Cisco Catalyst 9300X Series (C9300X) switches are purpose-built for enterprises and data centres requiring dense 40G and 100G uplinks, scalable stacking, and secure, software-defined networking. With industry-leading resiliency, high throughput, and full Cisco DNA support, the C9300X is ideal for organisations scaling toward hybrid and cloud-ready infrastructures.
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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 |
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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.
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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.
Considering an upgrade to C9300X network switches? Our FAQ answers 6 common questions.
Q1. How does the Cisco C9300X compare to the C9300 and C9300L?
| Feature | C9300L | C9300 | C9300X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uplinks | Fixed 1/10G (model-based) | Modular 1/10/25G | Fixed 40/100G |
| Stack bandwidth | StackWise-320 | StackWise-480 | StackWise-480 (up to 1.6 Tbps) |
| Performance focus | Cost-optimised access | Versatile enterprise access | High-throughput aggregation/core |
| Scale | Up to 8 members | Up to 8 members | Up to 8 members |
Answer: The C9300X distinguishes itself with high-speed 40G/100G uplinks and greater forwarding capacity, making it better suited to aggregation and data centre roles, while the C9300 and C9300L remain strong options for enterprise access layers.
Q2. Can C9300X switches stack with C9300 or C9300L models?
Yes, Cisco C9300X switches can stack with C9300 models using StackWise-480. However, they cannot stack with C9300L models, which use a different StackWise-320 technology. Cisco recommends homogeneous stacks for consistent performance and feature alignment.
Q3. Is the C9300X suitable for campus core, or only data centres?
The C9300X is versatile: while it is optimised for high-throughput data centre fabrics, its 40G/100G uplinks and high stack bandwidth make it equally effective for campus core or distribution roles where high availability and scalability are critical.
Q4. How does the C9300X handle security compared to other Cisco Catalyst models?
The C9300X provides full enterprise security parity with the broader C9300 family, including TrustSec, MACsec encryption, and secure boot. Cisco positions the C9300X as part of its “most secure stackable switching platform,” with the added benefit of scale and throughput to handle larger environments without compromising protection.
Q5. Does the C9300X support automation frameworks?
Yes. The C9300X runs Cisco IOS-XE, supporting programmatic APIs such as NETCONF and RESTCONF, model-driven telemetry, and integration with Cisco DNA Centre for policy-driven automation. This makes it well-suited for enterprises pursuing intent-based networking strategies.
Q6. What kind of environments benefit most from deploying C9300X?
The C9300X is best suited for enterprises and data centres that require:
Organisations with lighter access needs may find the C9300 or C9300L sufficient, but those preparing for higher data volumes and throughput growth will benefit most from the C9300X.
