Introduction to Juniper Networks EX3300 Ethernet Switch
The Juniper Networks EX3300 Ethernet Switch is a highly versatile and scalable access-layer switch designed to deliver enterprise-class performance, reliability, and simplified management. Part of Juniper’s EX Series, the Juniper Networks EX3300 bridges the gap between campus networks and data center environments by providing Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, high resiliency, and support for converged data, voice, and video applications.
Running on the industry-proven Junos OS, the EX3300 integrates seamlessly with other Juniper devices, ensuring consistent configuration, security, and monitoring across the entire network infrastructure. With advanced features like Virtual Chassis technology, robust Layer 2/Layer 3 capabilities, and PoE/PoE+ options, this switch is a cost-effective solution for enterprises, educational institutions, and service providers seeking flexibility and performance.
Key Technical Specifications of Juniper Networks EX3300
Available Models
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EX3300-24T – 24-port 10/100/1000Base-T
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EX3300-48T – 48-port 10/100/1000Base-T
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EX3300-24P – 24-port PoE/PoE+ model
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EX3300-48P – 48-port PoE/PoE+ model
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EX3300-24T-DC – 24-port DC-powered model
Ports & Uplinks
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24 or 48 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 access ports
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Four dual-purpose uplink ports: SFP/SFP+ supporting both 1GbE and 10GbE connections
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Dedicated stacking ports for Virtual Chassis deployments
Performance and Switching Capacity
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Switching capacity: up to 176 Gbps
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Forwarding rate: up to 130 Mpps
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MAC address table: 16,000 entries
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ARP table size: 4,000 entries
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VLANs supported: up to 4,094
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IGMP snooping: up to 3,000 multicast groups
Power and Environmental Support
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AC and DC power supply options
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Typical power consumption: 51W to 73W (non-PoE models), up to 81W+ for PoE models
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PoE/PoE+ support: 802.3af and 802.3at delivering up to 30W per port
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Fan options: front-to-back or back-to-front airflow for data center deployments
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Compact 1U form factor with weight ranging from 4.6 kg to 5.8 kg
Highlighted Features of Juniper Networks EX3300
Junos OS
The Juniper Networks EX3300 Ethernet Switch runs on Juniper’s Junos operating system (Junos OS), a consistent and reliable software platform used across Juniper’s routing, switching, and security devices. This unified OS simplifies management, reduces operational complexity, and allows network engineers to use a single set of commands across multiple device types.
Virtual Chassis Technology
One of the standout features of the EX3300 is Virtual Chassis technology, which allows up to six switches (or even up to ten in some deployments) to be interconnected and managed as a single logical device. This eliminates the need for standalone switch management, improves scalability, and simplifies operations in growing networks.
Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Support
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Layer 2 features: VLANs, QinQ, spanning tree protocols (STP, RSTP, MSTP), link aggregation, IGMP snooping, LLDP
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Layer 3 features: Static routing, RIP v1/v2, OSPF, BGP, and VRRP (via software licenses)
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QoS with up to eight queues per port to prioritize latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP and video
Security and Management
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AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ for user authentication
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DHCP snooping and Dynamic ARP Inspection for IP source guard
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Protection against broadcast storms and unicast flooding
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Management options: CLI, Web interface, SNMP v1/v2/v3, NetConf, and integration with Juniper Networks management tools
Use Cases of Juniper Networks EX3300 Ethernet Switch
The Juniper Networks EX3300 is ideal for multiple network environments:
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Enterprise Access Switch
Deployed at the edge of campus networks to provide Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for end-user devices such as desktops, laptops, and IP phones.
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Wireless Access Point Aggregation
PoE/PoE+ models power access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones, eliminating the need for external power injectors.
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Campus and Educational Institutions
Reliable connectivity for classrooms, administrative offices, and labs, supporting high-bandwidth applications like e-learning and video conferencing.
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Data Center Top-of-Rack (ToR) Deployment
With 10GbE uplinks, the EX3300 is suitable for ToR configurations, ensuring fast connections to aggregation or core switches.
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Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs)
An affordable, scalable, and secure networking solution that grows with business needs thanks to Virtual Chassis technology.
Performance Benefits of Juniper Networks EX3300
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High Availability: Redundant power options and Virtual Chassis reduce single points of failure.
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Operational Simplicity: Junos OS streamlines configuration and troubleshooting.
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Scalability: Ability to scale from small networks to large campus deployments without major redesign.
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Energy Efficiency: Optimized power consumption, especially compared to competing switches in the same class.
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QoS & Security: Reliable delivery of multimedia traffic and advanced protection for enterprise environments.
Comparison with Similar Switches
When compared to alternatives such as Cisco Catalyst 2960X or Aruba 2530 series, the Juniper Networks EX3300 Ethernet Switch offers several advantages:
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Virtual Chassis capability, which is not natively available in all competing switches.
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Unified Junos OS across all Juniper devices, simplifying management for IT teams.
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Lower power consumption compared to many equivalent Cisco switches, making it more energy-efficient.
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More affordable licensing model – although advanced Layer 3 features may require a software license, the overall cost of ownership is generally lower than Cisco’s.
Why Choose Juniper Networks EX3300?
Organizations should choose the Juniper Networks EX3300 Ethernet Switch because it:
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Provides enterprise-grade performance in a compact 1U form factor
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Offers flexible deployment models with both AC and DC power options
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Supports converged networks with data, voice, and video on a single platform
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Delivers long-term ROI with Virtual Chassis scalability and software-based upgrades
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Ensures network security and resiliency through advanced features and Junos OS stability
Conclusion
The Juniper Networks EX3300 Ethernet Switch is a proven, reliable, and versatile solution that meets the demands of modern enterprises, educational institutions, and data centers. With its robust hardware, Virtual Chassis scalability, PoE/PoE+ support, and Junos OS consistency, the Juniper Networks EX3300 empowers organizations to build high-performance, secure, and future-ready networks. Whether you are upgrading an existing infrastructure or designing a new one, the EX3300 offers the balance of performance, cost-efficiency, and scalability needed to support today’s dynamic digital environments.
Explore full product specifications in the datasheet provided below :