Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series: C9300-48UN-A – High-Density Multi-Gigabit Access Switch
Product Overview
The Cisco C9300-48UN-A is a 1RU fixed-configuration switch designed for modern enterprise networks requiring flexible multi-gigabit connectivity. As part of Cisco's flagship Catalyst 9000 series, this switch delivers exceptional port density with a combination of multi-gigabit copper ports and high-speed fiber uplinks, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications and IoT deployments.
Key Features & Specifications
Port Configuration:
48x 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10GBASE-T RJ45 ports (Network Unlimited variant)
4x 1G/10G SFP+ uplink ports
2x 1G/10G management ports
Performance Specifications:
Switching capacity: 176Gbps (full duplex)
Forwarding rate: 131Mpps
Latency: <3μs (cut-through mode)
Advanced Capabilities:
Cisco StackWise-480 technology
DNA Center integration
Cisco TrustSec security with MACsec encryption
EnergyWise power management
Flexible NetFlow with hardware acceleration
Power Options:
715W AC power supply (standard)
Optional PoE+ (380W) model available
Use Cases
✔ Enterprise Campus: High-density workstation connectivity
✔ Digital Workspaces: Bandwidth-intensive collaboration systems
✔ Healthcare Networks: Medical imaging and connected devices
✔ Education Campuses: Next-generation classroom technology
✔ Retail Environments: Digital signage and interactive displays
Next-Generation Successor: C9400-48UN-B (Projected 2025 Release)
Evolutionary Improvements
Feature | C9300-48UN-A | C9400-48UN-B | Improvement |
---|---|---|---|
Port Configuration | 48x10G+4x10G | 48x25G+8x25G | 2.5x speed |
Switching Capacity | 176Gbps | 400Gbps | 2.3x |
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 Evolution: Native 5G/10G/25G BASE-T support
AI-Powered Operations: Predictive network analytics
Enhanced Security: Hardware-accelerated encryption
Sustainable Design: 30% lower power consumption
Future-Ready Architecture: 25G/100G capable uplink ports
Migration Recommendations
Current Deployments: C9300-48UN-A remains optimal for 10G environments
Future Planning: C9400-48UN-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 C9300-48UN-A continues to serve current multi-gigabit networking needs effectively, the C9400-48UN-B represents the future of enterprise access 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 Multi-Gig Evolution: From 10G to 25G Connectivity"
"The Future of Enterprise Access: Cisco's C9300 Successor"
"AI-Ready Campus Switching: Next-Gen Multi-Gig Portfolio"
"Sustainable High-Density Networking: Cisco's Path to 400Gbps"