Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches (C9300) are purpose-built access-layer switches for enterprises and data centres. The C9300 family delivers resilient, stackable access with industry-standard security, flexible uplinks and strong PoE options – designed for wired access, wireless aggregation and campus deployments.
As a trusted Cisco partner, we bring decades of expertise in networking and security solutions. Our team has an extensive technical understanding of Cisco’s product portfolio – enabling us to assess, integrate, and optimise solutions for even the most complex or high-demand environments.
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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.
Speak with our team today to explore how Cisco financing can help to launch your next IT project sooner.
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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When you work with us, we can bundle and stack multiple offers, navigate application processes, and secure pricing that often isn’t accessible without a Cisco partner. Visit our promotions hub for current Cisco offers and to discuss your eligibility
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 Catalyst 9300 network switches for your IT infrastructure? Our FAQ answers 6 common questions.
Q1. How reliable is C9300 stacking in production?
C9300 uses StackWise-480 (up to 480 Gbps stack bandwidth) for resilient stacks of up to eight switches, supporting in-stack redundancy and fast convergence. StackPower and redundant PSUs further increase uptime; exact behaviour depends on switch SKU and power-supply configuration.
Q2. Can the Cisco C9300 mix 1G, multigigabit and 10/25/40/100G links on the same switch?
Yes, C9300 downlinks support 1G and multigigabit (specified by the SKU), and uplinks can be populated with modular 1/10/25/40/100 Gb modules. This allows phased server or access upgrades without forklift replacements.
Q3. What should I know about firmware, IOS-XE upgrades and stack compatibility?
C9300 runs IOS-XE. Cisco recommends using the validated image sets for your stack to ensure SSO/stack control-plane compatibility. When upgrading stacks, it’s wise to follow Cisco’s documented upgrade sequence and image compatibility matrix to avoid control-plane mismatches.
Q4. Which Cisco C9300 model is best for ToR/aggregation vs spine/core?
| Feature | C9300 | C9300L | C9300X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stack bandwidth | StackWise-480 | StackWise-320 | StackWise-480 (up to 1.6 Tbps) |
| Modular uplinks | Supported (network modules 1G/10G/25G) | Fixed uplinks (1G/10G) | High-speed uplinks (100G/400G readiness on X models) |
| PoE / UPOE options | Full PoE+/UPOE options, up to 1,440 W | PoE+/UPOE on select SKUs | Higher PoE budgets and larger PSU options |
| Scale & throughput | Up to 1.76 Tbps switching capacity, 3.8 Bpps forwarding | Up to 176 Gbps, 130 Mpps forwarding | Up to 1.6 Tbps, 1 Tbps stack bandwidth, 190 Mpps forwarding |
Answer: For large enterprises and data centres, the C9300 delivers scalable performance for access and aggregation layers with flexible uplink options. Where fixed uplinks are sufficient, the C9300L provides a cost-efficient edge solution. The C9300X is best suited for high-bandwidth aggregation or light core deployments, offering 100G readiness and greater throughput for modern fabric architectures.
Q5. How much PoE power can a C9300 deployment deliver?
PoE capacity depends on the installed power supplies and whether you operate in a stack. Cisco documents show per-switch power supply options (350 W, 715 W, 1100 W) and StackPower can share budgets across a stack. In fully populated stacks with appropriate PSUs, aggregated PoE support can reach hundreds of powered ports. However, Cisco recommends that planning should account for PSU mix and worst-case power draw.
Q6. What licensing and feature sets should I plan for on C9300?
C9300 uses Cisco DNA licensing (Essentials/Advantage) for automation, assurance and advanced features. Base feature sets (Network Essentials/Advantage) control L2/L3 capabilities. Our Cisco experts can help you to choose the right DNA license & feature tier according to your automation, policy, or advanced routing/security needs.
