Key Takeaways
The C9300-48T-M is a data-only 48-port 1GbE Layer 3 switch with 256 Gbps standalone switching capacity and 190.48 Mpps forwarding rate, ideal for server connectivity and aggregation deployments without PoE requirements.
Stacking up to 8 C9300-M switches via dual 120G hardware stack ports increases combined switching capacity to 480 Gbps and enables StackPower redundancy for power sharing across units in mission-critical environments.
Modular uplink architecture supports SFP28 (25GbE) and QSFP+ (40GbE) transceivers, allowing flexible high-speed connectivity to distribution/core layers while managing oversubscription ratios with LAG/LACP bonding.
Certified pre-owned C9300-48T-M units from authorized partners include Advanced Replacement Lifetime Warranty and third-party maintenance options, reducing total cost of ownership versus new hardware while maintaining production availability.
Deploy in server rooms, top-of-rack installations, and inter-switch links where self-powered endpoints eliminate unnecessary PoE costs; plan concurrent ITAD strategies for legacy switch decommissioning and responsible asset disposition.
Enterprise network engineers and IT procurement specialists searching for a high-performance, cloud-managed access layer switch will find the Cisco Catalyst C9300-48T-M to be a compelling solution. As part of Cisco’s Catalyst 9300-M series, this switch delivers enterprise-grade Layer 3 switching with Meraki cloud management, making it an ideal fit for organizations that demand centralized visibility, operational simplicity, and robust hardware performance. Whether you are building out a new campus network, upgrading an aging access layer, or expanding a data center’s edge infrastructure, deploying the C9300-48T-M requires a clear understanding of its technical specifications, stacking capabilities, and integration requirements. This article provides a structured, technical guide to help network infrastructure teams, enterprise IT managers, and data center operators deploy the C9300-48T-M with confidence, covering hardware specifications, stacking architecture, uplink configuration, power planning, and maintenance strategies tailored to organizations seeking certified pre-owned hardware solutions.
Understanding the C9300-48T-M Hardware Architecture
The Cisco Catalyst C9300-48T-M is a 1U, rack-mountable switch built on the Catalyst 9300-M platform. It features 48 x 10/100/1000Base-T (1GbE) RJ45 data ports and operates at Layer 3, providing full IP routing capabilities across VLANs and subnets. Critically, this model is a data-only switch—it does not include PoE or UPoE capabilities. This makes it the appropriate selection for environments where endpoints are self-powered, such as servers, storage devices, and uplink aggregation points.
The switch is powered by an x86 CPU architecture with 8 or 16 GB DDR4 RAM options, ensuring sufficient processing headroom for advanced routing protocols and Meraki dashboard operations. Its physical footprint is modest: 1.73″ x 17.5″ x 19.2″ (4.4 x 44.5 x 48.8 cm), with a weight of 17.32 lb (7.86 kg), making rack installation straightforward in standard 19-inch enclosures. The 350W AC power supply supports redundant power configurations to maintain high availability in production environments. For those evaluating certified pre-owned options, Trifecta Networks offers the C9300-48T-M with an Advanced Replacement Lifetime Warranty, providing long-term hardware assurance without the premium cost of new units.
Key Technical Specifications at a Glance
Before proceeding with deployment, reviewing the core specifications ensures the C9300-48T-M aligns with your network’s performance requirements. The table below summarizes the critical hardware parameters:
Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
Port Count | 48 x 1GbE RJ45 Data Ports |
Layer Support | Layer 3 (IP Routing) |
PoE/UPoE | Not Supported (Data-Only) |
Switching Capacity (Standalone) | 256 Gbps |
Switching Capacity (Stacked) | 480 Gbps |
Forwarding Rate | 190.48 Mpps |
Stack Ports | 2 x 120G Hardware Stack Ports |
Power Supply | 350W AC (Redundant Supported) |
CPU Architecture | x86 |
RAM | 8 GB or 16 GB DDR4 |
Form Factor | 1U Rack-Mountable |
Warranty (CPO) |
This specification profile positions the C9300-48T-M as a high-throughput access layer or aggregation switch capable of handling demanding enterprise workloads. The 190.48 Mpps forwarding rate ensures wire-speed performance across all 48 ports simultaneously, which is critical for environments running high-density server workloads or large-scale wireless access point backhaul.
Stacking Architecture and StackPower Resiliency
One of the most operationally significant features of the C9300-48T-M is its StackWise stacking architecture. Using the two dedicated 120G hardware stack ports, network teams can interconnect up to eight C9300-M series switches into a single logical unit. This stack presents a unified management plane in the Meraki dashboard, significantly reducing administrative overhead for large port-count deployments.
StackPower extends this architecture by enabling power sharing across stacked units. In environments where power redundancy is a priority—such as primary data centers or mission-critical MDFs—StackPower allows the stack to redistribute power resources in the event of a single power supply failure. The combined switching capacity of a fully configured 8-switch stack reaches 480 Gbps, providing ample headroom for high-bandwidth applications including 10GbE server connections, high-density WiFi 6/6E backhaul, and unified communications traffic. Teams evaluating how the C9300-48T-M fits into broader network infrastructure strategies can explore insights published by Technology Reseller News for industry perspectives on enterprise switching deployments.
Uplink Options and High-Bandwidth Connectivity
The modular uplink architecture of the C9300-48T-M provides deployment flexibility for various high-speed connectivity scenarios. The switch accommodates both SFP28 (25GbE) and QSFP+ (40GbE) uplink modules, enabling connectivity to modern distribution or core switches operating at 25G or 40G speeds.
When configuring uplinks, consider the following design parameters:
Uplink Oversubscription Ratio: Calculate the ratio between downlink port capacity (48 x 1 Gbps = 48 Gbps) and uplink capacity to ensure acceptable oversubscription for your traffic profile.
Transceiver Compatibility: Select transceivers validated for use in the C9300-48T-M to avoid compatibility issues. Certified pre-owned transceivers offer cost-effective alternatives to new components.
LAG/LACP Bonding: Configure Link Aggregation (LAG) across multiple uplink ports using LACP to increase effective uplink bandwidth and provide uplink redundancy without spanning tree dependencies.
Fiber vs. Copper: For inter-building or long-distance uplinks, select appropriate single-mode or multi-mode fiber transceivers based on cable plant specifications.
Comparing Data-Only vs. PoE Models
IT procurement specialists frequently evaluate whether to deploy the data-only C9300-48T-M or a PoE-capable variant depending on endpoint requirements. The table below outlines key differentiation points:
Feature | C9300-48T-M (Data-Only) | PoE Variant Models |
|---|---|---|
PoE/UPoE Support | No | Yes (varies by model) |
Ideal Use Case | Server rooms, aggregation, storage connectivity | Wireless APs, IP phones, IoT devices |
Power Budget | 350W (entire switch) | Higher (includes PoE budget) |
Cost (CPO) | Lower (no PoE components) | Higher |
Layer 3 Support | Yes | Yes |
Meraki Management | Yes | Yes |
The C9300-48T-M is the optimal choice for deployments where all connected endpoints are self-powered. This includes server rack top-of-rack installations, storage network connections, and inter-switch links where PoE capabilities would represent unnecessary cost. To explore current certified pre-owned pricing on this and related models, check out our Cisco CPO specials for available inventory and competitive rates.
Conclusion
The Cisco Catalyst C9300-48T-M is a technically robust, enterprise-grade access layer switch that delivers 256 Gbps standalone switching capacity, Meraki cloud management, and scalable stacking architecture in a compact 1U form factor. Its data-only design, modular uplink options, and x86 CPU platform make it a versatile solution for server connectivity, aggregation deployments, and high-bandwidth campus network access layers. Deploying certified pre-owned units through a trusted IT partner provides significant cost advantages while maintaining performance and warranty assurance. To take the next step in sourcing or deploying the C9300-48T-M for your organization, request a customized quote from our team today.
FAQs
Q: What are the switching capacity and forwarding rate specifications of the C9300-48T-M?
A: The Cisco Catalyst C9300-48T-M delivers a standalone switching capacity of 256 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 190.48 Mpps. When deployed in a stack configuration of up to 8 units, the aggregate switching capacity increases to 480 Gbps via the dual 120G hardware stack ports.
Q: Does the C9300-48T-M support PoE or UPoE for connected endpoints?
A: No, the C9300-48T-M is a data-only switch and does not provide PoE or UPoE power delivery on any of its 48 x 1GbE RJ45 ports. It is designed for environments where connected devices—such as servers, storage systems, or inter-switch links—are independently powered.
Q: What uplink interfaces are supported on the C9300-48T-M?
A: The C9300-48T-M supports modular uplink interfaces including SFP28 (25GbE) and QSFP+ (40GbE) options, allowing flexible high-speed connectivity to distribution or core layer switches. Uplink module selection should align with the transceiver specifications and cabling infrastructure of the target deployment environment.