Cisco Catalyst 9300 Buying Guide: Models, Uplinks & Licensing
The Catalyst 9300 is Cisco's enterprise access flagship — IOS-XE, StackWise-480/1T, UPOE, multigigabit, and modular uplinks. Choosing one comes down to four things: port speed (1G vs mGig), PoE budget (PoE+/UPOE), uplink module, and DNA license tier. Here is how to spec the right 9300 without overpaying.
TL;DR — Direct Answer
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 is the enterprise access-layer flagship — IOS-XE, StackWise-480 (up to 480 Gbps stacking; StackWise-1T on 9300X), UPOE/UPOE+ power, multigigabit (mGig) options, and modular uplinks. Spec it by answering four questions:
- Port speed — all 1G, or do you need mGig (2.5/5/10G) access for Wi-Fi 6/6E APs and high-end endpoints?
- PoE — none, PoE+ (30W), or UPOE/UPOE+ (60-90W) for APs, cameras, and powered devices?
- Uplink module — 4x1G, 4x10G, 8x10G, or 25G/40G, depending on your aggregation.
- License tier — DNA Essentials vs Advantage (subscription).
Get those four right and you've spec'd the correct 9300. Below is how to decide each.
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The model lineup (how to read it)
Catalyst 9300 SKUs encode the config. The key variables:
- Port count — 24 or 48 access ports.
- Power — non-PoE, PoE+ (the "P"), or UPOE (the "U"): e.g. C9300-48P (PoE+), C9300-48U (UPOE).
- Speed — standard 1G, or mGig models (the "9300-48UXM/24UX") with 2.5/5/10G access ports.
- 9300X — the higher-end variant: StackWise-1T, higher uplink speeds (25G/40G/100G modules), more bandwidth.
If you're powering Wi-Fi 6/6E APs or want headroom, mGig + UPOE is the future-proof choice; for standard desk access, 1G + PoE+ is plenty and cheaper.
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Uplinks are modular — don't forget them
The 9300 uses swappable network modules for uplinks (4x1G, 4x10G/SFP+, 8x10G, or 25G/40G on 9300X). The uplink module is often a separate line item, so factor it into the quote and match it to your aggregation/core speed. This is also where third-party SFP/QSFP optics save real money — see will third-party SFPs work in my Cisco switch.
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Licensing: DNA Essentials vs Advantage
The 9300 requires a Cisco DNA subscription (term-based):
- DNA Essentials — core switching, basic automation/assurance. Fine for most standard deployments.
- DNA Advantage — adds SD-Access, advanced assurance/segmentation, full automation. Choose this if you're building SD-Access or need advanced policy.
Licensing is a recurring cost — include the multi-year subscription in your TCO, not just the hardware price.
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9300 vs 9200, and new vs refurbished
If you don't need StackWise-480, UPOE, or the 9300's uplink density, the 9200 may be the better-value access switch — see Catalyst 9300 vs 9200 and Catalyst 2960 vs 9200.
On cost: refurbished 9300s run well below new and are widely available, which makes a higher-tier config (UPOE, mGig) affordable. Confirm the DNA license situation separately, since licensing is decoupled from the hardware.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Catalyst 9300 and 9300X?
The 9300X is the higher-end variant: StackWise-1T (vs StackWise-480), faster uplink options (25G/40G/100G), and more switching bandwidth. Standard 9300 is the mainstream enterprise access switch; 9300X is for higher-density or higher-uplink-speed needs.
Does the Catalyst 9300 need a license?
Yes — it requires a Cisco DNA subscription (Essentials or Advantage), which is a recurring cost separate from the hardware. Budget for the multi-year term.
Do I need UPOE or is PoE+ enough?
PoE+ (30W/port) powers most APs, phones, and cameras. UPOE/UPOE+ (60-90W) is for high-power devices — Wi-Fi 6E APs with multiple radios, PTZ cameras, or powered displays. If unsure, size to your highest-draw device plus headroom.
Is a refurbished Catalyst 9300 a good buy?
Yes — refurbished 9300s offer big savings and let you afford a higher-tier config (mGig/UPOE). Just confirm the DNA licensing separately, since it's not tied to the switch hardware.
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Where to buy
Pro Disk Network stocks Catalyst 9300 switches, uplink modules, and compatible optics — new and refurbished, tested, warrantied, same-day US shipping, Net 30 for verified businesses. Tell us your port count, PoE, uplink, and license needs and we'll spec the exact SKU. Contact us or browse Cisco switching.
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