Start with the access-port design and uplink speed, then check PoE demand, forwarding capacity, stacking, software tier and power. The exact Product ID still matters: port type, uplink module, license suffix and power configuration can change within one switch family.
Work through physical connectivity and power before performance. A higher-capacity switch is not a better fit when the access media, uplink design, PoE load, stack compatibility or software tier is wrong.
| Decision area | Compare these specifications | Practical selection rule |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Access ports and mediaDefine the endpoints the switch must connect now and during the planned service life. | Downlink Port Count; Access / Downlink Ports; Downlink Type | Match copper, fiber or multigigabit media and the required port speed first. Do not treat two models with the same port count as interchangeable when port media or PoE capability differs. |
| 02 Uplink pathSize the path from the access layer to distribution or core without assuming the uplink suffix is cosmetic. | Uplink Interfaces; Maximum Uplink Speed; Supported Network Modules | Confirm connector type, port count, supported rate and whether uplinks are fixed or modular. A supported maximum rate is not useful when the required optics or network module are incompatible. |
| 03 PoE loadCalculate power for access points, phones, cameras and other powered endpoints. | PoE Support; PoE Standard; PoE-capable Ports; Default and Maximum PoE Budget | Add endpoint power requirements by port, then verify the available budget with the selected power supplies and redundancy plan. System power consumption is not the same as deliverable PoE budget. |
| 04 Forwarding headroomCheck both bandwidth and packet-processing capacity for the expected traffic pattern. | Switching Capacity; Forwarding Rate; Packet Buffer | Compare values only when the operating mode is the same. Standalone and stacked figures are separate, and switching capacity must not be substituted for forwarding rate. |
| 05 Stacking and resiliencyDecide whether multiple units must operate as one logical switch and survive a member or power-supply failure. | Stacking Technology; Stack Bandwidth; Maximum Stack Members; Power Redundancy | Confirm that the exact models, license levels and stack hardware can coexist. Stack bandwidth describes inter-member connectivity, not standalone switching capacity. |
| 06 Software and deployment limitsValidate the operating environment and software entitlement before the final Product ID is ordered. | Network License; Minimum Software Release; Operating Temperature; Mounting | Choose the exact license suffix and supported software release, then check temperature, airflow and mounting. Industrial and campus operating limits are not interchangeable. |
This overview uses exact orderable Product IDs. It is intended for shortlist screening; open a model-to-model page for the full fixed-schema comparison.
| Product ID | Downlink Port Count | Uplink Interfaces | Switching Capacity (Standalone) | Forwarding Rate (Standalone) | PoE Support | Stack Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C9200L-24P-4X-E | 24 | 4 x 1/10G SFP+ | 128 Gbps | 95.23 Mpps | PoE/PoE+ | 80 Gbps |
| C9200L-24T-4X-E | 24 | 4 x 1/10G SFP+ | 128 Gbps | 95.23 Mpps | Not supported | 80 Gbps |
| C9200L-48P-4X-E | 48 | 4 x 1/10G SFP+ | 176 Gbps | 130.95 Mpps | PoE/PoE+ | 80 Gbps |
| C9200L-48T-4X-E | 48 | 4 x 1/10G SFP+ | 176 Gbps | 130.95 Mpps | Not supported | 80 Gbps |
| C9300L-24P-4X-E | 24 | 4 x 1/10G SFP+ | 128 Gbps | 95.23 Mpps | PoE/PoE+ | 320 Gbps |
| C9300L-24T-4X-E | 24 | 4 x 1/10G SFP+ | 128 Gbps | 95.23 Mpps | Not supported | 320 Gbps |
| IE-3200-8T2S-E | 8 | 2 x 100/1000BASE-X SFP | 20 Gbps | 14.88 Mpps | Not supported | Not listed |
| IE-3300-8T2S-E | 8 | 2 x 100/1000BASE-X SFP | Not published by Cisco | Line rate (all ports) | Not supported | Not listed |
| IE-3200-8P2S-E | 8 | 2 x 100/1000BASE-X SFP | 20 Gbps | 14.88 Mpps | PoE/PoE+ | Not listed |
| IE-3300-8P2S-E | 8 | 2 x 100/1000BASE-X SFP | Not published by Cisco | Line rate (all ports) | PoE/PoE+ | Not listed |
| IE-9320-24P4X-E | 24 | 4 x 1/10G SFP+ | 128 Gbps | 95.23 Mpps | PoE/PoE+ | Not listed |
| C1300-24P-4X | 24 | 4 x 10G SFP+ | 128 Gbps | 95.23 Mpps | PoE+ (802.3at) | Up to 80 Gbps |
| C1300-24T-4X | 24 | 4 x 10G SFP+ | 128 Gbps | 95.23 Mpps | Not supported | Up to 80 Gbps |
Available model links open the corresponding product page. Choose a pair below to compare the full set of relevant specifications.
Share the required capacity, interfaces, software, quantity or deployment constraints. A CCIE-level network engineer will help narrow the shortlist at no cost.
Open a frequently requested comparison, or use the search above to compare another pair from this category.
Switch specifications describe different limits. Keep port capability, packet forwarding, fabric bandwidth, delivered PoE power and stack behavior separate when comparing models.
The aggregate bandwidth the switching system can handle under the stated standalone or stacked configuration.
Packet-processing capacity, normally stated in millions of packets per second for a defined platform mode.
The power available for delivery to connected powered devices with the stated power-supply configuration.
The physical uplink ports, connector types and highest supported link rate for the exact fixed or modular configuration.
Bandwidth used for traffic between members of a physical switch stack.
The software entitlement associated with the exact orderable Product ID and feature tier.
Browse the full Cisco switches catalog, or open an available model page to review product details, request pricing and confirm availability.
Shop Cisco switchesStart with access-port count and type, uplink interfaces, PoE requirements and the intended switching role. Then compare forwarding performance, stacking, software tier, power and environmental limits.
Switching capacity describes aggregate fabric bandwidth, while forwarding rate describes packet-processing capacity. A useful comparison keeps both metrics and their stated operating mode separate.
Choose PoE only after totaling the power required by connected devices and checking the switch power budget. A P or U model is not automatically interchangeable with a T model, even when port count and uplinks match.
Compare connector type, supported speed, uplink count and whether a separate network module is required. A higher maximum uplink rate does not guarantee that the required optics, module or port combination is supported.
They can be searched within the switch category, but cross-family comparisons should be interpreted carefully because environmental, stacking, interface and forwarding priorities differ.
Similar hardware can be sold with different software entitlements and orderable suffixes. Confirm the exact Product ID and required feature tier instead of inferring the license from the switch family name.