C9400-LC-48U Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 48 Ports Line Card Switch

Cisco C9400-LC-48U Line Card

The Cisco C9400-LC-48U Catalyst 48-port Ethernet switch module is engineered to enhance enterprise switching environments with dependable performance, scalable architecture, and advanced Layer 2/Layer 3 capabilities. Designed for the Catalyst 9400 Series chassis, this expansion module provides robust connectivity solutions suitable for dense network deployments requiring stability and optimized data throughput.

General Product Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C9400-LC-48U
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Series: Catalyst 9400
• Product Name: Catalyst 9400 Switching Module
• Device Type: Ethernet Switch Expansion Module

Port and Connectivity

• Total Ports: 48 Ethernet ports
• Port Type: 48 × RJ-45 10/100/1000BASE-T interfaces
• Supported Media: Twisted Pair cabling
• Ethernet Standard: Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Compatibility: 10/100/1000BASE-T
• Ports Per Tuple: 8

EtherChannel Compatibility

• Gigabit EtherChannel supported on all 1000 Mbps interfaces
• 10 Gigabit EtherChannel supported on all 10 Gbps channels
• Cross-line card EtherChannel using IEEE 802.3ad technology

Advanced Feature Set

The Cisco C9400-LC-48U module is equipped with optimized technologies to improve network integrity, provide enhanced timing accuracy, and maintain high operational efficiency.

Efficiency and Performance Enhancements

• Energy Efficient Ethernet for reduced power usage
• Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) compatibility for link bundling
• Precision Time Protocol (PTP) support for accurate synchronization
• TrustSec architecture for secure segmentation and strengthened network access control

Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)

This module includes EEE capabilities to significantly reduce energy consumption during low traffic periods, making it an excellent choice for organizations looking to optimize sustainability without compromising speed or performance.

Port Aggregation 

PAgP support simplifies link grouping, enabling increased bandwidth and improved redundancy. This feature is particularly advantageous in enterprise environments that require load balancing across multiple connections.

Protocol Advantages

• Enhanced throughput via aggregated links
• Automated negotiation for simplified deployment
• Improved failover resilience

Precision Time Protocol (PTP)

PTP enhances clock synchronization across networked devices, crucial for applications involving real-time data distribution, industrial automation, and time-sensitive communications.

PTP Capabilities

• Accurate timestamp distribution
• Reduced latency for synchronized services
• Improved performance for IoT and automation systems

Security Enhancements

• Policy-based segmentation
• Protection against unauthorized access
• Dynamic role assignment for scalable security management

Cisco C9400-LC-48U Catalyst 48 Ports Ethernet Switch Module

The Cisco C9400-LC-48U Catalyst 48 Ports Ethernet Switch Module expands the switching capabilities of the Catalyst 9400 Series chassis with an advanced architecture designed for scalable and highly resilient enterprise networks. This 48-port line card delivers superior performance for dense campus environments that require dependable multigigabit connectivity, flexible deployment capabilities, highly secure network segmentation, sophisticated power management, and consistent throughput for wired network infrastructures. The module integrates seamlessly into Catalyst 9400 Series chassis, supporting distributed forwarding, enterprise-level control features, and end-to-end visibility essential for high-demand organizations. Its architecture allows organizations to increase port capacity, improve network responsiveness, and enhance the overall reliability of their switching infrastructure.

Architecture Design and Hardware Engineering

The C9400-LC-48U line card incorporates advanced design principles aimed at maximizing operational efficiency, enhancing signal integrity, and sustaining high-performance switching operations under heavy workloads. The physical construction features reinforced circuitry to minimize latency and maintain consistent data throughput even under maximum port utilization. The use of advanced ASIC technology ensures efficient packet handling, intelligent buffering, and enhanced forwarding capabilities. Hardware redundancy built into the Catalyst 9400 chassis provides additional operational confidence, ensuring minimal downtime in environments that depend on nonstop communication and data flow.

Performance Characteristics of the Line Card

The Cisco C9400-LC-48U supports consistent high-speed communication across all forty-eight ports, providing ample headroom for demanding applications such as enterprise collaboration systems, high-definition media streaming, virtualized workloads, and VoIP communications. The architecture is designed to reduce bottlenecks and improve QoS performance even in complex traffic scenarios. The module ensures predictable performance, stable network throughput, and highly optimized data forwarding through its distributed data path design, which offloads significant processing tasks from the supervisor engine.

Integration with Catalyst 9400 Series Supervisors

The seamless integration with Catalyst 9400 Series supervisor engines enhances operational efficiency by providing centralized control, secure management, and advanced routing features. The line card works with supervisor modules to ensure redundancy, intelligent path selection, predictable failover, and dynamic performance tuning across large network domains. This integration supports hierarchical network design strategies that cater to multilayer campus deployments, enabling scalable architectures and efficient traffic distribution across multiple switches.

Advanced Switching Capabilities and Software Features

The Cisco C9400-LC-48U line card supports a broad range of software features enabled by Cisco IOS XE, providing a flexible operating environment for managing intricate network operations. The software-driven approach allows administrators to configure, optimize, and monitor traffic patterns through robust automation frameworks and telemetry insights. Rich Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities support multiple enterprise deployment models, while segmentation tools improve security and operational consistency in diverse application environments.

Layer 2 Operational Capabilities

The module supports a full suite of Layer 2 functionalities including VLAN provisioning, intelligent trunking, MAC address management, and spanning tree enhancements. These features enable structured network segmentation, fault-tolerant topologies, and streamlined data forwarding paths across campuses. With improved broadcast suppression mechanisms and graceful convergence tools, the line card promotes stable, self-adjusting network behavior that adapts to topology changes without disrupting service continuity.

Layer 3 Routing Enhancements

Layer 3 routing features on the C9400-LC-48U facilitate dynamic traffic distribution, advanced path selection, and seamless packet delivery using industry-standard routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and IS-IS. Integrated features such as policy-based routing, fast reroute, and intelligent path learning contribute to a responsive routing environment capable of handling voice, video, and mission-critical applications. The module supports IPv4 and IPv6 dual-stack operations, ensuring compatibility with evolving enterprise architectures and next-generation addressing requirements.

Multicast Handling and Traffic Optimization

The line card processes multicast communications efficiently through advanced IGMP and PIM protocol support, enhancing media streaming, conferencing solutions, and multi-user data delivery across large domains. The architecture significantly reduces unnecessary traffic replication and ensures efficient resource allocation throughout the switching fabric, improving overall network responsiveness and bandwidth usage.

Security Features and Access Control Enhancements

Security is a critical priority within enterprise networks, and the Cisco C9400-LC-48U line card delivers extensive protective measures designed to safeguard traffic flows, user access, and core infrastructure elements. Integrated security features help prevent unauthorized entry, detect anomalies, and enforce policy-driven access control across all connected endpoints. By combining hardware-based security with intelligent software mechanisms, the module supports resilient defenses capable of withstanding evolving threats and compliance demands.

Identity-Based Network Controls

Identity management tools integrated into the module help administrators enforce precise access policies. Features such as 802.1X authentication, MAC address filtering, and dynamic access control lists allow networks to validate device identities before granting access. This ensures that only authorized devices and users can connect to sensitive resources and reduces the risk of lateral movement by unauthorized actors.

Threat Detection and Mitigation Technology

The module supports advanced detection capabilities powered by Cisco’s security architecture. Built-in tools can identify abnormal traffic flows, suspicious activities, or protocol misuse, triggering smart containment responses. Features such as DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, and IP source guard ensure the integrity of network address assignments and safeguard against spoofing attacks. These protective measures enhance overall reliability and prevent potential disruptions before they escalate.

Encrypted Traffic and Secure Communication Handling

The C9400-LC-48U supports secure communication features that protect data in transit through encryption mechanisms implemented across multiple network layers. These capabilities help meet compliance requirements in regulated industries and provide end-to-end protection for enterprise traffic without compromising performance. Combined with secure boot and digitally signed firmware validation, the module ensures full infrastructure integrity during every operational state.

Power Efficiency, PoE Features, and Energy Management

Power Over Ethernet enhancements in the C9400-LC-48U module provide support for powering various devices including access points, IP cameras, VoIP phones, and building automation equipment. With high PoE budgets and precise power management tools, enterprises can streamline infrastructure by eliminating the need for separate power supplies for endpoint devices. This creates cleaner installations, lowers operational complexity, and contributes to efficient campus deployments.

Support for Modern PoE Standards

The module supports advanced PoE standards that accommodate a wide range of connected devices. The design allows for intelligent power negotiation with attached devices, ensuring optimal energy delivery while preventing overload conditions. The technology provides flexibility for installing emerging IoT devices and supports dynamic power allocation based on real-time usage patterns.

Energy-Efficient Architecture

The Cisco C9400-LC-48U incorporates energy-efficient components that minimize power consumption without compromising performance. Advanced power-management algorithms determine the optimal energy distribution across all ports. Unused ports can transition to low-power states during inactivity, reducing operational expenses and promoting environmentally responsible network operation.

Deployment Flexibility and Use Case Scenarios

The C9400-LC-48U line card is designed for a wide range of installation scenarios, including enterprise campuses, academic institutions, healthcare facilities, government networks, and distributed corporate environments. Its ability to support high-density connections makes it ideal for supporting evolving digital transformation strategies that require reliability and scalability. The module’s flexible configuration capabilities make it suitable for both small-scale expansions and large-scale rollouts.

Enterprise Campus Deployments

The line card’s high port density enables organizations to support growing user populations while maintaining consistent performance levels. The module’s switching and routing capabilities integrate with distribution and core layers to support robust hierarchical designs. This ensures stable connectivity, predictable load balancing, and efficient traffic control across extensive corporate campuses where thousands of devices may be active simultaneously.

Healthcare and Mission-Critical Environments

In healthcare environments where data accuracy and continuous connectivity are vital, the C9400-LC-48U delivers reliable switching functions that safeguard essential services. Its redundant design and secure communication mechanisms support medical imaging systems, patient monitoring devices, and electronic health record access. The module’s low-latency architecture ensures seamless operation for latency-sensitive applications used in clinical workflows.

Educational Facility Networks

Schools, colleges, and universities benefit from the module’s ability to support numerous connected endpoints, including digital classroom equipment, administrative systems, and campus-wide Wi-Fi infrastructures. The advanced PoE capabilities simplify installation of wireless access points and surveillance systems, creating a unified and secure environment for modern academic operations. The line card provides robust bandwidth allocation for e-learning platforms, streaming content, and large data transfers commonly required in campus networks.

Support for Automation Frameworks

The IOS XE operating system provides extensive automation capabilities using tools such as API-driven configuration management, zero-touch provisioning, and template-based rollout procedures. These features reduce manual configuration errors and promote consistent deployment standards across large enterprise networks. Automated workflows enable rapid scaling and streamlined updates through centralized management systems.

Telemetry and Predictive Analysis

Telemetry features support predictive maintenance strategies by highlighting resource utilization trends, potential bottlenecks, and areas that may require hardware upgrades. By analyzing operational data, organizations can plan for future expansion with confidence. Predictive insights also reduce downtime by identifying vulnerabilities before they lead to performance degradation or service disruptions.

Redundancy and Failover Capabilities

The Catalyst 9400 Series chassis architecture supports redundant supervisor modules, redundant power supplies, and intelligent failover mechanisms. These features ensure that the network remains operational in the event of hardware failures, power disruptions, or environmental anomalies. The C9400-LC-48U line card benefits from this resilient foundation, providing continuous switching capabilities even during maintenance cycles or unexpected interruptions.

Ease of Upgrades and Hot-Swap Functionality

The line card is designed with hot-swap capabilities that allow organizations to replace or upgrade modules without requiring full system shutdowns. This reduces operational downtime and ensures continuous service availability for critical applications. The simplified upgrade processes help organizations keep pace with evolving technology demands while maintaining operational consistency.

Operational Efficiency and Long-Term Value

With its high-density port capacity, energy-efficient architecture, and flexible configuration capabilities, the C9400-LC-48U provides long-term value for enterprise networks. Its design reduces infrastructure complexity, lowers power consumption, and enhances overall network scalability. Organizations benefit from predictable performance and reduced maintenance overhead through its streamlined architecture and intelligent management tools.

Compatibility and Expansion Capabilities

The C9400-LC-48U line card is fully compatible with a wide range of Catalyst 9400 Series chassis models, supporting incremental network growth without requiring major architectural changes. This compatibility ensures that organizations can expand their infrastructures confidently, knowing the module aligns with existing design standards and integrates seamlessly with other Cisco hardware components.

Scalable Port Density Options

The module provides an effective path for increasing port density within the Catalyst 9400 environment. Organizations can add additional line cards to scale their access layer networks and support growing device populations. This modular approach ensures that enterprises can expand incrementally rather than replacing entire switching systems.