​Ten Key Differences Between Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A and C9300L-24T-4X-E

Jul 24 , 2025 10

Ten Key Differences Between Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A and C9300L-24T-4X-E

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-48T-4G-A (Americas) and C9300L-24T-4X-E (Europe) cater to distinct needs, with differences rooted in port density, interface speed, and regional optimizations. Below is a detailed comparison across 11 dimensions:

1. Performance: Same Hardware, Port-Driven Variations

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.

• 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.

• Key Difference: The 48T-4G-A features 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports + 4 Gigabit SFP optical ports, while the 24T-4X-E includes 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports + 4 Ten-Gigabit SFP+ optical ports.

2. Feature Set: Core Capabilities with Port-Specific Use Cases

Both support 48/24 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 port application:

• 48T-4G-A: Optimized for high-density terminal access (e.g., 200+ users in large offices) with 4 Gigabit SFP ports for low-cost, short-range fiber links.

• 24T-4X-E: Built for high-bandwidth uplinks (e.g., connecting to core switches) with 4 Ten-Gigabit SFP+ ports that eliminate bottlenecks for video conferencing or storage traffic.

3. Design & Appearance: Port Count Dictates Form Factor

Both adopt a 1U rack-mount design (44mm height), but port density drives physical differences:

• 48T-4G-A: Wider chassis (≈440mm) to accommodate 48 electrical ports + 4 optical ports, ideal for spacious server rooms.

• 24T-4X-E: More compact (≈300mm width) with 24 electrical ports + 4 optical ports, suited for smaller branch offices or space-constrained environments.

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 port density and speed to terminal count and uplink requirements (e.g., use 48T-4G-A for dense offices, 24T-4X-E for high-bandwidth cores).

5. Cost-Effectiveness: Port Density Drives Pricing

Hardware costs are slightly higher for the 48T-4G-A (due to more ports), but regional factors (taxes, certifications) may adjust final prices:

• 48T-4G-A: Priced higher in the Americas for large-scale deployments, but cost-effective for businesses needing 200+ terminal connections.

• 24T-4X-E: More affordable in Europe, with bundled services (e.g., 1-year Cisco Smart Net support) common in dealer offers.

6. Use Cases & Series Advantages

The C9300L-48T-4G/A series shines in “needs-specific” scenarios:

• Large Offices: 48T-4G-A’s 48 ports + 4G uplinks support 200+ users with PoE-powered IP devices.

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

• Data Center Edges: 24T-4X-E’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-48T-4G/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-48T-4G-A and -24T-4X-E are built on the same reliable hardware platform, with differences boiling down to port density and interface speed. The 48T-4G-A excels in high-density terminal access, while the 24T-4X-E thrives in high-bandwidth uplink scenarios. Both are excellent choices for SMBs and branches—simply pick based on your current and future network needs.