English Version: Cisco C9300-48UXM-A vs C9300L-48PF-4X-A: A Practical Duel of Enterprise Switches

Jul 28 , 2025 8

English Version: Cisco C9300-48UXM-A vs C9300L-48PF-4X-A: A Practical Duel of Enterprise Switches

In the enterprise networking arena, Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 series is a staple for SMBs and large enterprises. Among its models, the C9300-48UXM-A (UXM Edition) and C9300L-48PF-4X-A (PF Edition) are “specialists”—similar in core design but tailored to distinct roles. Let’s break down their differences, from specs to real-world use.

1. First, Decode the Suffixes: What -A Means

Both carry the “-A” suffix for North American FCC certification. The preceding letters reveal their core focus:

• UXM Edition: UXM stands for “Unified Access Manager,” optimized for unified network management (IPv6, multicast, QoS)—built for enterprises needing granular control.

• PF Edition: PF stands for “Power over Ethernet Plus,” focused on high-density PoE+ power delivery (up to 90W per port)—ideal for powering IP phones, APs, and cameras.

2. Performance Specs: Same Core, Different “Jobs”

Both share identical hardware cores (CPU, switch chip), but port configurations define their strengths:

In short: Both handle heavy traffic, but UXM focuses on managing networks, while PF excels at powering devices.

3. Feature Set: “Network Management” vs “Power Delivery”

UXM Edition: The “Network Manager Pro”

• Ports: 48×10G/1G auto-sensing (supports IPv6, multicast, QoS).

• Strength: “Application-Aware QoS” prioritizes video calls over file downloads; integrates with Cisco DNA Center for zero-touch deployment.

• Ideal Use Case: Large enterprises (multi-department isolation), hospitals (medical device priority), colleges (campus-wide traffic control).

PF Edition: The “Power Supply Specialist”

• Ports: 48×10G/1G auto-sensing (40+ support PoE+ 90W).

• Strength: Total PoE+ power up to 3700W (802.3bt compliant)—powers 80+ IP phones, 40+ APs, or 20+ 8K cameras.

• Ideal Use Case: Schools (classrooms with APs/phones), malls (surveillance cameras), corporate meeting rooms (dense AP deployments).

4. Design & Appearance: “Management Interfaces” vs “Power Modules”

• Size/Weight: Both measure ~47.6cm tall × 439.4mm wide, but PF Edition is heavier (~12kg) due to PoE+ modules; UXM Edition is lighter (~11kg) with a compact layout.

• Port Arrangement: UXM Edition splits ports into management (top) and business (bottom) rows, with a dedicated Console port for direct debugging. PF Edition groups optical ports on the left (fiber-friendly), with PoE+ ports labeled on the right.

• Power: UXM Edition includes dual power supplies (redundant for 30-minute uptime); PF Edition starts with single power (optional dual for critical sites).

5. User Experience: “Ease of Use” Wins

Real-world feedback shows “fit” matters most:

• Enterprise IT Teams: Prefer UXM Edition—“application-aware QoS” and DNA Center app simplify managing video calls, downloads, and IoT devices.

• School/Store Admins: Prefer PF Edition—PoE+ powers classrooms/stores without extra wiring; “smart load balancing” keeps APs/phones running smoothly.

• Shared Pain Point: Both have engineer-focused CLIs; new users should use the DNA Center app for quick settings.

6. Cost-Effectiveness: Buy What You Need

Prices differ by ~25% (UXM is pricier due to IPv6/multicast features). Hidden costs depend on your needs:

• ≤50 Users: PF Edition is cheaper—PoE+ suffices, and UXM’s extra features are unnecessary.

• 100-300 Users: UXM Edition saves money long-term—no need for separate multicast routers or power adapters.

• Multinationals: Buy region-specific models—mixing -A editions avoids compliance and management issues.

7. Product Strengths: Built for Specific Jobs

Core advantages? Precision engineering:

• UXM Edition: The “all-in-one manager” for large organizations requiring granular control over diverse networks.

• PF Edition: The “budget-friendly power house” for schools, malls, or small enterprises needing mass device powering.

8. Firmware Upgrades: Avoid Common Pitfalls

Both use Cisco IOS XE, but follow these steps to avoid issues:

Upgrade Steps (via Cisco DNA Center):

1. Log in, go to “Device Management” → “Software Upgrade,” and select region-specific firmware (-A editions only!).

2. Check devices, click “Upgrade,” and let the system validate the firmware.

3. Restart after completion (schedule during off-peak hours).

Troubleshooting:

• Issue 1: PoE+ ports fail post-upgrade (PF Edition only).
  Cause: Non-North American certified firmware causing PoE+ conflicts.
  Fix: Revert to FCC firmware, back up config (write memory), and reload old firmware.

• Issue 2: Multicast traffic lags (UXM Edition only).
  Cause: Missing “multicast routing” or incorrect IGMP group settings.
  Fix: Enable with ip multicast-routing in CLI, then check groups via show ip igmp groups.

9. Use Cases: Where They Excel

Case 1: Beijing University (Using PF Edition)

Need: 30 classrooms (10 APs/classroom), 5 IP phones/classroom, 20×8K cameras in the library—unified PoE+ power.
Solution: Deploy PF Edition—40+ PoE+ ports power all devices, 3700W total power avoids extra wiring. Result: £100k saved on cabling, zero AP/phone downtime.

Case 2: Shanghai Multinational Headquarters (Using UXM Edition)

Need: 500 headquarters staff, 200 branch staff—isolate finance networks (highest priority), ensure smooth video calls, limit public downloads.
Solution: Deploy UXM Edition—“application-aware QoS” prioritizes financial traffic, video calls use dedicated channels, public downloads capped at 10Mbps. Result: Employees report “zero lag in meetings.”