cameras and 50 APs can connect all devices via 48T-A, using Cisco DNA Center for one-click PoE+++ configuration.

• C9300-48T-E: Built for enhanced needs. A data center with 100 servers (BMC) and 60 storage devices (PoE+++) can rely on 48T-E’s dual power redundancy and smart cooling to maintain stable operation in 40℃ environments.

5. Cost-Effectiveness: Matching Needs to Avoid Waste

C9300-48T-E costs 30%-40% more than 48T-A, primarily due to dual power redundancy, graphene cooling, and extra modular slots. The key is aligning with high-power PoE device count + environment complexity:

• Small-to-medium venues with 80-120 PoE devices: 48T-A’s "48 ports +2,160W" is cost-effective.

• Complex environments with 80+ high-power PoE devices: 48T-E’s "dual power +3 modular slots" avoids multiple switches, saving long-term costs.

6. System Upgrades: Common Issues and Fixes

Both support IOS XE upgrades (e.g., 17.3.x to 17.6.x) via DNA Center or CLI, but 48T-E requires extra care:

7. Product Series Use Cases: Highlighting Advantages

C9300 series targets "all-scenario access," but their traits define distinct use cases:

• C9300-48T-A:

• Ultra-large stadiums: 120-150 8K cameras +50-60 5G base stations.

• Industrial facilities: 80-100 PLC controllers +60-80 industrial cameras.

• University gyms: 150 IP phones +80 APs per floor.

• C9300-48T-E:

• Data centers: 100-120 servers (BMC) +60-80 storage devices (PoE+++).

• 5G micro-base station clusters: 80-100 macro stations +40-50 small cells.

• International expos: 250 8K displays +120 APs per exhibition hall.

Conclusion: Choosing Between "Flagship" and "Enhanced Flagship"

The core divide between C9300-48T-A and C9300-48T-E lies in "extreme-scenario adaptability" vs "complex-environment resilience." 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 5G/small cells 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.