Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E-RF

Cisco Catalyst 9200 vs 9300: Which Enterprise Switch Is Right for Your Network?

Selecting the appropriate network switch is a crucial choice that impacts performance, scalability, security, and the total cost of ownership. In the modern workplace, where the demands for bandwidth, connectivity to devices, and threat protection continue to rise, deciding between the Cisco Catalyst 9200 series and the 9300 series is a matter of in-depth knowledge about their features.

These two devices are both part of Cisco's Intent-Based Networking portfolio. They are compatible with Cisco DNA Center and are based using IOS XE. They differ with respect to architecture, performance, and their intended usage scenarios. It is the Catalyst 9200 is designed for access layer deployments in small - to medium-sized companies, and the Catalyst 9300 is built for distribution and core layers of enterprise networks.

This comprehensive guide offers comprehensive comparisons between two switches: the Catalyst 9200 and 9300 on the key areas of specifications of the hardware, PoE capability, as well as stacking performance and security features, software management, as well as the total expense of ownership. In the end, you'll have an idea of which switch will work with your company's needs today and growth plans for the future.

Overview of the Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series

The Cisco Catalyst 9200 series is a fixed-configuration switching series that was introduced as the successor to the Catalyst 3850 as well as 3650. It was designed for businesses that require reliable, secure, and easily manageable access-layer switching without the hassle or expense of high-end hardware.

Available in Standard (C9200) and smaller (C9200L) models, the 9200 series can be used for both cloud-managed and managed deployments. It is typically employed within small-sized office networks, retail establishments, branches, as well as educational institutions where dependable performance and simple management are important.

Key Features of the Catalyst 9200:

  • Port Configurations: 24 or 48 Ethernet ports that have one-way uplinks of 10G or 1G (SFP/SFP+)
  • Support for PoE: PoE+ (802.3at) with power budgets ranging from 740W, which is suitable for Wi-Fi phones, IP phones, 6 access points, as well as HD security cameras.
  • Stacking: The StackWise 80 technology permits up to eight units to be stacked together, with a capacity of 80 Gbps inter-switch
  • Management: Supports Cisco DNA Center, Cisco Command Center (CNA), web UI, and CLI
  • Security: Basic access control lists (ACLs), port security, as well as MACsec encryption
  • Software. It runs on IOS XE, which supports encryption of the traffic segmentation, as well as basic automation.

The Catalyst 9200 can be purchased for the LAN Base in addition to IP Services license tiers, with the latter offering advanced multicast and routing features. Although it cannot create uplinks in a modular fashion, its fixed-style design guarantees ease of use and less maintenance.

It is ideal for: Small-to-midsize companies (SMBs), branches, retail stores, and schools that have more than 250 people, as well as reasonable bandwidth demands.

Overview of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 series is the new generation of enterprise-class switching built for high-performance, safe, and scalable networks. It is positioned as a distribution or core switching device; it provides higher throughput, superior security, and modularity when compared to the 9200.

It provides the base for modern enterprises' networks that support high-density connectivity to devices, real-time applications, as well as policy-based automation. The 9300 is extensively used on corporate campuses, healthcare facilities, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Key Features of the Catalyst 9300:

  • Modular Designs: Supports replaceable power supplies, fan trays, along with uplink and downlink modules (SFP, SFP+, QSFP+, SFP28)
  • High-Speed Uplinks: The native capability of 25G and 40 G uplinks enables seamless integration of high-bandwidth servers as well as Wi-Fi 6E/7 access points.
  • PoE Features: 802.3bt (PoE++) provides up to 90W on each port, making it ideal to power the latest IoT devices as well as digital signage and advanced wireless infrastructure
  • Stacking: The StackWise-480 offers up to 480 Gbps bandwidth for stacking over 8 units, which reduces the amount of latency and increases redundancy
  • Security: The most advanced features are encrypted traffic analytics (ETA), TrustSec, Cisco Stealthwatch integration, and MACsec SSL encryption with 256 bits.
  • Administration: Complete integration to Cisco DNA Center for AI-driven assurance as well as automation and telemetry
  • Software: IOS XE with support for model-driven programming, Python scripting, and RESTCONF and NETCONF APIs

The Catalyst 9300 is offered in a variety of forms that include the standard (C9300), as well as enhanced performance (C9300X) and small (C9300L) variants. It is compatible with each of Essentials as well as Advantage licensing and Advantage licensing, the latter unlocking the full DNA Center capabilities.

Ideal for: Large to mid-sized companies and data centers, healthcare systems, and other healthcare organizations needing high availability, superior security, and scalability for the long term.

Detailed Comparison: Catalyst 9200 vs 9300

Feature Catalyst 9200 Catalyst 9300
Target Use Case Access layer branches, SMBs, Access layer Core/distribution, enterprise networks
Switching Capacity Up to 176 Gbps Up to 440 Gbps
Forwarding Rate Up to 130 Mpps Up to 330 Mpps
Uplink Options Fixed SFP/SFP+ Modular (SFP28, QSFP+, 25G/40G)
Stacking Bandwidth 80 Gbps (StackWise-80) 480 Gbps (StackWise-480)
PoE Support PoE+ (802.3at), up to 740W PoE++ (802.3bt), up to 1700W
Modularity No (fixed ports) Yes (replaceable PSUs, uplinks)
Security Features ACLs, Port security, ACLs, the basics of MACsec ETA, TrustSec, SecureX, ISE integration
Management DNA Center (basic), CNA, CLI Fully DNA Center integration, Catalyst Center

Performance and Throughput Analysis

The Catalyst 9300 is superior to the 9200 on every important performance measure. With a maximum capacity for switching at 440 Gbps and a forwarding rate at 330 million packets per second (Mpps), the 9300 is specifically designed to be used in high-throughput environments like enterprise data centers and video conferencing hubs, as well as VDI deployments.

Contrary to this, the Catalyst 9200 can provide up to 175 Gbps as well as 130 Mppsadequate for office tasks, but could be limiting in situations with high traffic. For instance, networks with continuous traffic that exceeds 5 Gbps could experience delays or loss of packets in a 9200-based stack, especially when running applications that are real-time, such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

The 9300's greater buffer memory and more extensive queuing capabilities improve its capacity to deal with traffic spikes, which makes it more dependable during times of peak use. This is especially important when dealing with massive cloud backups, file transfers, or the synchronization of databases.

PoE and Power Delivery Capabilities

It is a must to have power over Ethernet (PoE) is important for networks that are deploying IP phones as well as wireless access points, security cameras, as well as IoT devices. Both switches can support PoE; however, the 9300 provides significantly more power and flexibility.

The Catalyst 9200 is compatible with PoE+ (802.3at), which can deliver up to 30W of power per port, and a total spending of 740W. This is enough for basic Wi-Fi 6 access points (e.g., Cisco 9120 and 9130) and VoIP phones; however, it may not be enough in the case of devices that draw a lot of power, such as PTZ cameras or digital signage.

The Catalyst 9300 can be used with PoE+ (802.3bt), which can provide up to 90W for each port, and a maximum power of 1700W when using dual power sources. This allows support for next-generation Wi-Fi 6E as well as Wi-Fi 7 access points as well as high-performance IoT sensors as well and edge computing devices, all via just one switch.

Furthermore, the 9300 can be equipped with backup power sources, which will ensure continuous operation in critical environments. The 9200 doesn't provide PSU redundancy, which makes it less suited for applications that require high availability.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

Scalability is the primary difference in the models. Although both models support stacking, the Catalyst 9300's StackWise-480 technology gives six times more bandwidth between switches over the 9200's StackWise-80. This decreases the chance of congestion caused by stacking links when using multi-switch configurations.

The 9300's modular design permits future upgrades that do not require replacing the chassis. For instance, an organization could start with 10G connections and then install SFP28 modules to provide 25G connectivity when network requirements increase. The 9200, a fixed-configuration device, is required to be replaced completely in order to be upgraded beyond its original uplink speed.

This modularity allows the 9300 to be a durable investment, specifically for businesses planning to take on Wi-Fi 7 and 25G servers as well as high-density IoT deployments over the next few years.

Security and Threat Protection

Security is the area where the Catalyst 9300 really stands out. While the 9200 offers basic security capabilities like ACLs, as well as port security, it comes with advanced features designed specifically to support zero-trust systems.

  • Encrypted traffic analytics (ETA): Uses machine learning to detect malware and command-and-control traffic hidden in encrypted sessions without decrypting the data, protecting users' privacy.
  • TrustSec allows for role-based control of access and micro-segmentation. It allows administrators to establish policies based on the identity of users instead of the IP address.
  • Cisco DNA Assurance: It provides real-time visibility into the network for the detection of anomalies, as well as automated troubleshooting by using AI and Telemetry data.

These features are vital to ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA, as well as CMMC, in cases where access control and detection of threats are required. The 9200 is not equipped with these features and is therefore not suitable for use in the regulated industries.

Software Management and Automation

Both switches work with Cisco DNA Center, but the degree of integration varies. Catalyst 9200 Catalyst 9200 works with DNA Center to provide minimal provisioning and monitoring; however, it does not have full assurance or automation capabilities except when running the IP Services license.

Catalyst 9300 Catalyst 9300, particularly when combined with the Advantage license, allows you to fully exploit the potential DNA Center, including:

  • AI-driven network insights
  • Automated device to board
  • Software-defined Access (SD-Access)
  • REST APIs that can be integrated with IT services management tools

For companies that are adopting network automation or intention-based networking, 9300 is the sole possible choice.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The Catalyst 9200 comes with a lower cost of purchase, making it a good choice for buyers with a tight budget. Refurbished models can be purchased for less than $2,000, which is a substantial savings over brand new models.

However, the Catalyst 9300 typically provides better value over time due to:

  • Longer life span (modular components improve the usability)
  • The need for future upgrades is less
  • Automation can lower operational costs by reducing the cost of operations.
  • More reliability through multiple power sources and cooling

When looking at TCO, companies should take into account not only the cost of acquisition and maintenance costs, but also capacity and the possibility of obsolescence.

Which Switch Is Right for Your Organization?

You should choose the Catalyst 9200 if:

  • You own an enterprise of a medium or small size with fewer than 250 users
  • The network is primarily compatible with wired devices as well as standard Wi-Fi Access points with 6
  • You need reliable access-layer switching using PoE+
  • Budgetary constraints are a major problem
  • Do not anticipate major network expansions in the next three years.

Select the Catalyst 9300 if:

  • You are the manager of a mid-sized to large-sized enterprise with more than 250 users
  • You require distribution or core performance, and redundancy
  • You need advanced security features such as ETA or TrustSec
  • You are planning to implement 25G/40G or Wi-Fi 7 later on.
  • You have implemented Cisco DNA Center to automate and secure

Explore Genuine Cisco Switches at ITDBay

ITDBay offers certified-refurbished Cisco Catalyst switches with full hardware testing, firmware validation, and warranty protection. All switches are tested to ensure authenticity as well as performance, and ensure a reliable installation in any setting.

  • Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E-RF (Certified Refurbished): A compact, enterprise-grade switch featuring 48 PoE+ ports and four 10G SFP+ uplinks. The Catalyst 9300L series delivers advanced security, full Cisco DNA Center compatibility, and high availability in a fanless, energy-efficient design. Ideal for space-constrained environments like branch offices, retail locations, or server rooms where performance and reliability matter.
  • Cisco C9200-48P-A-RF (Certified Refurbished): A 48-port PoE+ switch running the Advantage license, enabling full network automation, SD-Access support, and enhanced security features. This model is perfect for growing businesses that need scalable access-layer switching with enterprise-level management via Cisco DNA Center or Command Center.

Both models offer significant cost savings over new units without compromising performance or reliability — making them smart choices for budget-conscious IT teams seeking long-term value.

Conclusion

The Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 are both strong, reliable switches that play different roles in the hierarchy of networks. The 9200 is a great choice for deployments that require an access-layer for small- to medium-sized companies that value efficiency and simplicity.

The Catalyst 9300, however, is designed specifically for enterprise environments that require top performance, high-end security, and modular scalability. It also offers long-term investment security. Its support for uplinks of 25G/40G and PoE++ and complete DNA Center integration makes it the most suitable platform for future-ready networks.

In deciding between these two options, take into account not only your current needs, but also the future growth, security needs, and the technology roadmap. If you are looking for an equilibrium of performance as well as value for money, Catalyst 9200 and 9300 models at ITDBay are a cost-effective and high-quality solution without compromising the quality.

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