C9300-24T-A: An Overview of Cisco’s Switch

Cisco Systems, Inc. is a multinational technology conglomerate that specializes in the development and production of networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other computer-related products. Among their extensive product offerings, the C9300-24T-A from Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches stand out as high-performance, highly secure, and intelligent switches. The C9300-24T-A is one model that offers great utility for the price it is available at.

We will focus on this model, which is part of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to C9300-24T-A, including its features, benefits, and specifications.

Table of Contents

1. What is C9300-24T-A?
2. Features and Benefits of C9300-24T-A
3. Hardware Specifications of C9300-24T-A
4. Software Specifications of C9300-24T-A
5. Configuration Options for C9300-24T-A
6. Performance and Scalability of C9300-24T-A
7. Security Features of C9300-24T-A
8. Power Efficiency of C9300-24T-A
9. Environmental Sustainability of C9300-24T-A
10. Compatibility of C9300-24T-A
11. Support and Warranty for C9300-24T-A
12. Comparison of C9300-24T-A
    • C9300-24T-E
    • C9300-24U-A
    • C9300-24UX-A
13. Conclusion
14. FAQs

1. What is C9300-24T-A?

The C9300-24T-A is a 24-port Ethernet switch that is part of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series. It is designed for high-performance enterprise and commercial use and can be used for a wide range of applications, including campus LAN, branch, and industrial networks.

Additionally, the switch also offers advanced features such as integrated wireless LAN controller, support for advanced network analytics and management, and enhanced security features that provide a secure, reliable, and scalable network solution.

2. Features and Benefits

The C9300-24T-A offers a wide range of features that provide enhanced performance, scalability, and security. Some of the notable features include:

• 24-port Ethernet switch with a maximum data rate of 10 Gbps
• Modular uplink and power supply options
• Stackable up to eight switches with a total of 208 ports
• Advanced network management and analytics capabilities through Cisco DNA Center
• Advanced security features, including Network Access Control (NAC), Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), and Trustworthy Systems
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) support for powering devices such as IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points
• Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) support for reducing power consumption during low traffic periods

The benefits of using C9300-24T-A include:

• Enhanced network performance and scalability for high-bandwidth applications
• Reduced operational costs through advanced network management and analytics capabilities
• Improved network security and threat detection through advanced security features
• Increased energy efficiency and cost savings through power-saving features

3. Hardware Specifications of C9300-24T-A

The C9300-24T-A has the following hardware specifications:

• 24 ports of 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
• 4x 10G SFP+ uplink ports (optional)
• Dual redundant power supplies
• 1RU form factor
• Fanless design for noise-sensitive environments
• Ethernet Management Port (EMP) for out-of-band management

4. Software Specifications of C9300-24T-A

The C9300-24T-A switch runs on Cisco IOS XE, a modern, modular, and programmable operating system that enables agile service delivery, application visibility, and secure network automation. It also supports Cisco DNA Center, a centralized management platform that provides automation, assurance, and analytics services for the entire network infrastructure. Some of the key software features of this switch include:

• Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing
• Flexible NetFlow for network visibility and analytics
• Cisco StackWise Virtual for virtualization and redundancy
• Virtual Switching System (VSS) for enhanced scalability
• Multicast Routing (PIM) for efficient multicast traffic handling
• Cisco TrustSec for secure access control and segmentation
• MACsec for secure network communication
• Network Plug and Play (PnP) for zero-touch provisioning
• Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) for policy-based network automation and segmentation
• Cisco Application Visibility and Control (AVC) for application optimization and security
• Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritization of network traffic
• Ethernet Virtual Private Network (EVPN) for virtual network overlays and scalability
• Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) for dynamic routing

5. Configuration Options for C9300-24T-A

The C9300-24T-A can be configured in several ways to meet the specific requirements of different network environments. Some of the configuration options include:

• Standalone mode: The switch can operate independently as a single unit with its own configuration and management.
• Stackwise-480: The switch can be stacked with up to eight other switches to form a single logical unit with a maximum of 208 ports. This provides enhanced scalability, redundancy, and management capabilities.
• Uplink module options: The switch supports different uplink modules, including 4x 10G SFP+, 2x 40G QSFP+, and 4x 25G SFP28. This provides flexibility in uplink connectivity options.

6. Performance and Scalability of C9300-24T-A

The switch provides high-performance and scalability for demanding network environments. It can handle a maximum of 10 Gbps of data per port, with a total of 208 ports in a stacked configuration. The switch also supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features that prioritize critical applications and ensure smooth network performance.

7. Security Features of C9300-24T-A

The C9300-24T-A offers a range of security features that provide enhanced network security and threat detection capabilities. Some of the notable security features include:

• Network Access Control (NAC): This feature provides policy-based access control and authentication for network devices, ensuring that only authorized devices can access the network.
• Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA): This feature provides advanced threat detection capabilities by analyzing encrypted network traffic for malicious activity.
• Trustworthy Systems: This feature provides hardware and software integrity checks to ensure that the switch is running a secure and trusted system image.

8. Power Efficiency of C9300-24T-A

The switch is designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. It supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, which allows devices such as IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points to be powered over the Ethernet cable, reducing the need for separate power supplies. Furthermore, it also supports Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) technology, which reduces power consumption during low traffic periods.

9. Environmental Sustainability

The C9300-24T-A is designed with environmental sustainability in mind. The switch is RoHS compliant, which means that it is free of hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. The switch is also Energy Star certified, which means that it meets energy efficiency standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

10. Compatibility of C9300-24T-A

This switch is compatible with a wide range of network devices and protocols. The switch supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, as well as various routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP. The switch is also compatible with various management protocols such as SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow.

11. Support and Warranty

The switch comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Cisco. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. Cisco also offers various support options, including technical support, software updates, and access to the Cisco online support portal.

12. Comparison of C9300-24T-A

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches are designed for high-performance enterprise and branch office networks. While these switches share many similarities, there are also some key differences between them.

Hardware Specifications

In terms of hardware specifications, the C9300-24T-A, C9300-24T-E, C9300-24U-A, and C9300-24UX-A share many similarities. They all have 24 ports of 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet, and support up to 2 power supplies and up to 4 fans. They also all support up to 8 member switches in a stack, and have the same physical dimensions and weight.

However, there are some differences in the uplink module options available for these switches. The C9300-24T-E supports 2x 40G QSFP+ uplink modules, while the C9300-24T-A, C9300-24U-A, and C9300-24UX-A support 4x 10G SFP+, 2x 40G QSFP+, and 4x 25G SFP28 uplink modules.

The C9300-24U-A and C9300-24UX-A also have the added benefit of supporting UPOE (60W) on all access ports, providing more power to support devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras.

Software Specifications

The C9300-24T-A, C9300-24T-E, C9300-24U-A, and C9300-24UX-A all run on Cisco IOS XE and support Cisco DNA Center. However, the C9300-24T-E also supports Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN software for WAN connectivity.

Price

The C9300-24T-A, C9300-24T-E, C9300-24U-A, and C9300-24UX-A differ in price. The C9300-24T-E is generally more expensive than the C9300-24T-A, while the C9300-24U-A and C9300-24UX-A are priced higher due to their added UPOE capabilities.

Which Switch Should You Choose?

When deciding between the C9300-24T-A, C9300-24T-E, C9300-24U-A, and C9300-24UX-A, the choice largely depends on your specific network requirements. If you require UPOE capabilities, the C9300-24U-A or C9300-24UX-A may be the better choice. If you require SD-WAN capabilities, the C9300-24T-E may be the better choice. However, if UPOE and SD-WAN are not a priority, the C9300-24T-A may provide a more cost-effective solution while still meeting your network needs.

13. Conclusion

The C9300-24T-A is a high-performance, highly secure, and intelligent Ethernet switch that is designed for demanding enterprise and commercial networks. It offers advanced features such as integrated wireless LAN controller, support for advanced network analytics and management, and enhanced security features that provide a secure and reliable network infrastructure. The switch is also designed with power efficiency and environmental sustainability in mind, making it an ideal choice for organizations that prioritize these factors. With its scalable architecture, it is suitable for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.

14. FAQs

1. What is the maximum number of ports that can be supported in a stacked configuration of C9300-24T-A switches?

• It can be stacked with up to eight other switches to form a single logical unit with a maximum of 208 ports.

2. What kind of uplink module options are available for the C9300-24T-A?

• It supports different uplink modules, including 4x 10G SFP+, 2x 40G QSFP+, and 4x 25G SFP28.

3. Does the C9300-24T-A support both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols?

• Yes, the switch supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols.

4. What is the warranty period for the C9300-24T-A?

• The switch comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Cisco, which covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product.

5. Is the C9300-24T-A Energy Star certified?

• Yes, the switch is Energy Star certified, which means that it meets energy efficiency standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Useful Links

• CISCO Catalyst 9300 Data Sheet
• Other switches in the Catalyst 9300 Series