Looking for the best 24-port UPoE switch for modern networks? The Cisco Catalyst C9300-24U and C9300-24UB are top choices, but the key differentiator is the packet buffer size. The C9300-24UB’s extra-large 128MB buffer makes it the go-to solution for high-density wireless, video streaming, and environments with unpredictable data surges.

Quick Model Comparison

Parameter

C9300-24U

C9300-24UB

Notes

Downlink Ports

24 × 1G UPOE

24 × 1G UPOE

Up to 60W per port

Uplink Module

Modular (1/10/25/40G options)

Modular (1/10/25/40G options)

Same uplink flexibility

PoE Budget

830 W (with default 1100 W PSU)

830 W (with default 1100 W PSU)

Switching Capacity

208 Gbps

208 Gbps

Stacking Bandwidth

480 Gbps (StackWise-480)

480 Gbps (StackWise-480)

Forwarding Rate

154.76 Mpps

154.76 Mpps

Packet Buffer

16 MB

32 MB

UB model has double the buffer

MAC/Route Table

32,000 / 39,000

64,000 / 112,000

UB = “higher scale” for large environments

Recommended Use

General office access, typical PoE

High-density, video, multicast

UB for bursty/congested/multicast deployments

Key difference:

The “UB” model doubles the packet buffer to 32 MB (vs. 16 MB in the standard “U” version) and increases MAC and route table size. This makes C9300-24UB ideal for environments with bursty traffic, video, or heavy multicast, while all other main specs remain the same.

Why Buffer Size Matters for UPoE Switches

The packet buffer is crucial in handling traffic spikes, especially for networks with many wireless users or real-time applications. A larger buffer prevents packet drops, ensuring smooth performance for:

  • High-density Wi-Fi 6/6E deployments
  • Video surveillance and streaming
  • Audio/video conferencing
  • IoT and smart building devices
  • Environments with heavy or bursty traffic

Choosing a switch with a large packet buffer—like the C9300-24UB—minimizes jitter and packet loss, guaranteeing high quality of service even under peak loads.

Use Case Scenarios

Cisco C9300-24U
  • Suitable for general office or branch deployments with stable network usage.
  • Ideal for powering phones, standard access points, and basic PoE devices.
  • Best for environments with consistent traffic and limited video or multicast requirements.
Cisco C9300-24UB
  • Designed for high-density Wi-Fi 6/6E deployments in campuses, stadiums, or large public venues.
  • Optimized for video surveillance, IP camera aggregation, and AV-over-IP streaming.
  • Recommended for networks with frequent traffic bursts, heavy multicast, or unpredictable data flows.
  • Perfect for organizations needing maximum reliability and scalability for mission-critical applications.

Conclusion

  • Choose C9300-24UB for high-density Wi-Fi, video, multicast, or any network with heavy, unpredictable traffic. Its large 32 MB buffer and higher table scale ensure top performance and minimal packet loss.
  • Choose C9300-24U for standard office access and predictable network loads.

FAQ

The key advantage of the C9300-24UB is its large 32 MB packet buffer, which is double that of the C9300-24U. This makes the C9300-24UB better suited for high-density wireless, video streaming, and networks with heavy or unpredictable traffic.

The C9300-24U is ideal for standard office environments, branch deployments, or networks with consistent and moderate traffic. It’s a reliable and cost-effective choice for typical PoE devices where advanced buffering is not required.

Yes. In addition to a larger packet buffer, the C9300-24UB also offers a higher MAC and route table scale. This enables it to handle more devices and routing entries, making it the better choice for growing or complex networks.

Need help choosing the right Cisco switch for your network? Contact our sales team today for expert advice, the latest pricing, and full technical support on the C9300-24U, C9300-24UB, or any other Catalyst model. We’re here to help you build a future-ready network.

Similar Posts