Predictika · Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch orders

An AI sales agent's Catalyst switch order, checked before it goes out

An AI sales agent assembles a Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series order: the switch model, the power supplies, the PoE the devices need, the network module, the stack and the software license and subscription. Before the order goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the Cisco data sheet and returns a verdict, every reason and the PoE budget it computed.

Scope: Cisco Catalyst 9300, 9300X and 9300L switch orders: primary and secondary power supplies, PoE budget, network modules, stacking, license and subscription term. See everything this validator covers

This validator models Catalyst 9300 Series order checks, not just the scenarios shown below.

  • Models and power — twelve 9300, 9300X and 9300L models, the primary supplies Cisco lists for each, the secondary supply limit, and the PoE budget per switch taken from the data sheet's power table.
  • PoE and the stated figure — the PoE the devices need against the budget the power supplies give, PoE asked of a data-only model, and the budget the order states against the budget the validator computes.
  • Network modules — fixed-uplink models take none, modules must come from the switch's own family, and the C9300X-NM-4C goes only with the models Cisco lists it for.
  • Stacking — at most eight members, no mixing of fixed-uplink 9300L with modular 9300 or 9300X, one license level across the stack, and a C9300X stacked with C9300 switches flagged for approval because it runs at StackWise-480 speed.
  • License and term — the Network Advantage license against the DNA subscription tier, DNA terms of 3, 5 or 7 years, and a 36-month minimum for a new Cisco Networking Subscription.

Any Catalyst 9300 order that touches these rules is in scope — not only the scenarios pictured here. Not covered: prices, discounts and support contracts, the 9200, 9400, 9500 and 9600 families, the C9300-24U, other 9300X models, StackPower, software versions and Meraki. The PoE overhead and ceiling per model are derived from the data sheet's printed power table, not printed by Cisco; the validator reproduces every printed cell used.

The AI sales agentAssembles the switch order from the conversation, states the PoE budget it expects, and says the order is ready.
Predictika validatorChecks every rule at once and returns the verdict, each finding, and the computed figures.

8 scenarios in 4 groups · each group runs from the agent’s first attempt to the outcome · click one to switch

What the agent proposes

The AI sales agent says

Illustrative agent statement. The validator receives the structured request below.

Proposing agent: AI sales agent (scripted)

Before sending, the agent must call Recorded run

Predictika validator


      

        
        
        
      

      
Waiting for the call.

      
    

  

  
  

    
Where rules-based CPQ gets it wrong
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Our assessment of what a typical rules-based CPQ (product rules, price rules and validation rules, as in Salesforce CPQ) does with the same cases. It is a judgment about effort and reliability, not a claim that nothing can be built.

    
What the validator caughtTypical rules-based CPQPredictika
A PoE budget that depends on the model and both power suppliesOnly with workarounds
The budget comes from a per-model table of primary and secondary supply combinations with a ceiling, so a rules-based CPQ needs a lookup for every model and supply pair and a rule that compares it with the load.		The supplies, the load and the stated budget are in one request, and the budget is computed from the model on every call.
One choice that changes several others, such as the switch modelOnly with care
The model decides which modules fit, which stack partners are allowed and how large a secondary supply may be; each needs its own rule and a fix to one can trip another.		The model is a field of the request and every dependent check is recomputed together, so the knock-on effects show up in one answer.
A stated figure that must follow the computed oneOnly with workarounds
When the supplies change the budget changes, so a separate rule must recompute it and compare it with the figure written on the order.		The stated budget is a field of the request and is compared with the computed budget on every call.
Stacking and licensing rules that depend on each otherOnly with care
Stack size, partner family, license level and subscription tier each live in a different rule set, and the order of entry decides which error the rep meets first.		Stack, license and subscription are fields of one request and are checked together, in any order.
Every problem returned in one answerOnly with workarounds
Rules tend to fire as a step is completed, so a rep often fixes one error and meets the next.		All findings come back together, whatever order the choices arrived in.

  

  

    
What this validator catches: findings from its test cases
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Every rule is checked on every call, in any order the choices arrive; one problem never hides another. Blocking findings stop the order; approval findings need a person to sign off; everything else is computed.

    
1The devices need 788 W of PoE per switch but the C9300-48P with this power supply setup provides 787 W.
2The quote states 1,440 W of PoE per switch but the validator computes 720 W.
3The 715 W primary power supply is not one of the primary supplies Cisco lists for the C9300-48H: 1,100 W (default) or 1,900 W (upgrade).
4The Cisco power table lists secondary supplies of up to 1,100 W for the C9300L-48P-4X, not 1,900 W.
5The devices need 100 W of PoE per switch but the C9300-24T is a data-only model with no PoE.
6Cisco lists the C9300X-NM-4C only with the C9300X-48HX, C9300X-48TX and C9300X-24Y, not the C9300X-24HX.
7The C9300-NM-8X is not a network module Cisco lists for the C9300X-24HX.
8The C9300L-48P-4X has fixed uplinks and the Cisco data sheet lists no network module for it, so the C9300-NM-8X cannot be ordered with it.
9A stack holds at most 8 members but the order asks for 9.
10Cisco does not support stacking fixed uplink (C9300L) models with modular uplink (C9300 and C9300X) models; the C9300L-48P-4X cannot join a stack with C9300 switches.
11Cisco does not support stacking fixed uplink (C9300L) models with modular uplink (C9300 and C9300X) models; the C9300-48P cannot join a stack with C9300L switches.
12The C9300X-48HX stacked with C9300 switches is supported, but only at StackWise-480 speed (480 Gbps); a stack of C9300X switches alone runs at 1 Tbps.
13Members of a stack must run the same license level.
14Cisco pairs the Network Advantage license with an Advantage subscription; an Essentials subscription can be used with Network Advantage only at renewal.
15Cisco DNA subscriptions are offered in 3, 5 or 7 year terms, not 48 months.
16The 1,100 W primary power supply is not one of the primary supplies Cisco lists for the C9300L-24P-4X: 715 W (default).
17The Cisco power table lists secondary supplies of up to 1,100 W for the C9300L-24P-4X, not 1,900 W.
18The devices need 900 W of PoE per switch but the C9300L-24P-4X with this power supply setup provides 720 W.
19The quote states 700 W of PoE per switch but the validator computes 720 W.
20The C9300L-24P-4X has fixed uplinks and the Cisco data sheet lists no network module for it, so the C9300X-NM-4C cannot be ordered with it.
21Cisco does not support stacking fixed uplink (C9300L) models with modular uplink (C9300 and C9300X) models; the C9300L-24P-4X cannot join a stack with C9300 switches.
22Cisco DNA subscriptions are offered in 3, 5 or 7 year terms, not 40 months.
23A new Cisco Networking Subscription has a standard minimum term of 36 months, not 24 months.

  

  

    
Scenarios and results
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The recorded result of the validator for each scenario on this page: the request the AI agent sent, the verdict, and every finding, in the order they appear above.

    
1. One wrong model choice, nine holds: A campus refresh quoted on the C9300L-48P-4X with a 1,900 W secondary supply, a network module and a stack of nine joined to C9300 switches, with the wrong license pairing and a 48-month term

    
The agent's request. Please order the C9300L-48P-4X with a 715 W primary power supply and a 1900 W secondary supply, for devices that need 1500 W of PoE per switch with a PoE budget of 1800 W, the C9300-NM-8X network module, in a stack of 9 that joins C9300 switches with members on different license levels, the Network Advantage license, with a Cisco DNA Essentials subscription for 48 months. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Secondary supply above the table. The Cisco power table lists secondary supplies of up to 1,100 W for the C9300L-48P-4X, not 1,900 W.
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  • PoE demand above the budget. The devices need 1,500 W of PoE per switch but the C9300L-48P-4X with this power supply setup provides 1,440 W.
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  • Stated PoE budget does not match. The quote states 1,800 W of PoE per switch but the validator computes 1,440 W.
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  • Module on a fixed-uplink model. The C9300L-48P-4X has fixed uplinks and the Cisco data sheet lists no network module for it, so the C9300-NM-8X cannot be ordered with it.
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  • Stack too large. A stack holds at most 8 members but the order asks for 9.
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  • Stack mixes fixed and modular uplink models. Cisco does not support stacking fixed uplink (C9300L) models with modular uplink (C9300 and C9300X) models; the C9300L-48P-4X cannot join a stack with C9300 switches.
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  • Stack members on different license levels. Members of a stack must run the same license level.
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  • Advantage license with an Essentials subscription. Cisco pairs the Network Advantage license with an Advantage subscription; an Essentials subscription can be used with Network Advantage only at renewal.
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  • DNA subscription term not offered. Cisco DNA subscriptions are offered in 3, 5 or 7 year terms, not 48 months.
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2. One wrong model choice, nine holds: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please order the C9300-48H with a 1100 W primary power supply and a 1100 W secondary supply, for devices that need 1500 W of PoE per switch with a PoE budget of 1922 W, the C9300-NM-8X network module, in a stack of 8 that joins C9300 switches, the Network Advantage license, with a Cisco DNA Advantage subscription for 60 months. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. C9300-48H with a 1,100 W primary and a 1,100 W secondary power supply; the devices need 1,500 W of PoE per switch and the PoE budget is 1,922 W.
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3. PoE budget and the stated figure: A C9300-48P on its 715 W supply alone with 960 W of PoE needed and a stated budget of 1,440 W

    
The agent's request. Please order the C9300-48P with a 715 W primary power supply and no secondary supply, for devices that need 960 W of PoE per switch with a PoE budget of 1440 W, the C9300-NM-8X network module, the Network Essentials license, with a Cisco DNA Essentials subscription for 60 months. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • PoE demand above the budget. The devices need 960 W of PoE per switch but the C9300-48P with this power supply setup provides 437 W.
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  • Stated PoE budget does not match. The quote states 1,440 W of PoE per switch but the validator computes 437 W.
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4. PoE budget and the stated figure: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please order the C9300-48P with a 715 W primary power supply and a 1100 W secondary supply, for devices that need 960 W of PoE per switch with a PoE budget of 1440 W, the C9300-NM-8X network module, the Network Essentials license, with a Cisco DNA Essentials subscription for 60 months. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. C9300-48P with a 715 W primary and a 1,100 W secondary power supply; the devices need 960 W of PoE per switch and the PoE budget is 1,440 W.
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5. Module, license and a mixed C9300X stack: A C9300X-24HX with the 4C module joining a C9300 stack, with the Advantage license on an Essentials subscription

    
The agent's request. Please order the C9300X-24HX with a 1900 W primary power supply and no secondary supply, for devices that need 1200 W of PoE per switch with a PoE budget of 1535 W, the C9300X-NM-4C network module, in a stack of 4 that joins C9300 switches, the Network Advantage license, with a Cisco DNA Essentials subscription for 36 months. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • 4C module on an unlisted model. Cisco lists the C9300X-NM-4C only with the C9300X-48HX, C9300X-48TX and C9300X-24Y, not the C9300X-24HX.
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  • Advantage license with an Essentials subscription. Cisco pairs the Network Advantage license with an Advantage subscription; an Essentials subscription can be used with Network Advantage only at renewal.
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  • Stack runs at StackWise-480 speed. The C9300X-24HX stacked with C9300 switches is supported, but only at StackWise-480 speed (480 Gbps); a stack of C9300X switches alone runs at 1 Tbps.
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6. Module, license and a mixed C9300X stack: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please order the C9300X-48HX with a 1900 W primary power supply and no secondary supply, for devices that need 1200 W of PoE per switch with a PoE budget of 1390 W, the C9300X-NM-4C network module, in a stack of 2, the Network Advantage license, with a Cisco DNA Advantage subscription for 36 months. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. C9300X-48HX with a 1,900 W primary power supply and no secondary supply; the devices need 1,200 W of PoE per switch and the PoE budget is 1,390 W.
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7. Stack speed approval: A C9300X-48HX with the 4C module still joined to a C9300 stack

    
The agent's request. Please order the C9300X-48HX with a 1900 W primary power supply and no secondary supply, for devices that need 1200 W of PoE per switch with a PoE budget of 1390 W, the C9300X-NM-4C network module, in a stack of 4 that joins C9300 switches, the Network Advantage license, with a Cisco DNA Advantage subscription for 36 months. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Needs approval.

    
    
      
  • Stack runs at StackWise-480 speed. The C9300X-48HX stacked with C9300 switches is supported, but only at StackWise-480 speed (480 Gbps); a stack of C9300X switches alone runs at 1 Tbps.
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  • Order summary. C9300X-48HX with a 1,900 W primary power supply and no secondary supply; the devices need 1,200 W of PoE per switch and the PoE budget is 1,390 W.
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8. Stack speed approval: The stack speed is approved

    
The agent's request. Please order the C9300X-48HX with a 1900 W primary power supply and no secondary supply, for devices that need 1200 W of PoE per switch with a PoE budget of 1390 W, the C9300X-NM-4C network module, in a stack of 4 that joins C9300 switches, the Network Advantage license, with a Cisco DNA Advantage subscription for 36 months. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Needs approval.

    
    
      
  • Stack runs at StackWise-480 speed. The C9300X-48HX stacked with C9300 switches is supported, but only at StackWise-480 speed (480 Gbps); a stack of C9300X switches alone runs at 1 Tbps.
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  • Order summary. C9300X-48HX with a 1,900 W primary power supply and no secondary supply; the devices need 1,200 W of PoE per switch and the PoE budget is 1,390 W.
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Narration transcript
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The text of the narrated walkthrough, step by step.

    
    
      
  1. Welcome to a demo of Predictika's Validator. An AI sales agent assembles a Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series order: the switch model, the power supplies, the PoE the devices need, and more. Before the order goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the Cisco data sheet and returns a verdict, every reason and the PoE budget it computed.
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  2. I will start with the first request by the agent.
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  3. The agent says. Please order the C9300L-48P-4X with a 715 W primary power supply and a 1900 W secondary supply, for devices that need 1500 W of PoE per switch with a PoE budget of 1800 W. It is ready to send. The rest of the request is on screen.
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  4. Before it goes out, the agent calls the validator.
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  5. Blocked, with nine findings, all in one answer. The Cisco power table lists secondary supplies of up to 1,100 W for the C9300L-48P-4X, not 1,900 W. The devices need 1,500 W of PoE per switch but the C9300L-48P-4X with this power supply setup provides 1,440 W. The quote states 1,800 W of PoE per switch but the validator computes 1,440 W. The other six are on screen.
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  6. The validator returned nine blocking findings in one answer. A check that reads one field at a time would pass most of this; it shows only when the choices in the order are checked against each other.
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  7. What this shows: for a PoE budget that depends on the model and both power supplies, a rules-based CPQ can do this only with workarounds.
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  8. Now the agent resubmits.
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  9. The corrected request. It changes the switch model to C9300-48H, the primary power supply to 1,100 W, the secondary power supply to 1,100 W, the stack members to 8 and the PoE budget stated on the order to 1,922 W. Three more changes are on screen.
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  10. It calls the validator again.
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  11. This time the validator clears it.
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  12. All nine earlier findings are cleared.
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  13. Nine problems caught in one call, fixed in one pass, and a clean order. That is the value of Predictika's validator: catching mistakes before they reach the customer.
    14.