The Cisco Catalyst 9300L Series (C9300L) is a fixed-uplink, stackable line of access switches, optimised for campus and branch deployments. C9300L provides enterprise-class features (security, automation, PoE) and integrates with the Catalyst 9000 family, while offering a cost-efficient alternative to the modular C9300 models.
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We don’t just sell IT hardware. Every Cisco solution we recommend is assessed against your specific security concerns, performance requirements, and both current and future infrastructure plans. This consultative approach ensures that our guidance is aligned with your bespoke needs, so that you can invest in new network switches with complete confidence.
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Through our partnership with Cisco, your business will gain access to partner-only promotions, bundled solutions, and live demos. Combined with our technical expertise and ongoing support, this ensures your hardware is secure, cost-optimised, and future-ready.
Expert Networking Services
When you buy Cisco hardware from Steel City Consulting, you’ll receive expert deployment and maximum benefits. We also provide support in the following specialist areas:
| Our service | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Networking Design & Installation |
+ Custom architecture aligned to your business goals + Scalable networks built for growth + Expert installation with minimal disruption to operations + 30-day support window post-installation |
| Network Management & Support |
+ Real-time performance and traffic monitoring + Network design tools for scaling and upgrades + Security alerting and incident response + Backup and failover strategy implementation |
| WiFi Site Surveys |
+ Heatmapping and signal analysis + Access point optimisation + Detailed reports and tailored recommendations + Security enhancements and interference mitigation |
| Business Fibre & FTTP Installation |
+ Up to 1Gbps dedicated bandwidth + Private and uncontended connections + Seamless installation and expert aftercare + 24/7 support and monitoring |
Through Cisco’s Capital Finance and Flexible Payment Solutions, we help enterprises and data centres fund new initiatives in ways that fit both IT and business priorities.
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Cisco Refresh gives you access to certified remanufactured equipment that performs like new and has the same warranty, but at a lower cost and environmental impact.
Cisco Refresh must be purchased via authorised partners like Steel City Consulting. Ask us to check Cisco Refresh stock availability and provide a cost comparison for your next upgrade or expansion project today.
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Cisco offers a wide portfolio of subscription-based services that enhance visibility, security, and operational resilience across enterprise and data center networks.
With the right combination of platforms and licenses, you can simplify management, protect critical infrastructure, and unlock advanced analytics. Explore Cisco service options below.
What is Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)?
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a network access control (NAC) platform that delivers secure, identity-based access for users and devices across wired, wireless, and VPN connections. It provides centralised policy control and is a foundation for Zero Trust networking.
| ISE Licenses | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | Basic access control, guest services, device visibility. | Ensure every device on your network is identified and authenticated. |
| Advantage | Advanced policy, posture assessment, and integration with threat intelligence. | Improve compliance and security with centralised, automated enforcement. |
| Premier | Includes all Advantage features plus profiling, segmentation, and advanced integrations. | Enable full Zero Trust and protect against lateral movement in hybrid networks. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
Licensing can be complex. Our team ensures you select the right tier for your needs, integrate successfully with Catalyst/Nexus environments, and deploy ISE to full effect.
What is Cisco ThousandEyes?
Cisco ThousandEyes is a subscription-based digital experience monitoring platform that provides visibility into every network and application path your users rely on. It integrates directly with Catalyst 9000 switches for built-in observability.
| ThousandEyes Subscriptions | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Agents | Continuous visibility from on-prem, data centre, or cloud environments. | Identify bottlenecks and resolve connectivity issues proactively. |
| Endpoint Agents | Monitors end-user devices and SaaS application performance. | Improve employee experience across hybrid work and cloud applications. |
| Internet Insights (Add-on) | Aggregated visibility into global Internet, BGP, and SaaS outages. | Anticipate issues beyond your own network and mitigate before users are impacted. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
ThousandEyes is most powerful when integrated with your switching and WAN environments. We ensure correct deployment and monitoring that aligns with your business-critical SLAs.
What is Cisco SMARTnet (Smart Net Total Care)?
Cisco SMARTnet is a support and maintenance subscription that ensures critical Catalyst and Nexus infrastructure is always supported, patched, and covered by hardware replacement SLAs.
| SMARTnet Service Levels | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Next Business Day | Replacement hardware shipped by the next business day. | Cost-effective option for less critical infrastructure. |
| 4-Hour Onsite | 24/7 support with 4-hour onsite replacement. | Minimise downtime for mission-critical switches and data centre infrastructure. |
| 2-Hour Onsite | 24/7 support with 2-hour replacement (where available). | Protect core network services with the fastest recovery option. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
SMARTnet can only be purchased via authorised partners. Our role is to ensure you receive the right coverage, rapid hardware replacement, and lifecycle insights.
What is Cisco DNA Software for Switching?
Cisco DNA Software subscriptions deliver advanced automation, assurance, and security for Catalyst switching environments. Licenses are purchased per-switch and unlock software-defined capabilities.
| DNA License Tiers | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | Basic automation, software image management, and telemetry. | Simplify device management with centralised updates and monitoring. |
| Advantage | Adds policy-based automation, assurance, and security integrations. | Automate provisioning and reduce manual configuration errors. |
| Premier | Includes Advantage features plus full SD-Access with advanced segmentation. | Enable Zero Trust and simplify policy deployment across the entire fabric. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
We ensure DNA licenses are aligned to your hardware refresh cycles and future requirements—so you avoid overspending while unlocking maximum value
Talk to a certified Cisco expert. We’ll help you choose the right combination of hardware, licenses, and services.
Upgrading to C9300L network switches? Our FAQ answers 6 common questions.
Q1. How does C9300L differ from modular C9300 models?
C9300L offers fixed uplinks (no modular expansion) and lower stacking bandwidth (StackWise-320) vs C9300’s StackWise-480. These models are ideal for access deployments where uplink variability is less critical.
Q2. Can C9300L stack with standard C9300 or C9300X switches?
No, Cisco supports stacking C9300L only with other 9300L / LM SKUs. Modular C9300 or C9300X cannot be stack members with C9300L models, though they can interoperate at the network layer.
Q3. Does using a 9300L limit uplink speeds or growth potential?
Fixed uplinks mean you cannot later change out uplink modules. If future plans may demand higher uplink speeds or flexibility, a modular C9300 or C9300X may be preferable.
Q4. Which model should I choose — C9300L or C9300?
| Deployment criteria | C9300L | C9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Uplink upgradability | Fixed 1/10G (model-based) | Modular 1/10/25G |
| Stack bandwidth | StackWise-320 | StackWise-480 |
| Cost-optimised access | More flexibility, at a higher cost | |
| Port power / PoE flexibility | (fixed UPOE) | (modular expandability) |
Answer: C9300L is ideal for stable access environments needing strong features but limited uplink changes. Cisco’s C9300 modular switches offer flexibility for evolving demands.
Q5. Can I use smart power / combine PoE budgets across a 9300L stack?
Cisco uses StackPower to pool power across a stack, but 9300L models support only StackWise-320 stacking and certain models of StackPower. Cisco’s official documentation outlines which fixed-uplink models support power sharing.
Q6. Is software, firmware, and feature parity consistent between C9300L and C9300?
Yes, the 9300L runs IOS-XE and supports the same software feature sets (Network Essentials / Advantage, Cisco DNA licensing) as the modular C9300 line, so features like automation, policy, and security are equivalent. Uplink and stacking are the primary differentiators.
