The Cisco Catalyst 9300 is the stackable workhorse of the campus range. It sits between the 9200 access line and the 9500 core. Many networks use it in busy closets where uplink speed, stacking and PoE all matter.
This guide compares the 9300, 9300X and 9500 and explains Essentials vs Advantage licensing. It also covers older and specialty switches, such as the 2960-X, 3850, Catalyst 1300 and IE3300.
Where the Cisco Catalyst 9300 fits
The 9300 serves the access and distribution layers. Switches stack with StackWise-480, which links up to eight switches at 480 Gbps. As a result, you can manage a stack as one switch.
The 9300 also has a modular uplink slot, so uplinks can grow with the network. For example, the C9300-NM-8X adds eight ports at 10G or 1G. However, that module fits C9300 models, not the C9300X.
Cisco Catalyst 9300 models compared
The model code tells you the port type and PoE level. So read it closely before you order.
C9300-48P for PoE+ closets
The C9300-48P-E has 48 PoE+ ports and 437W of PoE with the default 715W power supply. Because of that, it suits closets full of phones and access points.
C9300-24T for data-only ports
The C9300-24T-E has 24 data ports with no PoE and ships with a 350W supply. Still, it supports StackWise-480, so it can join a stack with PoE models.
C9300-48UXM for Multigigabit and UPOE
The C9300-48UXM-A has 36 ports at up to 2.5G and 12 ports at up to 10G. It also supports Cisco UPOE at 60W per port, with 490W available on the default 1100W supply. Therefore, it fits Wi-Fi 6 access points that need more than 1G.
C9300X-24Y for 25G fiber
The C9300X-24Y-A has 24 SFP28 ports at 25G, 10G or 1G and no PoE. Instead, it is built for fiber aggregation. Remember, though, that the C9300-NM-8X does not fit the 9300X.
Essentials vs Advantage on the Cisco Catalyst 9300
Cisco sells the 9300 with Network Essentials or Network Advantage license tiers. The suffix tells you which one: -E means Essentials, and -A means Advantage. For instance, the C9300-48P-E and C9300-48P-A share the same hardware.
Advantage adds more advanced features, so check your design before you pay for it. Also, matching license levels across a stack keeps things simple when you add or swap a member.
Catalyst 9500 for the campus core
When the core needs more speed, the Catalyst 9500 steps in. The C9500-48Y4C-A offers 48 ports at 1/10/25G plus four 40/100G uplinks, with up to 3.2 Tbps. Meanwhile, the C9500-24Y4C-A has 24 SFP28 ports and four 100G uplinks, with up to 2.0 Tbps.
Both need the right optics, of course. Our guide to Cisco optics matches 25G and 100G modules to fiber type and distance.
Older and specialty Cisco campus switches
Not every closet runs a Cisco Catalyst 9300 yet. So Silverback also supplies older and specialty models for spares and small sites.
Catalyst 2960-X and 3850
The WS-C2960X-24PS-L has 24 Gigabit ports, four SFP uplinks and 370W of PoE, running IOS LAN Base. The 2960-X reached end of sale on October 31, 2022, and support ends on October 31, 2027. Cisco names the Catalyst 9200 as its replacement.
Many sites still run Catalyst 3850 stacks, too. For those, the C3850-NM-4-10G adds four hot swappable 10G SFP+ uplinks. So used spares keep these networks running while you plan the upgrade.
Catalyst 1300 and IE3300
The C1300-24P-4G is a simpler switch with 24 PoE+ ports, four SFP uplinks and a 195W PoE budget. Meanwhile, the IE-3300-8T2S-E is a rugged DIN rail switch with eight copper ports and two SFP uplinks. It can expand to 26 ports, so it suits industrial sites.
New vs used Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches
New switches make sense for a fresh design with a long support runway. However, used units cut costs for spares, lab stacks and closet expansions. Silverback tests used gear before it ships, so it arrives ready to configure.
Also check the license suffix on used units, since -E and -A change the feature set. For the wider range, see our Cisco buyer's guide.
Cisco Catalyst 9300 and campus part numbers we supply
Silverback supplies every part below, new and used, tested before it ships.
| Part number | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| C9300-48P-E | Catalyst 9300 48-port PoE+ switch | Network Essentials, 437W PoE with the default 715W PSU |
| C9300-48P-A | Catalyst 9300 48-port PoE+ switch | Network Advantage, same hardware as the C9300-48P-E |
| C9300-24T-E | Catalyst 9300 24-port data switch | No PoE, modular uplinks, 350W PSU |
| C9300-48UXM-A | Catalyst 9300 48-port mGig UPOE switch | 36x 2.5G and 12x 10G ports, UPOE at 60W per port |
| C9300X-24Y-A | Catalyst 9300X 24-port 25G SFP28 switch | No PoE, modular uplink slot, 715W PSU |
| C9300-NM-8X | Catalyst 9300 8x 10G network module | Fits C9300 models, not the C9300X |
| C9500-48Y4C-A | Catalyst 9500 48x 25G + 4x 100G switch | Up to 3.2 Tbps switching capacity |
| C9500-24Y4C-A | Catalyst 9500 24x 25G + 4x 100G switch | Up to 2.0 Tbps switching capacity |
| C3850-NM-4-10G | Catalyst 3850 4x 10G network module | Hot swappable, four 10G SFP+ ports |
| WS-C2960X-24PS-L | Catalyst 2960-X 24-port PoE switch | 4 SFP uplinks, 370W PoE, LAN Base, end of sale |
| C1300-24P-4G | Catalyst 1300 24-port PoE+ switch | 4 Gigabit SFP uplinks, 195W PoE |
| IE-3300-8T2S-E | Catalyst IE3300 rugged switch | 8 GE copper and 2 GE SFP ports, DIN rail |
Send us the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day. You can also request a quote or browse our inventory. Full specs are on the Catalyst 9500 data sheet and related Cisco pages.
Buyback for retired campus switches
When you replace 2960-X or 3850 switches, the old gear still has value. Silverback buys it back, and our certified ITAD service covers data destruction. As a result, the upgrade costs less and retired gear gets reused or recycled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the C9300-48P-E and C9300-48P-A?
They use the same hardware. The -E version ships with Network Essentials, while the -A version ships with Network Advantage.
Does the C9300-NM-8X work in a C9300X?
No. The C9300-NM-8X is supported on C9300 models, not the C9300X.
How many Catalyst 9300 switches can stack?
Up to eight switches stack together with StackWise-480, which runs at 480 Gbps.
When should I choose a Catalyst 9500 over a 9300?
Choose the 9500 when the core needs dense 25G and 100G ports. For example, the C9500-48Y4C-A offers up to 3.2 Tbps.
Do you supply used Catalyst 9300 switches?
Yes. Silverback supplies new and used units, tested before they ship. Request pricing for any model.
Get a quote for Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches
Send your list of switches, modules and optics, from one spare to a full closet refresh. We reply with pricing and lead time within one business day.
Call (888) 391-5211 or request a quote online. Also tell us whether you want new or used condition.
