Cisco Catalyst 9300 24-Port Data-Only Switch, Network Advantage (C9300-24T-A)

Quick Buying Guide - The Enterprise Backbone

• Network Advantage License: Unlocks advanced Layer 3 routing (BGP, EIGRP, OSPF), SD-Access fabric capabilities, and comprehensive network segmentation (VRF/VXLAN).

• High-Performance Foundation: Optimized for data-only environments where PoE is not required, focusing strictly on maximum throughput, zero-trust security, and programmable automation. This makes it an ideal 24 port data switch for clean, dedicated network layers.

• Modular Uplinks: Future-proof your network with a hot-swappable uplink slot supporting 1G, 10G, 25G, and 40G modules.

• High-Availability: StackWise-480 technology provides 480 Gbps of stacking bandwidth with sub-50ms failover, essential for critical network edges.

💡 Pro Tip from CCIE Team: Choose the Network Advantage license if your enterprise requires deep visibility, SD-Access automation, or complex routing protocols. If you only require basic Layer 3 features (Static/RIP/OSPF stub), consider the C9300-24T-E (Network Essentials) variant for a more cost-effective entry point. For a complete licensing breakdown, explore our Cisco Catalyst FAQ: Power, Stacking & Licensing Guide.

Overview

The cisco c9300-24t-a is a premier enterprise-class 24 port network switch designed to deliver high-performance data connectivity for campus backbones and mission-critical branch networks. As a highly sought-after hardware choice running Cisco IOS XE with the Advanced license, the c9300-24t-a serves as a foundational building block for Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access).

If you are expanding a data center edge or setting up high-throughput pipelines without the overhead of power delivery, deploying cisco 9300 24t systems ensures wire-speed efficiency, hardware redundancy, and deep telemetry out of the box.

• Related Reading & Architecture Resource Guides:

  • Evaluating an access layer switch? Check out our guide: Cisco Catalyst 9200 vs 9300 Series Switches.

  • Migrating from older networks? Read our comparison: Cisco Catalyst 2960X vs Catalyst 9300 Series.

  • Deciding between Core and Aggregation? View our analysis: Cisco Catalyst 9300 vs Catalyst 9500 Switches.

  • Explore the full feature lineup: Cisco 9300 Series Switches Deep Dive.

📥 Download Technical Specifications: Planning a complex enterprise rollout? Enter your work email below to download the official datasheet PDF for detailed forwarding rates, MTBF data, and deep-dive routing specifications to easily fit the c9300 24t a into your deployment blueprint.

Core Highlights

Built on a multicore x86 CPU architecture and driven by the programmable Cisco UADP 2.0 ASIC, this advanced gigabit ethernet switch platform ensures line-rate non-blocking packet delivery while supporting container-based application hosting.

• 24 Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 24 auto-sensing 10/100/1000 RJ-45 dedicated data ports for high-density, reliable hardware connectivity.

• Modular Uplink Flexibility: One network-module slot supporting diverse speeds: 1G, 10G, 25G, or 40G (via modules like C9300-NM-4G, 8X, 2Y, 2Q) for a future-proof uplink backbone.

• StackWise-480 Technology: Stack up to 8 switches into one logical unit with 480 Gbps of bidirectional stacking bandwidth. For step-by-step staging, read our technical walkthrough on How to Stack Cisco 9300 Switches for Optimal Performance.

• Enterprise-Grade Security: Line-rate AES-256 MACsec encryption, Secure Boot, Trust Anchor Module, and robust ACL/QoS scalability.

• Advanced Routing & Fabric: Full native support for BGP, EIGRP, IS-IS, and VXLAN fabric, enabling simplified, policy-driven network segmentation.

• Programmability & Telemetry: Native support for NETCONF/RESTCONF, gNMI, and streaming telemetry to enable zero-touch automation and real-time network assurance.

Use Cases & Deployment Scenarios

• Enterprise Campus & Branch Access: Serve as a robust, high-performance edge switch for workstations, printers, and data-intensive endpoints in high-demand environments.

• SD-Access Fabric Edge: Act as a critical node in Cisco SD-Access architecture, providing policy-based automation and micro-segmentation.

• Data-Heavy Environments: Ideal for financial trading floors, research labs, or higher education structures that require wire-speed data throughput without PoE overhead.

• High-Availability Networks: Utilize StackWise-480 and cross-stack EtherChannel for environments requiring 99.999% uptime and immediate sub-50ms failover.

Recommended Accessories

To fully optimize your deployment layout, ensure your hardware modules are correctly paired with original Cisco components. For full expansion guidelines, consult our resource on How to Select Modules and Cables for Cisco 9300 Series.

Accessory Category	Model Number	Description
Network Module	C9300-NM-8X	Expand your uplink capacity with the official cisco c9300 nm 8x module (8x 10G SFP+).
Network Module	C9300-NM-2Y	2 x 25G/10G/1G SFP28 uplinks for ultra-low latency.
Network Module	C9300-NM-4G	4 x 1G SFP uplinks for standard fiber connectivity.
Power Supply	PWR-C1-350WAC-P	350W AC Platinum-rated PSU (Default).
Stacking Cable	STACK-T1-50CM	Maximize throughput with dedicated cisco 9300 stack cables for 480 Gbps resiliency. Review our Cisco 9300 Stack Kit Compatibility Guide.
Fan Module	FAN-T2=	Field-replaceable fan module for N+1 cooling redundancy.

Comparison with Similar Models

Feature	C9300-24T-A	C9300-24T-E	C9300-24P-A
Ports	24 x 1G Data	24 x 1G Data	24 x 1G PoE+
License	Network Advantage	Network Essentials	Network Advantage
Advanced Routing	BGP, EIGRP, IS-IS	Static, OSPF Stub, RIP	BGP, EIGRP, IS-IS
Stacking	480 Gbps	480 Gbps	480 Gbps
Ideal Use Case	Advanced Enterprise Edge	SMB / Basic Access	High-density PoE Access

Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Product Code	C9300-24T-A
Software License	Cisco IOS XE with Network Advantage
Downlink Ports	24 x 10/100/1000 RJ-45 auto-sensing data ports
Modular Slot	1 hot-swappable NM slot (supports 1G/10G/25G/40G)
Switching Capacity	208 Gbps (standalone); up to 688 Gbps with stacking
Forwarding Rate	154.76 Mpps (standalone); 511.90 Mpps with stacking
Stacking	StackWise-480; up to 8 switches
DRAM / Flash	8 GB / 16 GB
Dimensions (HWD)	1.73" x 17.5" x 17.7" (4.4 x 44.5 x 44.9 cm)
Weight	16.03 lb (7.27 kg)
Operating Temp.	23F to 113F (-5°C to 45°C)
MTBF	314,790 hours

More Details

Quality Certifications

                  

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