C9300-24P vs C9300-48P-A
Compared products: C9300-24P, C9300-48P-A
Overview
Both models are Cisco Catalyst 9300 PoE+ access switches. The commercial decision is usually closet density and PoE/PSU planning—not which PID is “better” in absolute terms.
Model overview
C9300-24P targets smaller or split closets where 24 powered 1G drops are enough. C9300-48P-A targets denser floors where one 48-port PoE+ switch reduces stack member count or closet switches. Both sit in the campus access / PoE class—not data-center leaf.
Related reading: Campus PoE vs Data Center Leaf if you are still deciding switch class, and the leaf buying guide only when the role is TOR/fabric.
Verified comparison table
| Field | C9300-24P | C9300-48P-A |
|---|---|---|
| Access ports | 24 × 10/100/1000 RJ45 PoE+ | 48 × 10/100/1000 RJ45 PoE+ |
| PoE capability | PoE+; listing shows 445W default budget | PoE+; confirm budget vs installed PSU on quote |
| Uplink architecture | Modular network-module slot (1G/10G/25G/40G class options) | Modular network-module; this listing shows C9300-NM-4G—confirm required NM |
| Switching capacity | 208 Gbps (688 Gbps with stacking) | 256 Gbps standalone; up to 736 Gbps stacked |
| Forwarding rate | 154.76 Mpps (511.90 Mpps with stacking) | 190.47 Mpps standalone; 547.62 Mpps stacked |
| Stacking | StackWise-480 supported | StackWise-480 class (480 Gbps on listing) |
| PSU on listing | PWR-C1-715WAC-P | PWR-C1-1100WAC-P |
| Dimensions (w/ PSU) | 1.73″ × 17.5″ × 17.7″ | 1.73″ × 17.5″ × 17.7″ |
| Primary categories | Access, PoE | Access, PoE |
Access port density
Port count is the clearest difference: 24 vs 48 PoE+ copper drops. Choose 24-port when the closet is small, split across rooms, or intentionally over-provisioned with two smaller switches. Choose 48-port when one denser faceplate reduces device count and stack complexity.
PoE capability and PSU / PoE budget
Both are PoE+ access platforms. The C9300-24P listing shows a 445W default PoE budget with PWR-C1-715WAC-P. The C9300-48P-A listing shows PWR-C1-1100WAC-P but does not publish a single PoE budget figure on this record—size PoE against real endpoint draw and the PSU/power supplies on the quote line. Do not assume maximum brochure PoE without matching hardware.
Uplink architecture
Catalyst 9300 access models use modular network modules for uplinks. Confirm the NM SKU (speed and media) with the RFQ. Do not treat a listing’s example NM as the only possible uplink.
Stacking
Both records indicate StackWise-480 class stacking. If you need a stack, state member count, stack-cable needs, and whether access density should be 24P or 48P members.
Licensing / -A suffix
On Catalyst 9000 ordering codes, an -A suffix commonly indicates Network Advantage software entitlement. Confirm the software package on the quote. Do not assume feature parity from the hardware faceplate alone.
Physical / deployment considerations
Both listings share the same approximate 1RU footprint with default PSU depth. Closet depth, cable management, and heat still matter when stacking multiple members. Power feed and PoE load often constrain the design more than chassis dimensions.
When C9300-24P makes more sense
- Smaller IDFs or rooms that only need ~24 powered drops
- Designs that prefer two 24P switches for failure domains instead of one dense 48P
- PoE loads that fit the listed default budget / PSU class without jumping PSU tiers unexpectedly
When C9300-48P-A makes more sense
- Higher-density floors where 48 PoE+ ports in one switch reduce stack member count
- Projects standardized on Network Advantage (-A) software entitlement
- Closets that can feed the higher PSU class shown on this listing
There is no universal winner. Density, PoE draw, uplink NM, stack design, and license entitlement decide the PID—not a marketing score.
RFQ checklist for this pair
- Exact PID: C9300-24P and/or C9300-48P-A
- Quantity and stack member intent
- PoE endpoint mix and estimated watts
- Required network module (speed/media)
- PSU preference / power feed
- Software entitlement expectation (-A / Network Advantage if required)
- Condition preference and delivery site
Request a Quote · PoE Switches · RFQ FAQ
Related products
FAQ
Is C9300-48P-A always better than C9300-24P?
No. It offers higher access density. Smaller closets, split failure domains, or lower PoE loads often fit C9300-24P better.
Do both support stacking?
Both listings indicate StackWise-480 class stacking. Confirm stack cables and member count on the RFQ.
What does the -A suffix mean?
On Catalyst 9000 codes, -A commonly indicates Network Advantage software. Confirm entitlement on the quote line.