Cisco IE9320 model selection depends mainly on three factors: whether PoE is required, whether the uplinks need to support 10G, and which software features the network requires. This comparison explains the differences between the IE-9320-24P4X, IE-9320-24P4S, and IE-9320-24T4X, followed by a practical comparison of Network Essentials (-E) and Network Advantage (-A) licensing.
- Review the main hardware differences between the three models.
- Understand the difference between Network Essentials and Network Advantage.
- Follow a practical selection process before ordering.
- Prepare the SKU, power, uplink, and license information required for review.
- Use a final checklist to reduce configuration errors.
- Find quick answers to common IE9320 model and license questions.
- Summarize the best fit for each model and license level.
Cisco IE9320 Model Comparison
The three main Cisco IE9320 configurations share a 24-port Gigabit copper access design, but they are intended for different deployment requirements. The key differences are PoE support and uplink type.
| Model | Downlink Ports | Uplink Ports | PoE | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE-9320-24P4X-E/-A | 24 × 10/100/1000M RJ45 | 4 × 1/10G SFP+ | PoE+ | PoE access with 10G uplinks |
| IE-9320-24P4S-E/-A | 24 × 10/100/1000M RJ45 | 4 × 1G SFP | PoE+ | PoE access with 1G uplinks |
| IE-9320-24T4X-E/-A | 24 × 10/100/1000M RJ45 | 4 × 1/10G SFP+ | No | Non-PoE access with 10G uplinks |
In simple terms, the IE-9320-24P4X is the choice for PoE and high-speed uplinks, the IE-9320-24P4S is the choice for PoE with 1G uplinks, and the IE-9320-24T4X is the choice for non-PoE access with 1/10G uplinks.
Send your uplink, PoE, and license requirements.
IE-9320-24P4X, 24P4S, and 24T4X Explained
IE-9320-24P4X: PoE+ with 1/10G Uplinks
The IE-9320-24P4X provides 24 Gigabit PoE+ copper ports and four 1/10G SFP+ uplink ports. It is designed for industrial access networks where powered devices connect at the edge and higher-speed uplinks connect the switch to an aggregation or core layer.
- 24 Gigabit PoE+ copper access ports
- Four 1/10G SFP+ uplink ports
- Suitable for industrial wireless access points, cameras, and other PoE devices
- Designed for access networks that require 10G uplink capability
Cisco documentation lists support for up to 720W with the appropriate power-supply configuration. The actual available PoE budget should be checked against the selected power supplies and the expected device load.
For the product configuration, review the IE-9320-24P4X-E product details.
IE-9320-24P4S: PoE+ with 1G Uplinks
The IE-9320-24P4S also provides 24 Gigabit PoE+ copper ports, but its four uplink ports are 1G SFP interfaces. It is suitable when the existing distribution network uses 1G fiber uplinks and does not require 10G connectivity.
- 24 Gigabit PoE+ copper access ports
- Four 1G SFP uplink ports
- Suitable for industrial access networks with 1G aggregation
- PoE budget depends on the power-supply configuration and IOS XE release
Cisco’s current IE9300 data sheet notes that the maximum PoE budget for the 24P4S can reach 480W from IOS XE 17.18.1 onward. Confirm the applicable software version and power configuration before ordering.
Review the IE-9320-24P4S-E product details before finalizing the uplink and power design.
IE-9320-24T4X: Non-PoE Access with 1/10G Uplinks
The IE-9320-24T4X provides 24 Gigabit copper access ports without PoE and four 1/10G SFP+ uplink ports. It is appropriate when connected devices have independent power sources and the network still requires high-speed uplinks.
- 24 Gigabit copper access ports
- No PoE output
- Four 1/10G SFP+ uplink ports
- Suitable for non-PoE industrial endpoints
The 24T4X should not be used as a direct replacement for a PoE model when wireless access points, cameras, or other powered devices are part of the deployment.
For current port, power, and license information, review the Cisco IE9300 Rugged Series data sheet.
Cisco IE9320 -E vs -A Licensing
The -E and -A suffixes identify the software license level. They do not indicate different copper port layouts or different uplink hardware within the same IE9320 model.
| License | License Name | Typical Use | Important Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| -E | Network Essentials | Foundational switching and supported basic network functions | Confirm that the required features are included in the applicable feature matrix |
| -A | Network Advantage | Advanced routing, segmentation, and security requirements | Review the required feature and IOS XE release before ordering |
When Network Essentials May Be Appropriate
Network Essentials may be suitable when the deployment mainly requires Layer 2 switching and other foundational functions supported by the selected IE9320 platform. It should be chosen based on the actual network design rather than simply selecting the lowest license level.
When Network Advantage May Be Required
Network Advantage is intended for designs that require additional supported capabilities such as dynamic routing, VRF-Lite, TrustSec, MACsec-256, advanced multicast, NAT, IP SLA, or BGP EVPN over VXLAN.
Feature availability can depend on the exact platform and IOS XE release. Verify the required feature in Cisco’s current documentation before selecting the -A configuration.
How to Choose the Right IE9320 Configuration
- Confirm PoE requirements: Select the 24P4X or 24P4S when the switch must power connected devices. Select the 24T4X when PoE is not required.
- Confirm uplink speed: Select the 24P4X or 24T4X when 1/10G SFP+ uplinks are required. Select the 24P4S when 1G SFP uplinks are sufficient.
- Calculate the PoE budget: Add the expected power draw of all connected devices and compare it with the available budget under the intended power-supply configuration.
- Review license features: Check whether the design requires dynamic routing, VRF-Lite, TrustSec, MACsec, NAT, IP SLA, or other Network Advantage features.
- Confirm the full SKU: Include the complete model and license suffix, such as IE-9320-24P4X-E or IE-9320-24P4X-A.
The same 24-port count does not mean that these models are interchangeable. Uplink type and PoE capability should be confirmed before comparing price or availability.
Information to Include in a Quote Request
A complete request helps prevent configuration errors and makes it easier to confirm the correct model, power option, and license level.
- Exact IE9320 model and license suffix
- Required quantity
- Number and type of PoE devices
- Expected total PoE load
- Required 1G or 1/10G uplinks
- AC or DC power requirements
- Airflow and operating-environment requirements
- Required routing, segmentation, or security features
- Deployment region and target schedule
If the final configuration is not confirmed, you can send your IE9320 requirements for review.
Cisco IE9320 Selection Checklist
- Do connected devices require PoE+?
- Are 1G SFP uplinks sufficient, or are 1/10G SFP+ uplinks required?
- Has the total PoE load been calculated?
- Is the selected power-supply configuration sufficient?
- Does the network require Network Essentials or Network Advantage?
- Have the required IOS XE features been confirmed?
- Has the complete SKU been included in the procurement request?
Checking these requirements before ordering reduces the risk of selecting a switch with insufficient uplink speed, PoE capacity, or software functionality.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
Final Takeaway
The IE-9320-24P4X is designed for PoE+ access with 1/10G uplinks, the IE-9320-24P4S is designed for PoE+ access with 1G uplinks, and the IE-9320-24T4X is designed for non-PoE access with 1/10G uplinks.
The -E and -A suffixes identify the software license level rather than a different port layout. Before ordering, confirm the full SKU, uplink speed, PoE budget, power configuration, and required network features.