English Version: In-Depth Comparison Between Cisco C9300X-24HX-A and C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E: Performance Tiers from Access to Core

Jul 25 , 2025 13

English Version: In-Depth Comparison Between Cisco C9300X-24HX-A and C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E: Performance Tiers from Access to Core

Selecting enterprise network devices often involves choosing between "positioned models"—take Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 Series, including the C9300X-24HX-A (24-port access/aggregation) and C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E (48-port ultra-premium core). While the former focuses on "flexible adaptation," the latter is a "performance flagship." This article breaks down their differences—from specs to real-world use cases—to help you move beyond "port count comparison."

1. Performance Differences: From "Adequate" to "Flagship" Hardware

The two switches have distinct hardware configurations due to their differing roles:

• Processing Speed & Forwarding Capability:

• C9300X-24HX-A uses a Cisco-customized ASIC (ARM-based), supporting line-rate forwarding with ~800Mpps packet forwarding rate (Bpps) under full 10G port load.

• C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E employs Cisco’s Quantum ASIC (self-developed high-performance chip), achieving 2.4Tbps Bpps with 3μs forwarding latency under full 48×10G/25G/40G port load—40% faster than the C9300X.

• RAM & Storage:

• C9300X-24HX-A: 4GB DDR4 RAM (expandable to 8GB), 256MB flash (for OS images and configs).

• C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E: 8GB DDR4 RAM (expandable to 16GB), 512MB flash, with optional 1TB storage module support for heavy-duty tasks like SD-WAN and AI network analysis.

2. Feature Set: "Basic" vs. "Flagship" Functionality

Both run Cisco IOS XE 17.12.x+, but the C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E adds premium features:

• Shared Capabilities: IPv6 routing, VXLAN, EVPN, StackWise stacking (C9300X: up to 8 units; C9300L: up to 16 units), and consistent Web GUI/CLI management.

• C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E Exclusives:

• Ultra-High-Speed Uplinks: 2×QSFP28 100G ports (UXG = "Ultra eXtended Gigabit") for 400G stack aggregation, ideal for core/router connections.

• AI-Enhanced Management: Integrates Cisco DNA Center’s AI analytics to auto-detect network anomalies (e.g., sudden broadcast storms) and recommend optimizations.

• Multi-Tenant Support: Up to 1,024 VRFs for granular isolation, suited for large enterprises with departmental network segmentation.

3. Design & Aesthetics: "Compact Flagship" vs. "Flexible Access" Engineering

Their designs reflect their roles:

• Size & Weight:

• C9300X-24HX-A: 440mm×44.5mm×280mm, ~5kg (without power supplies), suitable for rack mid-layers or desktop deployment.

• C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E: 440mm×44.5mm×380mm, ~7.5kg, with a heavier metal chassis and larger heat dissipation for 24/7 high-load operation.

• Port Layout:

• C9300X-24HX-A: 24×10GbE SFP+ front panel, dual power slots + 2×USB 3.0 rear for logs/firmware.

• C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E: 48×mixed 10G/25G/40G SFP+/SFP28 front ports, top-integrated 2×100G QSFP28 stack ports, and redundant power slots for hot-swapping.

4. User Experience: Adapting to "Small Scenes" vs. "Large Networks"

User choice depends on deployment "stress tests":

• C9300X-24HX-A Fit:

• Small-to-medium enterprise campus access: Covers 2-3 buildings with Cisco 8865 IP phones, 9120AX APs, and office PCs (supports 150-200 concurrent users).

• Branch aggregation: Stacks 2 units for 48 ports, connecting branch servers/firewalls with simple management.

• C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E Fit:

• Large enterprise core: Connects multiple access switches, routers, and firewalls; 48 ports + 100G uplinks meet high-throughput needs.

• Data center edge: Links to 25G/40G server NICs, optimized traffic distribution via AI management to reduce latency.

5. Cost-Effectiveness: Price Gap vs. Long-Term Value

Official MSRP: C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E is 2.5-3x pricier than C9300X-24HX-A. Justify the cost by evaluating "time horizon":

• Short-Term (≤3 years): For stable networks (≤500 endpoints), C9300X-24HX-A’s "on-demand scaling" (stacking/software) avoids overpaying for unused performance.

• Long-Term (≥5 years): For expanding enterprises (branches, 25G/40G terminals, or AI ops), C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E’s scalability (RAM/storage/uplinks) prevents costly device replacement.

6. System Upgrades: Compatibility is the Biggest Challenge

Upgrade processes are similar, but C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E requires extra care due to its complexity:

• Steps:

1. Log in > Administration > Software Center.

2. Select model-specific firmware (C9300X: "X-Series"; C9300L: "L-Series").

3. Upload, start upgrade, and wait for reboot (C9300X: 5-8 mins; C9300L: 8-12 mins).

• Common Issues & Fixes:

• Issue 1: C9300L AI management fails post-upgrade.
  Cause: Firmware lacks DNA Center AI module compatibility.
  Fix: Use the latest stable firmware (≥17.12.1) or reinstall the AI module via "request platform software package install."

• Issue 2: Stacked C9300X and C9300L fail to sync configs.
  Cause: StackWise requires same-series stacking (X with X, L with L); cross-series mixing causes protocol incompatibility.
  Fix: Ensure identical models or switch to standalone mode (sacrificing stack scalability).

7. Product Series Use Cases & Core Strengths

Typical scenarios and strengths:

Conclusion: The choice hinges on network scale and future growth. The C9300X-24HX-A is ideal for small-to-medium networks needing flexibility; the C9300L-48UXG-2Q-E shines in large enterprises requiring top-tier performance and scalability. Both deliver robustness, but their positioning ensures each excels in its intended role.