C9300L-48P-4X-E Cisco 48 Ports Ethernet Switch

Outline of The Cisco Catalyst Managed Ethernet Switch

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48P-4X-E is a high-performance, stackable managed switch designed to support modern enterprise networks. With 48 ports and advanced Layer 3 capabilities, this switch delivers both flexibility and scalability for growing organizations. Engineered for robust connectivity, it combines high-speed performance with intelligent management tools.

Key Features  

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model: C9300L-48P-4X-E
• Device Type: Managed Ethernet Switch

Technical Specifications

• Ports: 48 total – including 12 multi-gigabit (100/1000/2.5G/5G/10GBase-T), 36 Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 PoE+), and 4 x 10G SFP+ uplink ports
• Layer: L3 routing support
• Stacking: Fully stackable for simplified network expansion
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable enclosure

Performance and Connectivity

• Advanced Layer 3 switching for optimized routing efficiency
• Power over Ethernet (PoE+) to connect devices like IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras without additional power cabling
• Flexible uplink options through 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports for superior interconnectivity
• Stacking technology that enables simplified management of multiple switches as a single logical unit

Advanced Management and Security

• Centralized network monitoring and configuration using Cisco DNA Center
• Enhanced security with MACsec encryption, DHCP snooping, and dynamic ARP inspection
• Quality of Service (QoS) policies to prioritize critical applications and maintain consistent network performance
• Intelligent traffic control with programmable automation and analytics

Deployment and Scalability

• Scale horizontally without complicated reconfiguration
• Integrate seamlessly with existing Cisco networks
• Support high-density environments such as enterprise campuses, data centers, and branch offices
• Maintain business continuity with redundant power and uplink options

Environmental and Physical Attributes

• Standard 1U rack size for efficient data center use
• Energy-efficient design with reduced operational costs
• Durable build quality to withstand continuous operation

 Benefits of Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48P-4X-E 

• Superior multi-gigabit performance for bandwidth-intensive applications
• PoE+ capabilities to simplify device connectivity and deployment
• Comprehensive security and management tools for enterprise-grade protection
• Flexible stacking and uplink options for seamless network growth
• Reliable rack-mountable form factor ideal for modern IT environments

Applications and Ideal Use Cases

• Enterprise campus networks requiring high-speed, reliable switching
• Data centers needing scalable and stackable connectivity
• Branch offices and remote locations leveraging PoE+ devices
• Organizations implementing robust network security and traffic management

Overview of Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E Ethernet Switch 

The Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E is part of the renowned Catalyst 9300 Series, engineered to deliver high-performance, scalable networking solutions for modern enterprise environments. This 48-port Ethernet switch is designed for organizations seeking a robust, reliable, and flexible network infrastructure capable of supporting a variety of demanding applications and workloads. With its advanced features, the C9300L-48P-4X-E stands out as an ideal solution for enterprises, campus networks, and data center edge deployments.

This Ethernet switch is optimized for high-density connectivity, offering 48 ports with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), which simplifies network deployment by providing power and data connectivity to devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras directly through the Ethernet cabling. The C9300L-48P-4X-E enhances operational efficiency, reduces deployment complexity, and ensures reliable performance across all connected devices.

High-Performance Switching Capabilities

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Functionality

The C9300L-48P-4X-E is engineered to support both Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, providing versatility for complex network topologies. Layer 2 capabilities include traditional switching features, such as VLAN segmentation, spanning tree protocols, and link aggregation, which are essential for optimizing traffic flow and minimizing network congestion. Layer 3 functionality, including static routing, dynamic routing protocols, and advanced multicast support, ensures that the switch can efficiently manage data flows across multiple subnets and facilitate communication between different segments of the network.

This dual-layer support enables enterprises to deploy the switch in a variety of network architectures, whether in a simple access layer configuration or as part of a more complex distribution or core network design. The switch’s ability to handle Layer 3 routing natively without relying on external routers significantly enhances network efficiency and reduces latency, making it suitable for real-time applications such as video conferencing and VoIP.

Scalability and Modular Expansion

Designed with future growth in mind, the Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E offers scalability that allows organizations to expand their network as business requirements evolve. The switch supports stackable configurations, enabling multiple units to operate as a single logical device. This stacking capability simplifies network management and provides high availability, ensuring that traffic continues to flow even if a single switch experiences a fault.

The C9300L-48P-4X-E is compatible with Cisco StackWise technology, which allows for seamless integration of up to eight switches in a single stack. StackWise provides high throughput, redundant interconnections, and efficient load balancing across the stack, which is critical for enterprise networks experiencing high data traffic volumes or frequent changes in network topology.

Power over Ethernet and Energy Efficiency

PoE+ Capabilities and Benefits

With 48 PoE+ enabled ports, the C9300L-48P-4X-E delivers up to 30 watts per port, providing ample power to connected devices without the need for separate power supplies. This capability simplifies deployment, reduces cabling costs, and enhances operational flexibility by allowing network administrators to power devices remotely and dynamically. PoE+ also supports advanced applications such as wireless access points, IP cameras, and other networked devices that require high power levels, ensuring uninterrupted performance and reducing downtime risks.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

The Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E incorporates energy-efficient technologies, including Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and intelligent power management. These features reduce overall energy consumption by adjusting power usage based on traffic load and port activity. By optimizing energy usage, enterprises can lower operational costs and contribute to sustainable IT practices without compromising network performance or reliability.

Security Features and Network Protection

Comprehensive Access Control

Security is a critical concern in modern networks, and the Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E addresses this through comprehensive access control mechanisms. The switch supports IEEE 802.1X network access control, which enforces authentication for devices attempting to connect to the network. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures that only trusted devices are allowed to communicate within the network environment.

Advanced Threat Detection

Integrated with Cisco’s security framework, the switch provides advanced threat detection and mitigation capabilities. Features such as dynamic ARP inspection, IP source guard, and port security help detect and prevent malicious activity, including ARP spoofing and MAC flooding attacks. By proactively identifying threats, the C9300L-48P-4X-E enhances the overall security posture of enterprise networks and protects sensitive information from unauthorized access or disruption.

Reliability, Redundancy, and High Availability

Redundant Power Supplies

To ensure continuous network operation, the C9300L-48P-4X-E supports dual redundant power supplies. This redundancy allows the switch to continue functioning in the event of a power supply failure, minimizing downtime and maintaining critical network connectivity. For mission-critical environments such as data centers or large enterprise campuses, this feature is essential for maintaining service continuity and operational stability.

Resilient Software and Stack Management

Software resilience is another hallmark of the Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E. With support for Cisco IOS XE, the switch offers enhanced stability, robust features, and simplified management. The operating system allows in-service software upgrades (ISSU), enabling administrators to update switch firmware without interrupting network operations. Combined with StackWise technology, which ensures seamless failover between stacked units, the C9300L-48P-4X-E provides a highly reliable network foundation capable of supporting critical business applications without compromise.

Intelligent Network Management

The Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E offers a comprehensive suite of management tools that simplify network administration and enhance operational efficiency. Network administrators can leverage Cisco DNA Center for centralized management, automation, and assurance, enabling proactive monitoring of network health, device performance, and application traffic. This centralized approach reduces configuration errors, accelerates troubleshooting, and provides actionable insights for optimizing network performance across the enterprise.

Deployment Flexibility

Enterprise Campus and Branch Deployment

The Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E is engineered for deployment in a variety of enterprise environments. In campus networks, it serves as a reliable access-layer switch, providing high-speed connectivity for end-user devices and ensuring seamless integration with wireless networks and data center resources. For branch offices, the switch delivers consolidated connectivity, simplified management, and secure access, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining high performance and reliability.

Data Center Edge and Aggregation

Beyond campus deployment, the switch is suitable for data center edge applications, supporting aggregation of multiple access-layer switches and connecting them to core routers or higher-tier switches. Its robust Layer 3 capabilities, combined with high port density and PoE+ support, make it an ideal candidate for modern data center designs, where flexibility, scalability, and operational efficiency are paramount.

Technical Specifications and Performance Metrics

Port Density and Bandwidth

The Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E features 48 1G Ethernet ports, each capable of delivering full-duplex connectivity for high-throughput applications. In addition to these ports, it includes four 10G SFP+ uplink ports, enabling high-speed aggregation and connectivity to other network segments. The combination of high port density and uplink flexibility ensures the switch can support a wide range of enterprise workloads without compromising performance or reliability.

Forwarding and Switching Capacity

The switch provides a forwarding capacity suitable for demanding enterprise networks, capable of handling millions of packets per second with low latency. Its high switching bandwidth ensures that multiple concurrent applications, including data-intensive operations such as video streaming, large file transfers, and virtualization, can operate smoothly and without degradation of service. Advanced buffering and flow control mechanisms further optimize traffic handling, reducing packet loss and ensuring consistent network performance.

Software Features  

Cisco IOS XE Software Platform

The Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E runs on the Cisco IOS XE operating system, which combines modularity, flexibility, and high reliability. IOS XE supports advanced networking features, including policy-based routing, segment routing, and network segmentation, allowing administrators to build highly optimized and secure network topologies. The platform also supports programmability through Python scripting, REST APIs, and model-driven telemetry, enabling integration with modern IT automation frameworks and SDN deployments.