Modern enterprise networks demand high performance, security, and flexibility to support a hybrid work environment where employees, devices, and applications are distributed across on-premises, cloud, and data centers. The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches, as a cornerstone of the Catalyst 9000 family, provide enterprises with a platform that is not only robust and scalable but also ready for the software-defined future. WECENT, as a leading IT equipment supplier, ensures businesses worldwide have access to these high-performance switches, backed by expert consultation and reliable support.
Key Features and Innovations
The Catalyst 9300 Series stands out with several industry-leading innovations:
-
High-Density Stacking: StackWise-1T allows up to 1 Tbps stacking bandwidth, the industry’s highest-density solution.
-
Flexible Uplinks: Supports 100G, 40G, 25G, 10G, 1G, and Multigigabit modular uplinks, ensuring seamless integration with existing networks.
-
Mixed Stacking: Backward-compatible stacking across Catalyst 9300, 9300X fiber, and Multigigabit models.
-
Multigigabit Port Density: Up to 48 Multigigabit (mGig) ports per switch and 448 ports in an 8-member stack.
-
Power over Ethernet: Up to 384 ports supporting 90W UPOE+, meeting the needs of high-power endpoints.
-
Security Innovations: Hardware-based 100G IPsec, AES-256 encryption, secure tunnels, Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), MACsec 256-bit encryption, Secure Boot, and SUDI hardware validation.
-
Native Application Hosting: Run high-performance Cisco applications with expanded RAM, storage, and compute resources.
-
Cloud Management: Optional Meraki Dashboard enables cloud-based configuration, visibility, and troubleshooting.
Modular and Fixed Uplink Models
| Model Type | Example Models | Ports | Uplink | Power (W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modular Uplink | C9300X-48HX, C9300X-24Y | 24–48 | Modular | 350–1100 |
| Fixed Uplink | C9300L-24P-4X, C9300LM-48UX-4Y | 24–48 | Fixed (1G–40G) | 350–1100 |
These options allow WECENT clients to select the configuration that best suits their network scale and performance requirements.
Software-Defined Networking and Automation
Catalyst 9300 switches are foundational to Cisco’s Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), providing:
-
Automated, policy-based operations from edge to cloud.
-
Simplified segmentation and virtualization.
-
Unified wired and wireless network management.
-
Group-based policies and context-aware analytics.
With Cisco DNA and Meraki software subscriptions, enterprises enjoy flexible licensing, ongoing updates, and cross-platform visibility through Cisco DNA Center or Meraki Dashboard.
Advanced Hardware Capabilities
-
Cisco UADP 2.0 and 2.0sec ASICs for programmable Layer 2/3 forwarding, ACLs, and QoS.
-
x86 CPU architecture with up to 16GB RAM and 240GB external SSD support.
-
Cisco StackPower for dynamic power sharing.
-
Line-rate Flexible NetFlow, IPv6 dual-stack, and Precision Time Protocol (PTP).
Deployment and Management
Catalyst 9300 switches simplify deployment with Plug and Play (PnP) zero-touch provisioning. Cisco IOS XE allows full programmability with YANG models, Python scripting, RESTCONF, and streaming telemetry. Enterprises can maintain consistent policies across on-premises, virtual, and cloud deployments.
WECENT Expert Views
“In modern IT environments, the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series offers more than traditional switching—it serves as a software-defined network platform that scales with enterprise growth. WECENT clients benefit from this combination of high performance, security, and flexibility, ensuring that networks remain resilient and future-ready. By leveraging advanced stacking, PoE capabilities, and SD-Access integration, organizations can simplify management, reduce operational risks, and accelerate digital transformation with confidence.”
Conclusion
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series is a versatile, secure, and high-performance platform, designed for modern enterprise networking. For businesses seeking scalable, software-defined solutions, these switches offer unmatched flexibility, robust security, and operational efficiency. WECENT ensures that clients not only access these advanced devices but also receive tailored solutions for integration, maintenance, and optimization. Leveraging the Catalyst 9300 Series can empower enterprises to deliver consistent, secure, and high-performance network services to support digital transformation initiatives.
FAQs
What is the maximum stacking bandwidth of the Catalyst 9300?
Up to 1 Tbps using StackWise-1T technology.
Can Catalyst 9300 switches support cloud management?
Yes, optional Meraki Dashboard provides cloud-based visibility, configuration, and troubleshooting.
Are these switches compatible with older Catalyst models?
Yes, they support mixed stacking with Catalyst 9300, 9300X fiber, and Multigigabit models.
Do the switches support high-power devices?
Yes, they provide PoE, PoE+, UPOE, and UPOE+ support up to 90W per port.
What makes the Catalyst 9300 Series future-ready?
Programmable ASICs, SD-Access integration, software-defined management, and high-density ports make it adaptable for evolving enterprise needs.
WECENT provides comprehensive support, ensuring businesses can fully leverage these capabilities for both on-premises and hybrid IT infrastructures.