Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series: C9300-48U-A – High-Performance Unified Access Switch
Product Overview
The Cisco C9300-48U-A is a 1RU fixed-configuration switch designed for modern enterprise networks requiring flexible multi-gigabit connectivity. This advanced switch delivers exceptional port density with a combination of copper and fiber connectivity options, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications and unified access deployments.
Key Features & Specifications
Port Configuration:
48x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 ports
4x 1G/10G SFP+ uplink ports
2x 1G/10G management ports
Performance Specifications:
Switching capacity: 136Gbps (full duplex)
Forwarding rate: 101Mpps
Latency: <4μs (store-and-forward)
Advanced Capabilities:
Cisco StackWise-480 technology
DNA Center integration
Cisco TrustSec security
EnergyWise power management
Flexible NetFlow support
Power Options:
715W AC power supply (standard)
Optional PoE+ (380W) model available
Use Cases
✔ Enterprise Campus: High-density workstation connectivity
✔ Branch Offices: Consolidated network infrastructure
✔ Healthcare Networks: Medical device connectivity
✔ Education Campuses: Classroom technology deployments
✔ Retail Environments: POS system networking
Next-Generation Successor: C9400-48U-B (Projected 2025 Release)
Evolutionary Improvements
Feature | C9300-48U-A | C9400-48U-B | Improvement |
---|---|---|---|
Port Configuration | 48x1G+4x10G | 48x2.5G/5G+8x25G | 2.5x speed |
Switching Capacity | 136Gbps | 400Gbps | 3x |
Stacking Bandwidth | 480Gbps | 1.6Tbps | 3.3x |
Power Efficiency | 85% | 93% | 8% better |
Security Throughput | 10Gbps | 40Gbps | 4x |
Management Features | DNA Center | AI Network Assistant | AI-driven ops |
Strategic Advantages of Next-Gen Model
Multi-Gigabit Ready: Native 2.5G/5G BASE-T support
AI-Powered Operations: Predictive network analytics
Enhanced Security: Hardware-accelerated encryption
Sustainable Design: 30% lower power consumption
Future-Ready Uplinks: 25G/100G capable uplink ports
Migration Recommendations
Current Deployments: C9300-48U-A remains optimal for 1G environments
Future Planning: C9400-48U-B for upcoming multi-gigabit needs
Performance Needs: Prioritize upgrade for bandwidth-intensive applications
Feature Adoption: Gradually implement AI operations capabilities
Power Planning: Account for increased power requirements
Conclusion
While the C9300-48U-A continues to serve traditional enterprise networks effectively, the C9400-48U-B represents the future of campus switching with:
2.5x greater port speeds
AI-driven network operations
Enhanced security posture
Significant energy savings
Future-ready architecture
Alternative Title Options
"Cisco's Unified Access Evolution: From Gigabit to Multi-Gig"
"The Future of Enterprise Networking: Cisco's C9300 Successor"
"AI-Ready Campus Switching: Next-Gen Unified Access Portfolio"
"Sustainable Enterprise Networks: Cisco's Path to 400Gbps"