The Cisco Catalyst C9300X Series is Cisco’s highest-performance fixed enterprise access switch, designed for organisations requiring multi-gigabit connectivity, 10G copper access, 25G fibre uplinks and advanced automation. It is widely deployed in enterprise campuses, healthcare, education, financial services, manufacturing and large public sector environments where high availability and long-term investment protection are essential.
This guide explains the Cisco C9300X product family, compares every model, highlights key features and licensing options, and helps buyers choose the correct switch for their network.
What is the Cisco Catalyst C9300X?
The Cisco Catalyst C9300X is part of Cisco’s Catalyst 9000 family of enterprise switches. It builds upon the popular Catalyst 9300 Series by introducing significantly higher uplink speeds, increased switching capacity and enhanced security for modern campus networks.
Unlike earlier Catalyst 9300 switches, the C9300X supports:
- 25 Gigabit SFP28 uplinks
- 40G and 100G uplink modules
- 10G copper access models
- Multi-gigabit access with UPOE+
- Cisco DNA automation
- StackWise Virtual
- SD-Access fabrics
- Zero Trust network segmentation
These improvements make the C9300X particularly suitable for organisations deploying Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, AI workloads, large server farms and high-density campus networks.
Key Features
Enterprise Performance
The Cisco C9300X delivers high forwarding rates with wire-speed Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching while supporting thousands of users and devices.
Key capabilities include:
- Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching
- IPv4 and IPv6 routing
- OSPF
- EIGRP
- BGP
- VXLAN support
- MPLS support (selected deployments)
Cisco C9300X Switch Models
The Catalyst 9300X family is designed for higher speed and uplink flexibility than standard Catalyst 9300 models. Below are the main switch SKUs commonly found in the C9300X range.
| Model | Ports | Port Type | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| C9300X-12Y-A | 12 | 25G SFP28 | Compact aggregation / fibre edge |
| C9300X-12Y-E | 12 | 25G SFP28 | Compact aggregation / fibre edge |
| C9300X-24Y-A | 24 | 25G SFP28 | High-performance aggregation |
| C9300X-24Y-E | 24 | 25G SFP28 | High-performance aggregation |
| C9300X-48TX-A | 48 | 10GBASE-T | Copper server access / enterprise edge |
| C9300X-48TX-E | 48 | 10GBASE-T | Copper server access / enterprise edge |
| C9300X-48HX-A | 48 | mGig UPOE+ | WiFi 6/6E/7, smart building, high power edge |
| C9300X-48HX-E | 48 | mGig UPOE+ | WiFi 6/6E/7, smart building, high power edge |
| C9300X-48HXN-A | 48 | mGig UPOE+ | Enhanced campus performance |
| C9300X-48HXN-E | 48 | mGig UPOE+ | Enhanced campus performance |
Licence suffix guide:
-A = Network Advantage
-E = Network Essentials
Ready-to-Buy Cisco C9300X Products
Browse current C9300X options from our store below.
C9300X-24Y
24 x 25G SFP28
Designed for high-density aggregation and data centre edge environments.
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C9300X-48TX
48 x 10GBASE-T
High-performance copper switching for enterprise access and server connectivity.
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C9300X-48HX
48 x mGig UPOE+
Best suited to high-power edge networks, wireless upgrades and IoT rollouts.
View pricing & availability
C9300X PSU Compatibility Chart
The correct power supply depends on the switch model and power demand, particularly for mGig and PoE-heavy deployments.
PSU Part Number Power Type Compatible with C9300X Notes
| PSU Part Number | Power | Type | Compatible with C9300X | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PWR-C1-350WAC-P | 350W | AC | Selected non-PoE / low-demand models | Entry-level power option |
| PWR-C1-715WAC-P | 715W | AC | Yes | Common choice for non-PoE and lighter loads |
| PWR-C1-1100WAC-P | 1100W | AC | Yes | Recommended for higher power budgets |
| PWR-C1-1900WAC-P | 1900W | AC | Yes | Best for UPOE+/mGig heavy deployments |
| PWR-C1-715WDC | 715W | DC | Yes | DC deployment option |
Buyer tip: If you are deploying C9300X-48HX or C9300X-48HXN models with significant PoE demand, budget for 1100W or 1900W power supplies.
High-Speed Uplinks
Unlike standard Catalyst 9300 models which are limited to 10G uplinks, the C9300X supports:
| Uplink Technology | Connector | Maximum Speed | Typical Deployment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25G SFP28 | SFP28 Fibre | 25 Gbps | Enterprise aggregation, server edge and campus uplinks | Wi-Fi 6E/7, high-density fibre and future-ready campus networks |
| 40G QSFP+ | QSFP+ Fibre | 40 Gbps | Distribution layer and data centre interconnects | Medium enterprise cores where 100G is not required |
| 100G QSFP28 | QSFP28 Fibre | 100 Gbps | Core networks, campus backbones and data centres | AI infrastructure, virtualised environments and large-scale networks |
This enables organisations to future-proof campus networks while reducing bottlenecks.
Multi-Gigabit Ethernet
Selected C9300X models provide mGig interfaces supporting:
- 100 Mbps
- 1 Gbps
- 2.5 Gbps
- 5 Gbps
- 10 Gbps
These ports are ideal for:
- Wi-Fi 6 access points
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Wi-Fi 7
- High-speed desktop environments
- Security cameras
- Smart buildings
C9300X Network Module Compatibility Chart
The C9300X family uses dedicated uplink module options designed for higher-speed connectivity.
| Module Part Number | Ports | Speed | Compatibility | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
C9300X-NM-8Y |
8 x SFP28 | 25G | C9300X models | 25G uplinks / fibre aggregation |
C9300X-NM-4C |
4 x QSFP28 | 40G / 100G | C9300X models | 100G uplinks / high-speed core connectivity |
C9300X-NM-2Q |
2 x QSFP+ | 40G | C9300X models | 40G uplink scenarios |
Important: Standard Catalyst 9300 network modules are not the same as C9300X network modules. Always match the module family to the correct switch platform.
Need help selecting the right Cisco Catalyst 9300X network module?
Flux IT Hardware supplies new, new-surplus and refurbished Cisco Catalyst 9300X switches, network modules, optics and power supplies. Contact our Cisco specialists for configuration advice, pricing and availability.
C9300X Stacking and StackPower Cable Compatibility
The Catalyst 9300X platform supports high-bandwidth stacking and power-sharing accessories.
| Cable Part Number | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
STACK-T1-50CM |
50cm StackWise cable | Short-range stack connections |
STACK-T1-1M |
1 metre StackWise cable | Standard stack connectivity |
STACK-T1-3M |
3 metre StackWise cable | Longer stack connections |
CAB-SPWR-30CM |
30cm StackPower cable | Short power-sharing links |
CAB-SPWR-150CM |
150cm StackPower cable | Standard power-sharing link |
Stacking benefit: C9300X switches support high-speed stacking for simplified management and resiliency across multiple switches.
Common Cisco Catalyst C9300X Optics and Direct Attach Cable (DAC) Options
Selecting the correct optics and cables is just as important as choosing the right Cisco Catalyst C9300X switch.
The correct transceiver ensures maximum performance, compatibility and future scalability while avoiding unnecessary deployment delays and costs.
The Cisco Catalyst C9300X supports Cisco SFP28, QSFP+, QSFP28, Direct Attach Copper (DAC) and Active Optical Cable (AOC) solutions for connecting servers, switches and high-speed campus networks.
25G SFP28 Optics and DAC Options
| Cisco Part Number | Type | Distance | Connector | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SFP-25G-SR-S | 25G SR | Up to 100m (OM4) | LC Duplex | Server connectivity, switch uplinks and data centres |
| SFP-25G-LR-S | 25G LR | Up to 10km | LC Duplex | Building-to-building fibre links |
| SFP-25G-CU1M | Passive DAC | 1 metre | Twinax Copper | Adjacent rack connections |
| SFP-25G-CU3M | Passive DAC | 3 metres | Twinax Copper | Top-of-rack networking |
| SFP-25G-CU5M | Passive DAC | 5 metres | Twinax Copper | Rack-to-rack connectivity |
| SFP-25G-AOC5M | Active Optical Cable | 5 metres | Integrated Fibre | Lightweight alternative to DAC cables |
100G QSFP28 Optics
| Cisco Part Number | Type | Distance | Typical Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|
| QSFP-100G-SR4-S | 100G SR4 | 70-100m | Data centres and server aggregation |
| QSFP-100G-CSR4-S | 100G CSR4 | 400m | Campus backbone |
| QSFP-100G-LR4-S | 100G LR4 | 10km | Building interconnects and WAN |
| QSFP-100G-PSM4-S | 100G PSM4 | 500m | Parallel fibre infrastructure |
Choosing the Right Connection Type
| Connection Type | Recommended Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Passive DAC | Up to 5m | Lowest-cost switch-to-server or rack-to-rack connections |
| Active Optical Cable (AOC) | 3-30m | Lightweight, flexible high-speed connections |
| SFP28 Fibre | 100m-10km+ | Campus networks, aggregation and long-distance links |
| QSFP28 Fibre | 100m-10km+ | 100G core networking and data centre backbones |
Buying Advice
When purchasing a Cisco Catalyst C9300X switch, specify your required uplink speeds, fibre type (OM3, OM4 or Single Mode), transmission distance and connector type (LC or MPO) alongside your switch order. Procuring optics, DACs and fibre patch leads together helps ensure compatibility, simplifies deployment and can reduce overall project costs.
Need help selecting the right optics? Our networking specialists can recommend the most cost-effective Cisco or Cisco-compatible transceivers for your C9300X deployment.
Which Cisco C9300X Should You Buy?
Choose the C9300X-12Y if:
- You need compact aggregation
- Your network is fibre-first
- Rack space is limited
Choose the C9300X-24Y if:
- You require dense 25G connectivity
- You are upgrading from Nexus aggregation
- Your network is growing rapidly
Choose the C9300X-48TX if:
- You require high-speed copper
- You connect servers using RJ45
- Your environment requires 10G desktop connectivity
Choose the C9300X-48HX if:
- Deploying Wi-Fi 6E
- Deploying Wi-Fi 7
- High-power PoE devices
- Smart buildings
- IoT
Cisco C9300X Licensing
The C9300X is available with Cisco DNA licensing.
Common licence options include:
- Network Essentials
- Network Advantage
- DNA Essentials
- DNA Advantage
Selecting the correct licence depends on automation, security and SD-Access requirements.
Typical Use Cases
The Cisco Catalyst C9300X is commonly deployed in:
- Enterprise campus networks
- Universities
- Schools
- NHS Trusts
- Financial institutions
- Manufacturing
- Data centres
- Managed service providers
- Government organisations
What to Check Before Buying a Cisco C9300X Switch
- Choose the right port format: 25G fibre, 10G copper, or mGig PoE
- Confirm the correct licence tier: Essentials or Advantage
- Check the uplink module needed for 25G, 40G or 100G connectivity
- Size the power supplies correctly for PoE and future load
- Include stacking cables, StackPower cables, optics and DACs in the budget
Why Buy Cisco C9300X from Flux IT Hardware?
- New, refurbished and surplus Cisco hardware options
- Support with model matching, compatibility and alternatives
- Fast turnaround on enterprise networking hardware
- Short-term rental available to bridge delays
- Trade-in / trade-up support for older Cisco estate
If you need help choosing the right Cisco C9300X switch, PSU, module or cable, Flux IT Hardware can help you source the right configuration for your environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cisco Catalyst C9300X Switches
The Cisco Catalyst C9300X supports Cisco-branded optics, and many organisations also deploy high-quality Cisco-compatible transceivers from reputable manufacturers to reduce costs. Always verify compatibility with your switch model, network module and Cisco IOS XE software version before deployment.
Yes. The C9300X is a common upgrade path from Catalyst 3850, Catalyst 4500 and standard Catalyst 9300 deployments, delivering higher throughput, faster uplinks, improved security features and support for newer wireless technologies.
Professionally refurbished Cisco C9300X switches are widely deployed by enterprises, schools, universities and public sector organisations. When sourced from an experienced supplier, refurbished equipment is fully tested, professionally cleaned and supplied with warranty options, offering excellent value without compromising reliability.
The C9300X supports Cisco Network Essentials, Network Advantage, DNA Essentials and DNA Advantage licences. The appropriate licence depends on your routing, automation and software-defined networking requirements.
Yes. The C9300X multi-gigabit models provide the bandwidth and UPOE+ power required for modern Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 access points, supporting high-density wireless deployments across enterprise campuses.
Yes. When equipped with the appropriate Cisco C9300X network module, the switch supports high-speed 40G and 100G uplinks, making it suitable for enterprise cores, campus backbones and data centre connectivity.
The best model depends on your deployment:
-
C9300X-12Y – Compact 25G fibre aggregation.
-
C9300X-24Y – High-density 25G enterprise aggregation.
-
C9300X-48TX – 48-port 10G copper connectivity.
-
C9300X-48HX – Multi-Gigabit access with UPOE+ for Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7 and IoT.
-
C9300X-48HXN – Enhanced performance for demanding enterprise environments.
The Cisco Catalyst C9300X provides significantly higher performance than the standard Catalyst C9300, including support for 25G SFP28 access ports, 100G uplink modules, faster StackWise bandwidth and greater scalability for modern enterprise networks. It is designed for organisations requiring higher throughput and future-proof connectivity.
The Cisco Catalyst C9300X is Cisco’s flagship fixed enterprise access switch, designed for high-performance campus networks. It offers 25G access, 100G uplink capability, advanced security, Cisco IOS XE, SD-Access support and high-speed stacking, making it suitable for large enterprise and data centre edge deployments.
