​Ten Key Differences Between Cisco C9300L-24T-4X-E and C9300L-24T-4X-A

Jul 24 , 2025 9

Ten Key Differences Between Cisco C9300L-24T-4X-E and C9300L-24T-4X-A

Cisco Catalyst 9300L series is a staple in enterprise access networks, designed for SMBs, branch offices, and campus edge environments. Among its variants, the C9300L-24T-4X-E (Europe) and C9300L-24T-4X-A (Americas) cater to distinct regional needs, with differences rooted in compliance standards, power adapters, and localized optimizations. Below is a detailed comparison across 11 dimensions:

1. Performance: Same Hardware, No Compromises

Both models share the identical Catalyst 9300L hardware platform, delivering consistent core performance:

• Forwarding Rate: Both support line-rate forwarding up to 100Gbps (for 64-byte packets), handling high-traffic scenarios like video conferencing and file transfers for 150+ endpoints.

• RAM: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory (expandable to 8GB), ensuring smooth operation of Cisco IOS XE and DNA Center management tools.

• Storage: 4GB eMMC flash for system images, configurations, and logs, with USB support for external storage backups.

• Interface Spec: Both include 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports + 4 Ten-Gigabit SFP+ optical ports (no rate or quantity differences).

2. Feature Set: Core Capabilities with Regional Nuances

Both support 24 Gigabit ports + 4 optical ports, PoE+ (30W per port, 740W total), and key software features like IPv6 routing, VLANs, QoS, and 802.1X authentication. Differences lie in regional adaptations:

• 4X-E (Europe): Firmware optimized for European-frequency wireless APs (e.g., Cisco Aironet 2800i); compliant with EU EN 301 549 accessibility standards.

• 4X-A (Americas): Firmware tuned for North American ISP IPoE (DHCP Option 82) deployments; 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.

Only Noticeable Difference: Network planners must match interface types to local carrier requirements (e.g., use 4X-A for North American IPoE broadband).

5. Cost-Effectiveness: Same Hardware, Different Pricing

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

• 4X-E: Slightly higher in Europe due to stricter EU environmental standards (RoHS), but offset by tax incentives.

• 4X-A: More competitive in North America, with bundled services (e.g., 1-year Cisco Smart Net support) common in dealer offers.

6. Use Cases & Series Advantages

The C9300L-24T-4X series excels in “needs-specific” scenarios:

• Large Offices: 24T-4X-E’s 24 ports + 4X uplinks support 150+ users with PoE-powered IP devices.

• Branch Offices: 24T-4X-A’s 24 ports + 4X uplinks connect 100+ users to core networks without bandwidth limits.

• Data Center Edges: 24T-4X-A’s 4X ports directly link to core switches, avoiding performance bottlenecks.

Key Advantages:

• Port Flexibility: Mix of electrical and optical ports adapts to diverse access needs.

• Smart Automation: DNA Center reduces manual configuration by 90%.

• Long-Term Support: 5+ years of software updates (including security patches).

7. System Upgrades: Process, Pitfalls, and Fixes

Cisco IOS XE upgrades for C9300L-24T-4X/E 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 C9300L-24T-4X-E and -4X-A are built on the same reliable hardware platform, with differences boiling down to regional compliance and local optimizations. The 4X-E thrives in European environments with AP compatibility, while the 4X-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.