For decades, Cisco switches have played a foundational role in enterprise networks. From early campus switching to today’s intelligent, software-defined infrastructure, Cisco has consistently shaped how data — and eventually power — moves through buildings. As buildings evolve into fully connected environments, the Cisco Catalyst 9300 has emerged as a critical platform enabling the next generation of PoE smart building infrastructure.
Understanding why requires a look at how Cisco switching evolved — and how modern PoE demands have changed the role of the network itself.
A Brief History of Cisco Switching Evolution
In the early days of enterprise networking, switches were designed primarily for data transport. Power and intelligence lived outside the network, handled by separate electrical and building systems. Cisco’s Catalyst line helped standardize campus switching by delivering reliability, redundancy, and performance at scale.
As IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras entered the picture, Power over Ethernet (PoE) transformed network switches from passive data devices into active power distributors. Cisco was among the first to recognize this shift, introducing enhanced PoE capabilities that allowed switches to power endpoints directly — simplifying infrastructure and reducing reliance on traditional electrical systems.
Over time, PoE moved beyond convenience and into mission-critical territory. Smart lighting, access control, sensors, shading systems, and workstations began relying on the network not just for data, but for continuous, reliable power. This shift laid the groundwork for modern PoE smart buildings, where the network is the backbone of both digital and physical operations.
Enter the Cisco Catalyst 9300
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 represents a major leap forward in enterprise switching, purpose-built for high-density, power-hungry, always-on environments. It is not simply a faster switch — it is a platform designed to support converged IT and building systems at scale.
At its core, the Catalyst 9300 is optimized for UPOE+ and IEEE 802.3bt, delivering up to 90 watts per port. This level of power is essential for modern PoE smart building devices such as:
- Intelligent LED lighting systems
- Motorized window shades
- Advanced security and access control
- Occupancy and environmental sensors
- PoE-powered desks and workstations
By supporting high-wattage endpoints without external power supplies, the Catalyst 9300 enables a cleaner, more centralized infrastructure model.
Built for Resiliency and Always-On Environments
Smart buildings cannot tolerate downtime. Lighting, safety systems, and building automation depend on continuous network availability. The Cisco Catalyst 9300 addresses this with enterprise-grade resiliency features, including:
- Redundant power supplies
- Hot-swappable fans
- StackWise® technology for switch stacking and high availability
These capabilities allow buildings to maintain power and connectivity even during maintenance or component failure — a requirement for large commercial, healthcare, education, and mission-critical facilities.
For PoE smart buildings, resiliency is not optional. It is foundational.
Segmentation, Security, and Smart Building Networks
As more building systems converge onto the IP network, segmentation becomes essential. The Catalyst 9300 supports advanced network segmentation, allowing IT teams to logically separate building systems from traditional enterprise traffic.
This enables secure coexistence of systems such as lighting, HVAC controls, and sensors alongside corporate data, without compromising performance or security. Segmentation also simplifies troubleshooting, scaling, and future system expansion.
In modern PoE smart building deployments, the network must be both powerful and controlled — something the Catalyst 9300 is specifically designed to deliver.
Designing PoE Infrastructure Around the Catalyst 9300
While the Cisco Catalyst 9300 provides the switching foundation, the true success of a PoE smart building depends on how the infrastructure around it is designed. Power budgets, cable lengths, endpoint density, redundancy, and monitoring all play a critical role.
This is where MHT Technologies brings unique value.
MHT designs PoE infrastructure that fully leverages enterprise-grade switching like the Cisco Catalyst 9300. Rather than treating PoE as an add-on, MHT approaches power, data, and intelligence as a unified system. By aligning PoE hardware architecture, endpoint deployment, and network design, MHT ensures that buildings can scale efficiently without overloading switches or compromising reliability.
The result is a PoE smart building infrastructure that is simpler to manage, easier to expand, and better aligned with long-term operational goals.
Why the Catalyst 9300 Matters for the Future of Buildings
As buildings continue to adopt automation, AI-driven controls, and data-rich environments, the demands placed on the network will only increase. The Cisco Catalyst 9300 provides the performance, power, and flexibility required to support these evolving needs.
More importantly, it enables a shift in how buildings are designed — moving away from fragmented electrical and control systems toward a unified, network-powered model.
When paired with purpose-built PoE infrastructure from MHT Technologies, the Catalyst 9300 becomes more than a switch. It becomes the backbone of a modern PoE smart building — capable of supporting today’s requirements while adapting to what comes next.