Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cisco Systems |
| Model | C9300-48T-A |
| Downlink Ports | 48× 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 (data only, no PoE) |
| Uplinks | 1× modular network module slot (C9300-NM-4G, NM-8X, NM-2Y, NM-4M, etc.) |
| Stacking | StackWise-480, up to 8 switches per stack, 480 Gbps stack bandwidth |
| Switching Capacity | 256 Gbps (standalone) |
| Forwarding Rate | 190.48 Mpps |
| MAC Address Table | 32,000 entries |
| IPv4 Routes / IPv6 Routes | 32K / 16K (typical for the 9300 1G tier) |
| ACL / QoS Scale | 5,120 entries each |
| Default Power Supply | PWR-C1-350WAC, 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz |
| MTBF | ~305,870 hours |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 4.4 × 44.5 × 48.8 cm (1.73 × 17.5 × 19.2 in), 1RU |
| Weight | ~7.45 kg |
| Operating Temperature | -5 to 45 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 to 70 °C |
| Humidity | 10%–95% non-condensing |
| Management | CLI, Web UI, SNMP, Cisco DNA Center, NETCONF/YANG |
| OS | Cisco IOS XE |
Product Introduction
The C9300-48T-A is the workhorse you deploy when the wiring closet needs 48 ports of Gigabit for PCs, printers, and building management — and absolutely zero PoE. I’ve replaced aging 3750-X and 3850 stacks with this exact model in server rooms where the only thing plugged in was Cat6 to desktops. It runs IOS XE, which means the CLI you already know carries over, and the DNA Advantage license unlocks full routing, SD-Access, and Encrypted Traffic Analytics.What makes this SKU attractive in the surplus market is the 350W power supply. No PoE load means the PSU runs cool and capacitors age slower than on a fully loaded 48P unit. The modular uplink slot is where you need to pay attention — the switch ships without an uplink module installed on many configurations, so verify whether your unit includes a C9300-NM-4G (4× 1G SFP) or C9300-NM-8X (8× 10G SFP+). A 48-port switch with no uplinks is a very expensive paperweight.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
The Lab Report (SOP):
- Visual inspection: RJ-45 port integrity, uplink module slot, power supply handle, fan module, nameplate, and serial number.
- Power-on self-test: unit boots to IOS XE, no POST failures, system LED green.
- Port test: all 48 RJ-45 ports verified for link negotiation at 10/100/1000 Mbps using a cable tester or patch panel loop.
- Uplink module verification: module seated, recognized by
show inventory, link tested on each SFP/SFP+ port. - StackWise port check: both StackWise-480 ports tested for cable detection and neighbor recognition.
- Memory and storage:
show versionconfirms DRAM, flash, and IOS XE version; firmware logged. - Factory reset: startup-config erased, credentials cleared, unit returned to out-of-box state.
- Packaging: anti-static bag, foam padding, original or equivalent rails and power cord included.
The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls):
- The “T” trap. I’ve watched a procurement team order C9300-48T-A units for a new wireless deployment, only to discover on install day that the APs had no power. The “T” means data-only. No PoE, no UPOE, no workaround. If you need to power devices, you need a “P” (PoE+) or “U” (UPOE) model.
- Missing uplink module. The modular slot is empty on some configurations. Always confirm the NM module part number before shipping. A C9300-NM-8X adds significant value; a bare slot does not.
- IOS XE version mismatch in a stack. Mixing different IOS XE releases in a StackWise-480 stack will cause version negotiation delays or stack failures. Match the version across all members before stacking.
- DNA license subscription. The “-A” (Advantage) license is typically subscription-based. If the subscription has expired, advanced features may be locked. Verify license status with
show license summarybefore deployment.
Installation & Configuration Guide
1. Pre-Installation ⚠️
- Schedule a maintenance window. Even though this is a data-only switch, it may carry production traffic.
- Photograph the existing setup: port connections, uplink module, stacking cables, and power connections.
- Back up the running configuration and note the IOS XE version.
2. Removal
- Disconnect all Ethernet cables and label them by port number.
- Remove stacking cables if part of a StackWise cluster.
- Unplug the power cord and release the rack ears. Slide the unit out carefully — it weighs 7.45 kg.
3. Installation
- Verify the replacement model matches: C9300-48T-A with the same uplink module. This prevents 90% of startup issues.
- Mount the switch in the rack using the provided ears. Ensure adequate airflow front-to-back.
- Install the uplink module if not pre-installed. Seat it firmly and secure the captive screws.
- Connect stacking cables if building a StackWise-480 cluster. Follow the ring topology for redundancy.
- Reconnect all Ethernet cables to their labeled ports.
4. Power-On & Testing
- Plug in the power cord. Observe the LED sequence: system LED should turn green after POST.
- Connect via console or SSH. Verify the IOS XE version and license status.
- Test uplink connectivity: ping the default gateway, verify routing protocols if applicable.
- If stacking, verify stack membership with
show switchand confirm all members are active. - Document the new serial number and IOS XE version in your network inventory.
Compatible Replacement Models
| Model | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco C9300-48T-A | ✅ Drop-in | Same model. Verify uplink module and IOS XE version. |
| Cisco C9300-48T-E | ⚠️ Software compatible | DNA Essentials license instead of Advantage. Fewer advanced features. |
| Cisco C9300-48P-A | ⚠️ Hardware upgrade | Adds PoE+ (48 ports, 30W per port). Requires higher-wattage PSU (715W/1100W). |
| Cisco C9300-48UXM-A | ⚠️ Hardware upgrade | Multigigabit (1G/2.5G/5G/10G) + UPOE+. Significant performance increase. |
| Cisco C9300L-48T-4G | ⚠️ Hardware mod required | Fixed 4× 1G uplinks, no modular slot. Lower stack bandwidth (320 Gbps). |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the C9300-48T-A support PoE?
No. The “T” in the model number means data-only. It cannot power IP phones, APs, or cameras. You need a “P” or “U” model for PoE.What uplink modules are compatible?
Common options include C9300-NM-4G (4× 1G SFP), C9300-NM-8X (8× 10G SFP+), C9300-NM-2Y (2× 25G/10G/1G), and C9300-NM-4M (4× Multigigabit). Verify compatibility with your IOS XE version.Can I stack this with a C9300-48P-A?
Yes. StackWise-480 supports mixed models within the 9300 series, provided they run compatible IOS XE versions.Is the DNA license perpetual?
No. DNA licenses are subscription-based. The “-A” indicates DNA Advantage, which includes SD-Access, Encrypted Traffic Analytics, and advanced routing. Verify the subscription term with Cisco or your reseller.What’s the warranty?
12 months against functional defects consistent with delivered condition. Damage from power surges, improper installation, or physical abuse is excluded.How do I check the IOS XE version?
Log in via console or SSH and run show version. The output will display the IOS XE release, uptime, and hardware details.Can I use this switch for SD-Access?
Yes, with a valid DNA Advantage license. The C9300-48T-A supports SD-Access fabric roles (access, border, control plane) when properly licensed and configured.
