Cisco C9300-24P-A vs. WS-C4500X-24X-ES: Choosing Between Agile Access and Robust Core Power

Cisco C9300-24P-A vs. WS-C4500X-24X-ES: Choosing Between Agile Access and Robust Core Power​

Deciding between the Cisco Catalyst C9300-24P-A and the WS-C4500X-24X-ES isn't about finding a "better" switch—it's about matching the right tool to the right job. One is a modern, versatile access layer workhorse built for powering today's intelligent edge; the other is a robust, high-throughput core switch designed for aggregating massive amounts of traffic. Their architectural differences dictate where they excel in a network.

​The Core of the Matter: Performance and Hardware​

At first glance, both are 24-port switches, but their internal architectures serve vastly different purposes. The C9300-24P-A is built on an ​x86 CPU complex with 8GB of DRAM and 16GB of flash memory, a design choice that allows it to do more than just switch packets—it can host containers and run third-party applications directly on the device. Its switching capacity is ​208 Gbps​ with a stacking bandwidth of ​480 Gbps​ using StackWise-480 technology, making it a formidable player in the access layer.The C4500X, as a chassis-in-a-box compact core switch, is engineered for raw forwarding power in the network aggregation or core. While specific figures for the 24X-ES model are not detailed in the search results, the Catalyst 4500-X series is historically known for very high switching capacities suited for 10Gbps dense environments. It prioritizes pure throughput and low latency for routing and switching between different network segments.

A defining feature of the C9300-24P-A is its ​PoE+ capability, providing a total budget of up to ​445W​ to power devices like IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras directly from the switch. The C4500X-24X-ES, with its 24 fixed 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports, is a fiber-only switch focused on high-speed uplinks and has no PoE functionality, reflecting its role in the network core where power delivery isn't a requirement.

​Design and Physical Build: Stackable vs. Fixed Core​

The C9300-24P-A sports a compact, ​1U high, rack-mountable chassis (1.73" x 17.5" x 17.5")​​ weighing around ​16.33 pounds​. Its design philosophy is centered on flexibility and scalability. You can physically stack up to eight C9300 switches, which then behave as a single, logical unit, simplifying management and creating a resilient access layer.The C4500X presents a more monolithic, core-grade physical presence. It is a fixed-form factor switch designed for high port density and reliability in the data center or core closet. Its design emphasizes consistent, high-performance switching and routing without the modular stacking concept of the C9300, instead relying on technologies like VSS for high availability between two physical chassis.

​Features and Capabilities: The Modern Edge vs. The Powerful Core​

This is where the philosophical difference between the two switches becomes most apparent. The C9300-24P-A runs on ​Cisco IOS XE, the modern operating system that supports ​SD-Access, DNA Center automation, and Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)​​. It's built for an intent-based networking world where policy, security, and IoT convergence are paramount. Features like ​Cisco StackPower​ allow for power sharing between stacked units, a rarity in the access layer.

The C4500X runs the mature and robust Cisco IOS. Its feature set is deeply focused on advanced Layer 3 routing protocols, high-density 10G connectivity, and ensuring wire-speed performance for data center and core applications. It excels at tasks like inter-VLAN routing and serving as a high-capacity aggregation point for multiple access switches, but it lacks the SD-Access and extensive programmability features of the Catalyst 9300 series.

​User Experience: Automating the Edge vs. Commanding the Core​

Managing a C9300-24P-A is a modern experience, especially when integrated with ​Cisco DNA Center. This provides a graphical interface for centralized management, policy-based automation, and detailed analytics, significantly reducing the manual configuration burden for large-scale deployments. The CLI is still there for purists, but the value is in automation.Managing the C4500X is a journey into the world of high-performance core networking. It's managed primarily through a robust CLI, with a deep focus on precision and control over routing tables, access control lists, and quality of service policies for a high-traffic environment. It's the tool of choice for network engineers who need absolute command over the network's traffic flow.

​The Value Proposition: Total Cost of Ownership vs. Core Investment​

The C9300-24P-A's value is in its ​Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)​. Its PoE+ capabilities eliminate the need for separate power injectors, and its automation features can drastically reduce operational expenses related to management and troubleshooting. For connecting and powering end devices, it offers a compelling, future-proof package.

The C4500X-24X-ES represents an investment in core network infrastructure. Its value is measured in reliability, raw performance, and the ability to handle intense traffic loads without bottlenecking. It's a foundational piece for a growing enterprise network that requires a powerful and dependable core.

​The Final Verdict: Making the Strategic Choice​

​Choose the C9300-24P-A if:​​

• You are building or modernizing the network access layer to support IP phones, Wi-Fi access points, and IoT devices.

• PoE/PoE+ power delivery is a critical requirement for your edge devices.

• You want to leverage SD-Access, DNA Center, and automation to simplify network operations.

• Your network design benefits from the flexibility and resilience of stackable switches.

​Choose the WS-C4500X-24X-ES if:​​

• You need a high-performance, dense 10G aggregation or core switch for routing between network segments.

• Your priority is maximum throughput and low latency for data center or backbone applications.

• You do not require Power over Ethernet capabilities at the installation point.

• You prefer a mature, proven platform for the network core managed by experienced engineers via CLI.

The C9300-24P-A is the architect of the modern, intelligent edge. The WS-C4500X-24X-ES is the powerful engine at the network's core. Your business needs and network architecture will clearly point to the right choice.