Cisco WS-C3650-24PD-S vs C9300L-24P-4X-A
The C9300L-24P-4X-A is the current-generation replacement for the Catalyst 3650 24-port. You move to the UADP 2.0 ASIC, four 10G uplinks, faster StackWise-320 stacking, a higher PoE budget, and Network Advantage on a switch with years of support ahead.
Catalyst 3650 24-Port PoE 2x10G IP Base
Previous-generation 24-port PoE+ switch on UADP and StackWise-160, now end-of-sale.
- 24x GE PoE+ ports, up to 390W PoE
- 2x 10G + 2x 1G fixed uplinks
- StackWise-160 stacking up to 9 units
- UADP ASIC, IOS XE, IP Base
Catalyst 9300L 24-Port PoE+ 4x10G Network Advantage
Current Catalyst 9000 access switch with UADP 2.0, four 10G uplinks, StackWise-320, and Network Advantage licensing.
- 24x GE PoE+ ports, 505W PoE budget (715W PSU)
- 4x 10G SFP+ fixed uplinks
- StackWise-320 stacking up to 8 units
- UADP 2.0 ASIC, IOS XE, SD-Access ready
Catalyst 3650 24-Port PoE 2x10G IP Base vs Catalyst 9300L 24-Port PoE+ 4x10G Network Advantage: spec comparison
| Spec | Catalyst 3650 24-Port PoE 2x10G IP Base | Catalyst 9300L 24-Port PoE+ 4x10G Network Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Downlink ports | 24x 10/100/1000 PoE+ | 24x 10/100/1000 PoE+ |
| PoE budget | Up to 390W | Up to 505W (PWR-C1-715WAC-P) |
| Uplinks | 2x 10G + 2x 1G fixed | 4x 10G SFP+ fixed |
| Switching capacity | 88 Gbps | 128 Gbps |
| ASIC | Cisco UADP | Cisco UADP 2.0 |
| Stacking | StackWise-160, up to 9 units | StackWise-320, up to 8 units |
| Operating system | Cisco IOS XE | Cisco IOS XE 17.x |
| Feature license | IP Base | Network Advantage |
| SD-Access / segmentation | Limited | Full SD-Access support |
| Lifecycle status | End of sale | Current, actively sold |
Choose Catalyst 3650 24-Port PoE 2x10G IP Base if
Choose the 3650-24PD only to extend an existing 3650 stack with a matching member or as a short-term, budget-constrained add to gear already in production.
Choose Catalyst 9300L 24-Port PoE+ 4x10G Network Advantage if
Choose the C9300L-24P-4X for any refresh or new build: more PoE, four 10G uplinks, faster StackWise-320, full SD-Access, current IOS XE, TAA-compliant procurement, and a long support runway.
Verdict
Migrate to the C9300L-24P-4X-A. It outclasses the 3650 on uplinks, PoE budget, stack bandwidth, and segmentation while remaining current and TAA-compliant for federal buyers. Keep the 3650 only to add a member to an existing stack you are not yet ready to replace.
Frequently asked questions
Is the C9300L a direct upgrade from the Catalyst 3650?
Yes. Cisco positions the Catalyst 9300L as the modern successor to the 3650/3850 access switches, adding UADP 2.0, more 10G uplinks, StackWise-320, and full SD-Access support.
How much more PoE does the C9300L-24P provide?
With the 715W power supply the C9300L-24P-4X delivers up to 505W of PoE versus up to 390W on the 3650-24PD, leaving more headroom for 802.3at devices.
Do the two switches stack together?
No. The 3650 uses StackWise-160 and the 9300L uses StackWise-320; they form separate stacks and are not cross-compatible, so plan migrations stack by stack.
Is the C9300L-24P-4X-A TAA compliant for federal buyers?
Yes. Catalyst 9300L switches are offered in TAA-compliant configurations suitable for federal procurement, including GPC card and contract vehicle purchases through an authorized partner.
More Catalyst comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.