Cisco C9300 Comparison Hub
Shop Cisco Catalyst C9300 Network Switches
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series (C9300) are enterprise-grade Layer 2/Layer 3 access and aggregation switches built for secure, high-performance campus networks.
The series includes three core models:
About this series
- Uplinks: Fixed (no modular slots)
- Stacking: Moderate bandwidth (StackWise-320)
- Redundancy: Limited (fixed design)
- Supports PoE+ for Wi-Fi 6/7 APs
- Best for: Cost-efficient access layer deployments
About this series
- Uplinks: Flexible modular options (1G/10G/25G)
- Stacking: Higher bandwidth (StackWise-480)
- Redundancy: Optional dual PSUs & fans
- Supports PoE+/UPOE with high power budgets
- Best for: Growing enterprise networks
About this series
- Uplinks: Modular 40G/100G high-speed options
- Stacking: Ultra-high bandwidth (StackWise-1T)
- Redundancy: Dual hot-swappable PSUs & fans
- Supports UPOE/UPOE+ for dense endpoint access
- Best for: High-performance data centres
Choosing your ideal model
Open our comparison chart
| Your requirements | C9300L | C9300 | C9300X |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need flexibility to upgrade uplinks (10G/25G/40G/100G) | |||
| I need a high stacking capacity | |||
| I need hardware-accelerated encryption (IPsec) | (Basic IPsec) | (Advanced) | |
| I need redundant power supply and fans | |||
| I need to power access points, phones, or cameras with PoE+ | |||
| I need a switch for branch, retail, or edge sites |
Browse Cisco switch modules
We stock a wide range of official Cisco C9300 Switch Modules, engineered to enhance flexibility, port capacity, and uplink performance.
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Customer FAQ: Cisco Catalyst C9300 Series Switches
How do I purchase Cisco C9300 switches?
As an official Cisco Partner, Steel City Consulting provides the full Cisco Catalyst 9300 range via our online store. We can also provide guided consultations to ensure every purchase is the right fit for your infrastructure.
Our technical specialists will assess your current and future requirements to ensure the correct Cisco model and licensing are chosen. This free advisory process prevents both over-provisioning and under-specification – delivering the optimal configuration for your business infrastructure.
What software licensing is used on Cisco C9300 switches?
Catalyst 9300 switches run IOS-XE and use Cisco’s Smart Licensing / Policy (SLP) model.
A perpetual Network Stack license (for base Layer-2/3 features) and a DNA subscription (Essentials or Advantage) is required to unlock advanced functions like automation, analytics, security, and application hosting.
For more information on Cisco licensing, please select a product category above and navigate to our ‘Cisco licenses & subscriptions’ section. Alternatively, our team of Cisco partners are available for a free 30min consultation or 10min initial phone call, to suit your preference.
Are C9300 switches compatible with existing Catalyst 9000 deployments?
Yes, Cisco’s 9300 series switches are designed to interoperate across the Catalyst 9000 family. They share the same OS, management frameworks (DNA Center, SD-Access), and feature architecture, making C9300 suitable for mixed deployments with 9200, 9400, 9500, and other 9000 switches.
Can Catalyst 9300 switches host applications (e.g. firewall, telemetry, IoT)?
Yes. The Catalyst 9300 series supports application hosting (e.g. Docker containers, Cisco ASAc firewall, IoT / smart building gateways). Enhanced models (especially 9300X) offer more CPU, memory, and local SSD resources, so they provide better performance for hosted apps
What is the warranty and support model for Catalyst 9300 switches?
Catalyst 9300 switches come with Cisco’s Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW) on hardware. For ongoing software updates, access to TAC (technical assistance), and advanced features, you should pair them with a support contract such as Cisco Smart Net.
How future-proof are Catalyst 9300 switches for evolving network demands?
The Catalyst 9300 platform delivers enterprise-class longevity, combining 100 Gbps uplink options, on-box application hosting, integrated MACsec and Encrypted Traffic Analytics, with full support for Cisco SD-Access. Its architecture ensures a resilient, scalable foundation for modern campus and edge deployments.