Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-port UPOE, Network Essentials

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-Port UPOE, Network Essentials is a premier enterprise switch designed to power the next generation of campus networks. Built for high density, reliability, and intelligent management, this device delivers a resilient access layer that supports the growing demands of security, mobility, IoT, and cloud-enabled applications. It combines Cisco’s trusted reliability with UPOE-enabled power delivery, enabling a wide range of endpoints—from wireless access points and IP phones to security cameras and IoT sensors—without compromising performance or manageability. The Network Essentials edition focuses on delivering essential security, automation, and policy features that simplify deployment while providing a scalable foundation for future network growth. Whether you are designing a multi-building campus, a modern classroom environment, or a bustling business floor, this switch brings together speed, power, and protection in a compact 1‑RU form factor, designed to integrate seamlessly with Cisco DNA Center, IOS XE, and other Cisco data center and campus technologies.

• 48 high‑density 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports with UPOE support to deliver power and connectivity to a wide array of network devices, eliminating the need for separate power sources and minimizing cable clutter.
• Unified security and IoT readiness built in, with features that help protect endpoints, isolate sensitive devices, and streamline policy enforcement across wired networks and connected devices.
• Powerful QoS and segmentation capabilities that ensure critical applications—such as voice, video, and real‑time collaboration—receive priority while maintaining robust performance for all users.
• Flexible management and automation options, including Cisco IOS XE, REST APIs, and compatibility with Cisco DNA Center for intent-based networking, policy automation, and centralized analytics.
• Scalable and resilient design with options for redundant power and stacking, enabling deployment at scale across campuses while simplifying operations and maintenance.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-Port UPOE, Network Essentials

• Model and family: Cisco Catalyst 9300 series, 48-Port UPOE with Network Essentials licensing
• Ports: 48 x 1-Gigabit Ethernet switching ports with Universal PoE (UPOE) capability for high‑power devices
• Uplink and expansion: Flexible uplink options (SFP/SFP+ depending on exact SKU) to connect uplinks to core and distribution layers
• Software and licensing: Cisco IOS XE with Network Essentials package, including essential security, IoT, and mobility features; supports IOS XE management, scripting, and automation
• Security and policy: Integrated security features to protect devices and networks, with policy‑driven segmentation and access controls
• Management and analytics: Web UI, CLI, and API access; DNS, SNMP, and secure management capabilities; DNA Center compatibility for cloud‑driven analytics and automation
• Form factor and power: 1‑RU chassis with options for power redundancy and efficient energy usage; designed for enterprise environments with reliable cooling and airflow

how to install Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-Port UPOE, Network Essentials

• Plan your deployment in a standard 19" rack, ensuring adequate ventilation and clearance for cabling and future expansion.
• Mount the switch in the rack and connect to a reliable power source; if using redundant power, install the second PSU and connect to an independent circuit.
• Connect uplinks to your core or distribution layer using the appropriate SFP/SFP+ modules and fiber or copper cables as supported by your SKU.
• Power on the device and perform the initial configuration via console access or USB console, setting up management IP, domain, and basic security parameters.
• Configure PoE settings, VLANs, QoS policies, and Layer 3 routing (as needed) to align with your network design; apply security policies, switchport modes, and access control lists (ACLs) for segmentation and protection.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary use case for the Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-Port UPOE, Network Essentials?
• A: It is designed for high‑density campus access Layer 2/3 switching, delivering PoE power to endpoints like APs, cameras, and IP phones, while providing essential security, mobility, and IoT integration.
• Q: Does this model support UPOE on every port?
• A: Yes, the 48‑port configuration includes UPOE capability, enabling power delivery to power-hungry devices directly from the switch.
• Q: What management options are available?
• A: It supports Cisco IOS XE with network Essentials features, plus compatibility with Cisco DNA Center for centralized management, analytics, and policy automation; CLI and REST APIs are also available for automation.
• Q: Can I stack multiple Catalyst 9300 units?
• A: The Catalyst 9300 family offers stacking and power sharing options to simplify scale and resilience in campus deployments, depending on the exact SKU and hardware configuration.
• Q: What kind of security features come with Network Essentials?
• A: Network Essentials includes core security capabilities such as secure management access, policy-based segmentation, and integration with Cisco security ecosystems to protect wired endpoints and control access to network resources.