Configuring Cisco Catalyst 9300 for Peak Efficiency

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, network performance and reliability are paramount for the success of any organization. The cisco c9300 Series is renowned for its robustness, scalability, and advanced features, making it a top choice for enterprise networks. However, to harness its full potential, proper configuration is essential. This comprehensive guide delves into the best practices and step-by-step procedures for configuring the Cisco Catalyst 9300 to achieve peak efficiency, ensuring your network operates seamlessly and securely.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction


2. Overview of Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series


3. Prerequisites


4. Initial Setup and Basic Configuration
   
   
   
   • Accessing the Switch
   
   
   • Basic Configuration Steps
   
   
   
   


5. StackWise-480 Configuration
   
   
   
   • Understanding StackWise-480
   
   
   • Configuring StackWise-480
   
   
   
   


6. VLAN and Trunk Configuration
   
   
   
   • Creating VLANs
   
   
   • Configuring Trunk Ports
   
   
   
   


7. Power over Ethernet (PoE) Settings
   
   
   
   • Enabling PoE
   
   
   • Configuring PoE Priorities
   
   
   
   


8. Advanced Security Settings
   
   
   
   • Implementing Access Control Lists (ACLs)
   
   
   • Configuring Cisco TrustSec
   
   
   • Setting Up Network Access Control (NAC)
   
   
   
   


9. Quality of Service (QoS) Configuration
   
   
   
   • Defining QoS Policies
   
   
   • Applying QoS to Interfaces
   
   
   
   


10. Redundancy and High Availability
    
    
    
    • Configuring Redundant Power Supplies
    
    
    • Implementing Redundant Links
    
    
    
    


11. Firmware Updates and Patching
    
    
    
    • Checking Current Firmware
    
    
    • Updating Firmware
    
    
    
    


12. Monitoring and Optimization
    
    
    
    • Using Cisco DNA Center
    
    
    • SNMP Configuration
    
    
    • Leveraging NetFlow
    
    
    
    


13. Energy Efficiency Settings
    
    
    
    • Configuring EnergyWise
    
    
    • Auto Smart Ports
    
    
    
    


14. Automation and Scripting
    
    
    
    • Using Cisco IOS XE APIs
    
    
    • Implementing Automation Scripts
    
    
    
    


15. Best Practices


16. Troubleshooting Common Issues


17. Conclusion


18. Additional Resources

Introduction

Proper configuration of network switches is crucial for maximizing performance, ensuring security, and maintaining scalability. The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series offers a plethora of features designed to meet the demands of modern enterprises. By following best practices and leveraging advanced configuration techniques, organizations can optimize their IT infrastructure, reduce downtime, and enhance overall network efficiency.

Overview of Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series is a family of enterprise-grade switches built for high performance, scalability, and security. Key features include:

• High Density Ports: Available in 24 and 48-port configurations with Gigabit Ethernet and PoE+ support.


• StackWise-480 Technology: Enables up to 8 switches to be stacked, providing up to 480 Gbps of stack throughput.


• Advanced Security: Integrates Cisco TrustSec, Network Access Control (NAC), and MACsec encryption.


• Energy Efficiency: Features like EnergyWise and Auto Smart Ports reduce power consumption.


• Automation and Management: Seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center for centralized management and automation.

Prerequisites

Before configuring the Cisco Catalyst 9300, ensure you have:

• Access Credentials: Administrator username and password.


• Physical Access: Console cable or network access to the switch.


• Licenses: Appropriate Cisco licenses for advanced features.


• Cisco DNA Center: For centralized management and automation (optional but recommended).


• Documentation: Network diagrams and VLAN assignments.

Initial Setup and Basic Configuration

Accessing the Switch

1. Connect to the Console Port:
   
   
   
   • Use a console cable to connect your computer to the switch's console port.
   
   
   • Open a terminal emulator (e.g., PuTTY) and configure the following settings:
     
     
     
     • Baud Rate: 9600
     
     
     • Data Bits: 8
     
     
     • Parity: None
     
     
     • Stop Bits: 1
     
     
     • Flow Control: None
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   


2. Establish SSH Access (Optional for remote management):
   
   
   
   • Ensure the switch is connected to the network and has an IP address.
   
   
   • Configure SSH by generating RSA keys and setting up user authentication.
   
   
   
   

Basic Configuration Steps

Enter Global Configuration Mode:
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Switch> enable

Switch# configure terminal

Set Hostname:
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Switch(config)# hostname Catalyst9300

Configure Management Interface:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface vlan 1

Catalyst9300(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.10 255.255.255.0

Catalyst9300(config-if)# no shutdown

Catalyst9300(config-if)# exit

Set Default Gateway:
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Catalyst9300(config)# ip default-gateway 192.168.1.1

Enable SSH:
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Catalyst9300(config)# ip domain-name example.com

Catalyst9300(config)# copyright key generate rsa

Switch is generating 2048 bit RSA keys, keys will be non-exportable...

% Generating 2048 bit RSA keys, keys will be non-exportable...

Catalyst9300(config)# username admin privilege 15 secret YourSecurePassword

Catalyst9300(config)# line vty 0 15

Catalyst9300(config-line)# transport input ssh

Catalyst9300(config-line)# login local

Catalyst9300(config-line)# exit

Save Configuration:
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Catalyst9300# write memory

StackWise-480 Configuration

Understanding StackWise-480

StackWise-480 technology allows up to 8 Catalyst 9300 switches to be interconnected, creating a single, unified stack with a total throughput of 480 Gbps. This enhances scalability, simplifies management, and ensures high availability.

Configuring StackWise-480

1. Physically Stack the Switches:
   
   
   
   • Use StackWise cables to connect the stack ports of each switch.
   
   
   • Ensure proper stacking order and connections to maximize throughput and redundancy.
   
   
   
   

Verify Stack Formation:
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Catalyst9300# show switch stack

2. Configure Stack Priority (Optional):
   
   
   
   • Assign a higher priority to the preferred master switch.
   
   
   
   

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Catalyst9300(config)# switch 1 priority 15

Catalyst9300(config)# switch 2 priority 14

Save Configuration:
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Catalyst9300# write memory

VLAN and Trunk Configuration

Creating VLANs

Define VLANs:
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Catalyst9300(config)# vlan 10

Catalyst9300(config-vlan)# name Sales

Catalyst9300(config-vlan)# exit

Catalyst9300(config)# vlan 20

Catalyst9300(config-vlan)# name Engineering

Catalyst9300(config-vlan)# exit

Assign VLANs to Ports:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface range GigabitEthernet1/0/1-24

Catalyst9300(config-if-range)# switchport mode access

Catalyst9300(config-if-range)# switchport access vlan 10

Catalyst9300(config-if-range)# exit

Configuring Trunk Ports

1. Identify Trunk Ports:
   
   
   
   • Typically used for uplinks between switches or to routers.
   
   
   
   

Configure Trunking:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface GigabitEthernet1/0/25

Catalyst9300(config-if)# switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q

Catalyst9300(config-if)# switchport mode trunk

Catalyst9300(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30

Catalyst9300(config-if)# exit

Verify Trunk Configuration:
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Catalyst9300# show interfaces trunk

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Settings

Enabling PoE

Enable PoE Globally:
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Catalyst9300(config)# power inline auto

Configure PoE on Specific Interfaces:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1

Catalyst9300(config-if)# power inline auto

Catalyst9300(config-if)# exit

Configuring PoE Priorities

Set PoE Priority Levels:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1

Catalyst9300(config-if)# power inline priority high

Catalyst9300(config-if)# exit

1. 
   
   
   
   • low: Priority 1
   
   
   • medium: Priority 2
   
   
   • high: Priority 3
   
   
   
   

Verify PoE Status:
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Catalyst9300# show power inline

Advanced Security Settings

Implementing Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Create an ACL:
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Catalyst9300(config)# ip access-list extended SALES_ACCESS

Catalyst9300(config-ext-nacl)# permit ip any any

Catalyst9300(config-ext-nacl)# exit

Apply ACL to an Interface:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1

Catalyst9300(config-if)# ip access-group SALES_ACCESS in

Catalyst9300(config-if)# exit

Configuring Cisco TrustSec

Enable TrustSec:
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Catalyst9300(config)# cts role-based enforcement

2. Define Roles and Permissions:
   
   
   
   • Integrate with Cisco ISE to manage roles and access policies.
   
   
   
   

Assign Roles to Interfaces:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1

Catalyst9300(config-if)# cts role-based enforced

Catalyst9300(config-if)# exit

Setting Up Network Access Control (NAC)

1. Integrate with Cisco ISE:
   
   
   
   • Ensure Cisco ISE is properly configured and connected to the Catalyst 9300.
   
   
   
   


2. Configure NAC Policies:
   
   
   
   • Define access policies based on user identity, device type, and compliance status.
   
   
   
   

Apply NAC to Interfaces:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1

Catalyst9300(config-if)# authentication port-control auto

Catalyst9300(config-if)# dot1x pae authenticator

Catalyst9300(config-if)# exit

Quality of Service (QoS) Configuration

Defining QoS Policies

Create a QoS Map:
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Catalyst9300(config)# class-map match-any VOIP

Catalyst9300(config-cmap)# match ip dscp ef

Catalyst9300(config-cmap)# exit

Define a Policy:
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Catalyst9300(config)# policy-map PRIORITY_POLICY

Catalyst9300(config-pmap)# class VOIP

Catalyst9300(config-pmap-c)# priority percent 30

Catalyst9300(config-pmap-c)# exit

Catalyst9300(config-pmap)# class class-default

Catalyst9300(config-pmap-c)# fair-queue

Catalyst9300(config-pmap-c)# exit

Catalyst9300(config-pmap)# exit

Applying QoS to Interfaces

Apply Policy to an Interface:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1

Catalyst9300(config-if)# service-policy input PRIORITY_POLICY

Catalyst9300(config-if)# exit

Verify QoS Configuration:
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Catalyst9300# show policy-map interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1

Redundancy and High Availability

Configuring Redundant Power Supplies

Verify Redundant Power Supplies:
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Catalyst9300# show power redundancy

Configure Redundancy Modes:
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Catalyst9300(config)# power redundancy mode sso

1. 
   
   
   
   • SSO (Stateful Switchover): Provides seamless failover without disrupting network traffic.
   
   
   
   

Implementing Redundant Links

Enable EtherChannel:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface range GigabitEthernet1/0/1-2

Catalyst9300(config-if-range)# channel-group 1 mode active

Catalyst9300(config-if-range)# exit

Configure EtherChannel Properties:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface Port-channel1

Catalyst9300(config-if)# switchport mode trunk

Catalyst9300(config-if)# exit

Verify EtherChannel Status:
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Catalyst9300# show etherchannel summary

Firmware Updates and Patching

Checking Current Firmware

Display Current Firmware Version:
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Catalyst9300# show version

Updating Firmware

1. Download Firmware:
   
   
   
   • Obtain the latest firmware from the Cisco Software Download.
   
   
   
   

Upload Firmware to Switch:
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Catalyst9300# copy tftp://192.168.1.100/c9300-universalk9-mz.152-4.E6.bin flash:

Verify Firmware Upload:
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Catalyst9300# dir flash:

Set Boot Variable:
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Catalyst9300(config)# boot system flash c9300-universalk9-mz.152-4.E6.bin

Save Configuration and Reload:
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Catalyst9300# write memory

Catalyst9300# reload

Confirm Firmware Version:
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Catalyst9300# show version

Monitoring and Optimization

Using Cisco DNA Center

1. Integrate Catalyst 9300 with Cisco DNA Center:
   
   
   
   • Ensure the switch is discovered and managed by DNA Center.
   
   
   
   


2. Leverage Automation and Analytics:
   
   
   
   • Utilize DNA Center’s automation features for configuration management.
   
   
   • Use analytics dashboards to monitor network performance and identify optimization opportunities.
   
   
   
   

SNMP Configuration

Enable SNMP on the Switch:
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Catalyst9300(config)# snmp-server community public RO

Catalyst9300(config)# snmp-server community private RW

Configure SNMP Traps:
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Catalyst9300(config)# snmp-server enable traps

Leveraging NetFlow

Configure NetFlow Export:
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Catalyst9300(config)# ip flow-export destination 192.168.1.200 9996

Catalyst9300(config)# ip flow-export source GigabitEthernet1/0/1

Catalyst9300(config)# ip flow-export version 9

Enable NetFlow on Interfaces:
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Catalyst9300(config)# interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1

Catalyst9300(config-if)# ip flow ingress

Catalyst9300(config-if)# ip flow egress

Catalyst9300(config-if)# exit

Verify NetFlow Configuration:
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Catalyst9300# show ip flow export

Catalyst9300# show ip cache flow

Energy Efficiency Settings

Configuring EnergyWise

Enable EnergyWise:
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Catalyst9300(config)# power inline auto

Catalyst9300(config)# energywise

2. Configure EnergyWise Policies:
   
   
   
   • Define policies based on device types and usage patterns to optimize power consumption.
   
   
   
   

Auto Smart Ports

Enable Auto Smart Ports:
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Catalyst9300(config)# auto smartports

2. Define SmartPort Templates:
   
   
   
   • Create templates that automatically configure ports based on connected device profiles.
   
   
   
   

Automation and Scripting

Using Cisco IOS XE APIs

Enable REST API on the Switch:
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Catalyst9300(config)# feature https server

Catalyst9300(config)# ip http secure-server

2. Access the API:
   
   
   
   • Use tools like Postman or custom scripts to interact with the switch’s API for automation tasks.
   
   
   
   

Implementing Automation Scripts

1. Create Automation Scripts:
   
   
   
   • Develop scripts using Python or other scripting languages to automate repetitive tasks such as configuration backups, firmware updates, and monitoring.
   
   
   
   


2. Deploy Scripts via Cisco DNA Center:
   
   
   
   • Integrate automation scripts with DNA Center for centralized execution and management.
   
   
   
   

Best Practices

1. Backup Configurations Regularly:
   
   
   
   • Use commands like copy running-config startup-config and copy running-config tftp: to maintain backups.
   
   
   
   


2. Document Network Changes:
   
   
   
   • Keep detailed records of configuration changes, VLAN assignments, and network topology updates.
   
   
   
   


3. Implement Role-Based Access Control:
   
   
   
   • Limit administrative access based on user roles to enhance security.
   
   
   
   


4. Regularly Update Firmware:
   
   
   
   • Keep the switch firmware up to date to benefit from the latest features and security patches.
   
   
   
   


5. Monitor Network Performance Continuously:
   
   
   
   • Utilize tools like Cisco DNA Center, SNMP, and NetFlow to keep an eye on network health and performance.
   
   
   
   


6. Train IT Staff:
   
   
   
   • Ensure that your IT team is well-versed in managing and configuring Catalyst 9300 switches through continuous training and certifications.
   
   
   
   

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Connectivity Problems:
   
   
   
   • Check VLAN Assignments: Ensure that ports are assigned to the correct VLANs.
   
   
   • Verify Trunk Configurations: Confirm that trunk ports are properly configured and allowed VLANs are correct.
   
   
   • Inspect Physical Connections: Ensure that all cables are securely connected and functional.
   
   
   
   


2. PoE Issues:
   
   
   
   • Verify Power Settings: Check if PoE is enabled on the necessary ports.
   
   
   • Monitor Power Budget: Ensure that the switch’s PoE budget is not exceeded.
   
   
   • Inspect Connected Devices: Confirm that connected devices are functioning correctly.
   
   
   
   


3. StackWise-480 Failures:
   
   
   
   • Check Stack Connections: Ensure that StackWise cables are properly connected.
   
   
   • Verify Stack Configuration: Use show switch stack to confirm stack status.
   
   
   • Update Firmware: Ensure that all switches in the stack are running compatible firmware versions.
   
   
   
   


4. Performance Degradation:
   
   
   
   • Analyze Traffic Patterns: Use NetFlow and DNA Center analytics to identify bottlenecks.
   
   
   • Optimize QoS Settings: Ensure that QoS policies are correctly prioritizing critical traffic.
   
   
   • Upgrade Hardware: Consider adding more switches or upgrading existing hardware if performance issues persist.
   
   
   
   

Conclusion

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series is a powerhouse in the realm of enterprise networking, offering a blend of high performance, advanced security, scalability, and energy efficiency. Properly configuring the Catalyst 9300 ensures that your IT infrastructure operates at peak efficiency, providing reliable connectivity, robust security, and the flexibility to adapt to future technological advancements.

By following the best practices and configuration steps outlined in this guide, organizations can fully leverage the capabilities of the Catalyst 9300 to build a resilient and efficient network that meets the demands of modern business environments. Whether it's enhancing network performance, implementing stringent security measures, or optimizing energy consumption, the Cisco Catalyst 9300 stands as a reliable choice for IT networks aiming for excellence.

Additional Resources

• Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches Product Page


• Cisco DNA Center Documentation


• Cisco Catalyst 9300 Configuration Guide


• Cisco Learning Network - Catalyst 9300

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