Cisco sells three switch families in Australia. Catalyst 1200 and 1300 are simple managed switches for small business, set up from a browser or the Cisco Business mobile app with no subscription. Catalyst 9200, 9300 and 9500 run Cisco IOS XE for enterprise access and core networks, and Cisco requires a Cisco Catalyst or Cisco DNA subscription with every new switch. Meraki MS130 and MS150 are managed entirely from the cloud Meraki dashboard and need a Meraki licence per switch.
Quick pick: small office or shop → C1200-24P-4G; branch that needs Layer 3 routing and stacking → C1300-16P-4X; enterprise access closet → C9200L-48P-4X-E; high-power PoE for Wi-Fi 6E and cameras → C9300-48U-E; 25G core → C9500-48Y4C-E; multi-site with no on-site IT → MS150-48FP-4G. ARC IP Networks is a Cisco Registered Partner and supplies new, genuine Cisco with a GST tax invoice.
Cisco switch families at a glance
The family decides how the switch is managed and licensed.
| Family | Managed with | Licence | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalyst 1200 | Web interface, CLI, Cisco Business mobile app | None to buy | Small offices, shops, home offices |
| Catalyst 1300 | Web, CLI, mobile app, Cisco Business Dashboard | None to buy | Branches that need Layer 3 and stacking |
| Catalyst 9200 | Cisco IOS XE: CLI, Cisco Catalyst Center, or cloud monitoring in the Meraki dashboard | Network Essentials or Advantage (perpetual) + Cisco DNA subscription | Enterprise access, schools, councils |
| Catalyst 9300 | Cisco IOS XE, or Meraki dashboard on -M models | Perpetual network licence + mandatory Cisco Catalyst or Cisco DNA subscription, or a Meraki licence | Enterprise access with high PoE, stacking and fast uplinks |
| Catalyst 9500 | Cisco IOS XE | Network Essentials + add-on Cisco DNA or subscription licence | Core and aggregation |
| Meraki MS130 / MS150 | Meraki dashboard (cloud) | Meraki Enterprise or Advanced licence per switch | Multi-site businesses managed remotely |
Management and licence rules from Cisco's data sheets, ordering guide and the Meraki MS130 and MS150 data sheets.
Key specifications compared
Popular models from each family, from Cisco's and Meraki's data sheets.
Swipe the table sideways to compare all models →
| Model | Ports | PoE budget | Switching capacity | Stacking and layer | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1200-24P-4G | 24 x Gigabit PoE+, 4 x 1G SFP | 195W | 56 Gbps | Layer 2, static routing; fanless | Limited lifetime |
| C1300-16P-4X | 16 x Gigabit PoE+, 4 x 10G SFP+ | 120W | 112 Gbps | Layer 3; stacks up to 8; fanless | Limited lifetime, return-to-factory |
| C1300-48P-4G | 48 x Gigabit PoE+, 4 x 1G SFP | 375W | 104 Gbps | Layer 3 | Limited lifetime, return-to-factory |
| C9200L-48P-4X-E | 48 x Gigabit PoE+, 4 x 1/10G | 740W (1440W with 2 PSUs) | 176 Gbps | StackWise-80, up to 8 | Enhanced Limited Lifetime |
| C9300-48U-E | 48 x Gigabit UPOE, modular uplinks | 822W (1800W with 2 PSUs) | 256 Gbps | StackWise-480, StackPower | Enhanced Limited Lifetime |
| C9300LM-48UX-4Y-E | 8 x 10G mGig + 40 x 1G UPOE, 4 x 25G | 790W (up to 1790W) | 440 Gbps | StackWise-320 | Enhanced Limited Lifetime |
| C9500-48Y4C-E | 48 x 1/10/25G SFP28, 4 x 40/100G | No PoE | Up to 3.2 Tbps | StackWise Virtual | Enhanced Limited Lifetime |
| MS130-24P | 24 x Gigabit PoE+, 4 x 1G SFP | 370W | 56 Gbps | Cloud managed, Layer 2 | Limited lifetime, next-day advance replacement |
| MS150-48FP-4G | 48 x Gigabit PoE, 4 x 1G SFP | 740W | 104 Gbps | 80 Gbps stacking, static routing | Limited lifetime, next-day advance replacement |
Source: Cisco and Meraki data sheets. Warranty wording as Cisco states it for each model.
Catalyst 1200: simple managed switching for small business
Cisco designed the Catalyst 1200 for small and medium-sized businesses. You manage it from a browser, a full CLI or the Cisco Business mobile app, and there is no subscription to renew. It is a Layer 2 switch with static IPv4 and IPv6 routing (up to 32 static routes), up to 255 active VLANs, 802.1X, port security, Voice VLAN for desk phones and Auto Surveillance VLAN for cameras.
The C1200-24P-4G gives 24 Gigabit PoE+ ports with a 195W budget (up to 30W on any port) and four SFP uplinks, and it is fanless, so it suits a comms cupboard next to staff. For a reception desk or small shop, the C1200-8FP-2G has 8 PoE+ ports and 120W, and the desktop C1200-8T-D can be powered over 802.3af PoE on port 1 from an upstream switch. Perpetual PoE keeps phones and cameras powered while the switch reboots. Cisco's warranty for the range is a limited lifetime warranty. See what PoE switch do I need in Australia.
Catalyst 1300: Layer 3 and stacking for branches
The Catalyst 1300 is Cisco's step up for enterprise branch offices and SMB networks. It is a fixed, managed Layer 3 switch: up to 990 IPv4 routes on Gigabit-uplink models and up to 7168 on 10 Gigabit models, policy-based routing, up to 4094 VLANs including private and guest VLANs, IPv6 first-hop security, and an embedded probe for Cisco Business Dashboard to manage many sites.
Hardware stacking (up to 8 switches, up to 400 ports managed as one) is supported on the models Cisco lists as Family 1, such as the C1300-16P-4X with 4 x 10G SFP+ uplinks, a 120W PoE budget and a fanless body. Cisco's stacking list does not include the Gigabit-uplink models such as the C1300-48P-4G (48 PoE+ ports, 375W) or the data-only C1300-48T-4G, so choose a -4X model if you plan to stack. Cisco states a limited lifetime warranty with return-to-factory replacement.
Catalyst 9200: enterprise access with Cisco IOS XE
The Catalyst 9200 brings the Catalyst 9000 platform to branch and campus access. It runs Cisco IOS XE, managed from the CLI, Cisco Catalyst Center or cloud monitoring in the Meraki dashboard. Three builds:
- C9200L fixed-uplink models with StackWise-80 (80 Gbps, up to 8 members), such as the C9200L-48P-4X-E: 48 PoE+ ports, 4 x 1/10G uplinks and 740W of PoE, or 1440W with a second power supply. Stack kit: C9200L-STACK-KIT=.
- C9200 modular-uplink models with StackWise-160 and field-replaceable fans and uplink modules.
- C9200CX compact, fanless models for spaces outside the wiring closet, such as the C9200CX-12P-2XGH-E with 12 PoE+ ports and 240W. Cisco does not support stacking on C9200CX.
Cisco does not allow mixed stacks: C9200L only stacks with C9200L, and only at the same licence level. The -E suffix ships Network Essentials and the -A suffix Network Advantage. Both are perpetual, and each needs a Cisco DNA Essentials or Advantage subscription of the matching tier, for 3, 5 or 7 years. See our licensing guide.
Catalyst 9300: the stackable enterprise workhorse
The Catalyst 9300 is Cisco's stackable enterprise access switch, built on the UADP ASIC. The C9300-48U-E has 48 Gigabit Cisco UPOE ports (60W per port, on up to 30 ports with two 1100W supplies) and gives 822W of PoE from its default 1100W supply, or 1800W with a second. A network module slot lets you choose 1G, Multigigabit, 10G, 25G or 40G uplinks, for example the C9300-NM-8X= 8 x 10G module. StackWise-480 stacks up to 8 switches at 480 Gbps with cables such as the STACK-T1-1M=, and StackPower shares power across the stack.
The 9300LM (Catalyst 9300 mini) has fixed uplinks: the C9300LM-48UX-4Y-E combines 8 x 10G Multigigabit and 40 x 1G UPOE ports with 4 x 25G uplinks, a good match for Wi-Fi 6E access points.
For every Catalyst 9300 ordered with Network Essentials or Network Advantage, Cisco makes a Cisco Catalyst or Cisco DNA subscription mandatory at the time of configuration. Network Essentials can pair with either subscription tier; Network Advantage needs Advantage. Cisco says that if the subscription is not renewed, the switch keeps working with all Network Stack features intact. Ordered as an -M model such as the C9300-24P-M, the same hardware is managed from the Meraki dashboard with a Meraki Enterprise or Advanced licence instead.
Catalyst 9500: core and aggregation
Cisco calls the Catalyst 9500 its lead fixed enterprise core and aggregation platform. The C9500-48Y4C-E packs 48 SFP28 ports that run at 1, 10 or 25 Gigabit and four 40/100 Gigabit uplinks into one rack unit, with up to 3.2 Tbps of switching from the UADP 3.0 ASIC. Two switches join with StackWise Virtual and run Multichassis EtherChannel to the access layer, and each takes dual 1+1 redundant hot-swap power supplies (one ships by default). Cisco rates it for 0 to 40°C, so it belongs in an air-conditioned comms room. The -E model includes Network Essentials, and Cisco requires an add-on Cisco DNA or subscription licence with the switch.
Meraki MS130 and MS150: switching from the cloud
Meraki switches are claimed and configured from the Meraki dashboard, check in automatically and take firmware upgrades from the cloud, which suits Australian businesses with many small sites, such as clinics, retail chains or regional council depots.
The MS130 family (10 models) is Layer 2 access switching: the MS130-24P has 24 PoE+ ports with 370W, and the fanless MS130-8P runs on a desktop or wall with 120W. The MS150 family (12 models) adds two dedicated stack ports with 80 Gbps of stacking bandwidth and static Layer 3 routing: the MS150-48FP-4G has 48 PoE ports and 740W, and the MS150-24MP-4X has 8 multigigabit ports with up to 60W each and 4 x 10G uplinks. Every Meraki switch needs a licence for its model, and Meraki notes the power cord is not in the box (it lists MA-PWR-CORD-AU for Australia). See Cisco Meraki explained.
Which Cisco switch for which Australian site?
ARC IP Networks suggestions.
| Site | Suggested switch | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Café, shop or home office on the NBN | C1200-8FP-2G or C1200-24P-4G | Fanless, PoE+ for phones and cameras, no subscription |
| Accounting, legal or medical practice | C1300-16P-4X | Layer 3, 10G uplinks, stacks as the practice grows |
| School, TAFE campus or council building | C9200L-48P-4X-E stack | Cisco IOS XE, 740W per switch, StackWise-80 |
| Office with Wi-Fi 6E access points | C9300LM-48UX-4Y-E | 10G Multigigabit UPOE ports, 25G uplinks |
| Hospital, university or large campus core | C9500-48Y4C-E pair | 25G aggregation, StackWise Virtual |
| Retail chain or multi-site clinic group | MS150-48FP-4G or MS130-24P | Cloud managed from one dashboard |
| Classroom, portable or plant room | C9200CX-12P-2XGH-E | Compact and fanless, 10G uplinks |
Why buy Cisco from ARC IP Networks
- Cisco Registered Partner: genuine Cisco supplied through Cisco's authorised Australian distribution.
- New only: every unit is new, genuine Cisco stock.
- Every product page built from Cisco's own data sheets, with the warranty stated for each model.
- Licensing help: we quote the Cisco DNA, Catalyst, Meraki or Webex licence your hardware needs.
- GST tax invoice on every order, with trade and project pricing for installers and integrators.
See the full range on our Cisco Australia hub, or read where to buy Cisco in Australia. Questions? Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.
Shop popular Cisco switches
Live Australian pricing (inc. GST) and availability are on each product page. We quote the matching Cisco or Meraki licence with every switch.
Common questions
Straight answers from the ARC IP Networks team. Last reviewed October 2026.
The Catalyst 1200 is a Layer 2 switch with static routing for small business. The Catalyst 1300 is a Layer 3 switch with dynamic routing, up to 4094 VLANs, Cisco Business Dashboard support and, on the models Cisco lists, stacking of up to 8 switches.
Yes. Cisco includes a perpetual Network Essentials or Network Advantage licence with the switch and makes a Cisco Catalyst or Cisco DNA subscription mandatory at the time of configuration, for 3, 5 or 7 years. Meraki-mode -M models use a Meraki licence instead.
Cisco says the switch keeps working with all Network Stack features intact, and Layer 2 and Layer 3 services continue. You need to renew the subscription to keep subscription features and Cisco software support.
The Catalyst 9200 suits branch and campus access with PoE+ and StackWise-80 or StackWise-160. The Catalyst 9300 adds Cisco UPOE, modular uplinks up to 40G, StackWise-480 and StackPower, so choose it for high-power access points, cameras and larger stacks.
Catalyst 9200, 9300 and 9500 have Cisco's Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty. Catalyst 1200 has a limited lifetime warranty and Catalyst 1300 a limited lifetime warranty with return-to-factory replacement. Meraki switches have a limited lifetime hardware warranty with next-day advance replacement.
ARC IP Networks is a Cisco Registered Partner and supplies new, genuine Cisco with a GST tax invoice. We stock and quote Catalyst 1200, 1300, 9200, 9300 and 9500 and Meraki switches, with the licences they need. Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.
Need help choosing a Cisco switch?
Send us your port count, PoE devices and uplinks. ARC IP Networks will match the Cisco or Meraki switch, stacking and licences, and quote with trade pricing for installers and IT providers. Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.