nouvelles de l'entreprise Cisco C9300-48T-E: A Flexible 48-Port Gigabit Switch for Modern Enterprise Network Infrastructure

The Cisco C9300-48T-E is an enterprise-class Gigabit Ethernet switch designed to help organizations build reliable, scalable, and manageable wired networks. As part of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series, this 48-port access switch combines high-density copper connectivity, modular uplink flexibility, Cisco IOS XE software, and the Network Essentials license in a platform suited to demanding business environments. Its 48 × 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 data ports provide connectivity for office computers, printers, servers, and other Ethernet-enabled devices, while its modular uplink architecture gives network teams greater flexibility when planning upstream bandwidth. With support for Cisco StackWise-480, the platform also offers a path toward simplified multi-switch management and network expansion. For enterprises upgrading campus infrastructure, branch offices, educational institutions, and commercial facilities, the C9300-48T-E is worth evaluating when dependable Gigabit access is required without integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE). Selecting the correct license, uplink module, power configuration, and compatible accessories is essential to achieving the intended deployment results.

The Cisco C9300-48T-E is a fixed-port, enterprise access-layer Ethernet switch within the Cisco Catalyst 9300 family. Its model designation identifies a 48-port copper data configuration with modular uplinks and the Network Essentials software license. The switch provides 48 Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 interfaces supporting 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps connections. Unlike PoE-enabled variants, this model is designed for data connectivity and does not supply operating power to connected endpoints through Ethernet.

In a conventional enterprise network, access switches connect endpoint devices to the wider network infrastructure. These endpoints may include desktop computers, network printers, workstations, and other devices with independent power sources. Traffic is forwarded between connected devices and upstream network equipment according to the configured switching, VLAN, security, and quality-of-service policies.

A key feature of the C9300-48T-E is its modular uplink architecture. Instead of relying exclusively on permanently fixed uplink interfaces, the platform can use a compatible uplink network module selected for the deployment. This approach allows network planners to consider different upstream connectivity requirements without automatically replacing the entire access switch. However, supported module types, interface speeds, software compatibility, and installation requirements must be verified against Cisco documentation before ordering.

The switch also supports Cisco StackWise-480 technology, which allows compatible Catalyst 9300 switches to be interconnected as a logical stack. Stacking can simplify management and provide a higher-bandwidth interconnection between stack members. The advertised stacking bandwidth is up to 480 Gbps, subject to the applicable platform configuration and supported stacking components.

The Network Essentials license provides the software feature tier associated with this model. Licensing should be evaluated against the required routing, security, automation, and management functions rather than treated as interchangeable with Network Advantage.

Key published specifications include a 256 Gbps switching capacity, a forwarding rate of up to 154.76 million packets per second (Mpps), and a default 350 W AC power supply configuration. These figures help buyers assess the platform's role in an enterprise network, but the complete hardware configuration and supported features should always be checked against the current official datasheet.

Enterprise networks must support growing numbers of users, business applications, connected devices, and security requirements without creating unnecessary operational complexity. Choosing an access switch is therefore not simply a matter of counting Ethernet ports. Buyers must balance port density, uplink capacity, licensing, reliability, future expansion, and total deployment cost.

The Cisco C9300-48T-E addresses several of these requirements.

With 48 Gigabit Ethernet copper ports, one switch can connect a substantial number of wired endpoints in a single rack or communications room. This is useful for office floors, university departments, commercial buildings, and enterprise branch locations where many employees require stable wired access.

Consolidating endpoint connections can help organizations plan rack space, structured cabling, and switch distribution more efficiently. Gigabit Ethernet remains suitable for many standard business workloads, including office productivity, collaboration, printing, internal applications, and routine file transfers. Actual performance depends on traffic patterns, upstream capacity, endpoint capabilities, and network configuration.

Upstream connectivity requirements often change as an organization expands. An access layer initially connected through Gigabit uplinks may eventually need higher-speed aggregation links, depending on traffic volume and network design.

The C9300-48T-E's modular uplink design allows buyers to evaluate compatible uplink modules against their current and planned infrastructure. This flexibility can help extend the useful life of the access layer when the supported hardware and module options meet future requirements. It does not mean that every uplink speed or module is supported in every configuration, so compatibility checks remain essential.

The Catalyst 9300 platform runs Cisco IOS XE, an operating system used across Cisco enterprise networking products. The platform supports enterprise switching functions and security capabilities appropriate to the specific hardware, software release, and license.

For IT teams, consistent configuration practices, documented policies, VLAN segmentation, monitoring, and controlled software maintenance can improve operational visibility and reduce troubleshooting time. Organizations planning software-defined access or more advanced network automation should confirm the precise feature and licensing requirements before deployment.

Not every Ethernet endpoint needs to receive power from the network switch. In environments where computers, printers, and other devices use separate power supplies, purchasing a PoE-capable model may add functionality that the project does not need.

The C9300-48T-E offers a data-only alternative within the Catalyst 9300 family. Buyers can compare it with the C9300-48P-E, which supports PoE+, when planning networks with powered access points, IP phones, or cameras. The appropriate choice depends on the connected devices, required power budget, and future plans—not simply the purchase price.

For procurement teams, the most effective comparison considers the total cost of ownership, including compatible uplink modules, stacking accessories, power requirements, licensing, warranty coverage, and deployment labor. A correctly specified switch can help avoid unnecessary spending while maintaining the performance and management capabilities required by the organization.

The value of an enterprise switch depends on how well its interfaces, upstream links, software features, and physical installation match the target environment. The following deployment examples illustrate how network engineers and purchasing teams can evaluate the C9300-48T-E.

Consider a corporate office with several departments, shared printers, desktop workstations, and business applications hosted in a server room or data center. A 48-port Gigabit access switch can connect a large group of wired endpoints through existing copper cabling, provided the cabling meets the relevant Ethernet standards and distance requirements.

The engineering team should first estimate the number of active endpoints, allow for reasonable growth, and determine whether one switch or several access switches are required. The C9300-48T-E provides 48 × 10/100/1000 RJ45 data ports, but spare-port planning is still important for relocations, new employees, and additional equipment.

The team should then establish the VLAN structure, management access policy, access-control requirements, and upstream connectivity design. Separate VLANs may be used for departments, printers, or other device groups where appropriate. The actual security outcome depends on correct configuration and the organization's broader network architecture.

Schools, universities, and larger office campuses often distribute access switches across multiple wiring closets. As the number of connected users grows, administrators need a consistent approach to configuration, monitoring, and fault isolation.

Cisco StackWise-480 can support a compatible multi-switch stacking design with up to 480 Gbps of stacking bandwidth. Before implementation, engineers should verify the supported stacking hardware, cabling, software releases, topology, and configuration limits. They should also evaluate power redundancy and the consequences of a stack-member or uplink failure.

Stacking can simplify administration, but it is not a substitute for complete network redundancy planning. Critical deployments should identify potential single points of failure, consider redundant upstream paths where supported, and document recovery procedures.

A common purchasing mistake is to order the switch before confirming the uplink interface requirements. The C9300-48T-E uses modular uplinks, so the selected module should match the aggregation switch, required bandwidth, transmission medium, and physical distance.

For example, a short interconnection within a wiring room may use a supported copper or direct-attach solution, depending on the actual interfaces. A fiber connection between separate network rooms may require compatible optical transceivers and fiber cabling. The correct transceiver depends on the module, link speed, fiber type, connector, wavelength, and distance.

Cisco's documentation lists several uplink module families for the Catalyst 9300 platform. Buyers should confirm the exact module's compatibility with the specific switch and software release instead of assuming that all Catalyst 9300 modules are interchangeable. If the project requires 10G, 25G, or another uplink speed, the selected module and both ends of the link must support that configuration.

Before installation, prepare an equipment list that identifies the switch model, uplink module, transceivers, fiber patch cords or copper cables, stacking accessories, power components, and required licenses. This makes procurement more accurate and reduces the risk of receiving an incomplete solution.

The published specifications for the C9300-48T-E include a 256 Gbps switching capacity and a forwarding rate of up to 154.76 Mpps. These values are useful for comparing platform capability, but real application performance also depends on traffic distribution, packet size, congestion, uplink oversubscription, and configuration.

The model is data-only and does not provide PoE to connected endpoints. This is particularly important when planning wireless access points, IP telephones, and surveillance cameras. If the design requires switch-supplied power, the procurement team should evaluate an appropriate PoE model, such as the C9300-48P-E, and confirm its power budget and electrical requirements.

The listed default power configuration is 350 W AC. Buyers should verify the actual supplied power supply, input requirements, redundancy options, and regional power-cord requirements for the unit being purchased. They should also confirm the equipment's physical dimensions, rack compatibility, cooling requirements, and operating environment using the official installation documentation.

Finally, establish a maintenance plan covering configuration backups, software compatibility, monitoring, firmware upgrades, and hardware replacement procedures. During procurement, request confirmation of product condition, included accessories, warranty terms, availability, and delivery lead time. For international projects, verify shipping arrangements and any documentation required by the destination country.

A disciplined deployment process helps ensure that the switch, uplink components, and software configuration work together as a complete enterprise networking solution rather than as a collection of individually compatible-looking parts.

The Cisco C9300-48T-E is an enterprise access switch for connecting wired network endpoints. Its 48 Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports make it suitable for office workstations, printers, and other data devices in campus networks, branch offices, and commercial environments.

No. The C9300-48T-E is a data-only model and does not provide PoE power to connected devices. If a deployment requires switch-powered wireless access points, IP phones, or cameras, compare it with a suitable PoE model, such as the C9300-48P-E.

The principal distinction is the software license tier: the C9300-48T-E uses Network Essentials, while the C9300-48T-A uses Network Advantage. Available features differ by license and software release, so buyers should compare the official feature matrix against their specific routing, security, and management requirements.

Yes. The platform supports modular uplinks, allowing selection of a compatible uplink module for the intended network design. Module type, supported speed, transceiver compatibility, and software requirements must be verified before purchase to ensure the switch connects correctly to the aggregation layer.

Yes. It supports Cisco StackWise-480 with compatible stacking components. The published stacking bandwidth is up to 480 Gbps. Buyers should confirm supported hardware, topology, software versions, and configuration limits before designing a stack for production use.

Buyers can contact the supplier with the required quantity, destination country, target delivery date, and any uplink or accessory requirements. Before placing an order, request confirmation of the exact model, product condition, included components, warranty coverage, availability, and shipping terms.