C1300-48P-4G Cisco Network Switch with 48 Ports and 4 Gigabit SFP Slots

Product Outline

The Cisco C1300-48P-4G Catalyst is a high-performance, enterprise-grade managed network switch designed for scalable and secure business environments. Built for rack installation, this Layer 3 Gigabit Ethernet switch delivers advanced routing, robust PoE+ capabilities, and comprehensive network management to support modern IT infrastructures.

General Specifications

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: C1300-48P-4G
• Device Category: Managed Layer 3 Switch
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable
• Technology: Gigabit Ethernet

Port Configuration & Power

Ethernet & Uplink Ports

• 48 × 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet ports with PoE+
• 4 × Gigabit SFP fiber uplink ports

Power over Ethernet (PoE+)

• PoE standard: IEEE 802.3at (PoE+)
• Total PoE power budget: 375 Watts
• Ideal for IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras

Performance & Switching Capacity

High-Speed Data Handling

• Forwarding rate: 77.38 Mpps (64-byte packets)
• Switching bandwidth: 104 Gbps
• MAC address table: Up to 16,000 entries
• Jumbo frame support: Up to 9000 bytes

Network Scalability & Capacity

Advanced Network Limits

• VLAN IDs supported: 4093
• Link aggregation groups: 8
• Aggregated ports: 8
• IPv4 static routes: Up to 990
• IPv4 interfaces: 128
• IGMP multicast groups: 2000
• ACL rules: 1024
• Priority queues: 8
• Packet buffer memory: 3 MB

Routing & Switching Protocols

Layer 2 & Layer 3 Protocol Support

• STP, RSTP, MSTP, PVST+, RPVST+
• Static IP routing and policy-based routing (PBR)
• RIP-2, CIDR
• IGMP v1/v2/v3, MLD, MLDv2
• Bonjour, UDLD, GARP, GVRP

Management & Remote Administration

Flexible Management Options

• SNMP v1/v2c/v3, RMON
• CLI, Telnet client/server, SSH & SSH-2
• Web-based management via HTTP/HTTPS
• TFTP, SCP, Syslog, ICMP
• Zero-touch deployment and Cisco NG PnP protocol

Security & Authentication

Enterprise-Level Protection

• Authentication: RADIUS, TACACS+
• Encryption: MD5, SSL
• Port security and MAC address authentication
• DHCP snooping, ARP inspection, IP source guard
• DoS attack prevention and storm control

Advanced Features

Smart Networking Capabilities

• QoS with DSCP-based CoS and WRR scheduling
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)
• Private VLAN, Guest VLAN, Auto Surveillance VLAN
• PoE scheduling and persistent PoE
• LLDP, LLDP-MED, cable length detection
• IPv4 and IPv6 dual-stack support

Hardware & System Resources

Internal Components

• Processor: ARM-based CPU, 1.4 GHz
• System memory: 1 GB DDR4 SDRAM
• Flash storage: 512 MB
• Cooling: 1 integrated fan

Expansion & Connectivity Interfaces

Physical Ports

• 48 × Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ RJ-45 ports
• 4 × 1000BASE-X SFP slots
• 1 × RJ-45 console port
• 1 × USB Type-C console interface

Standards & Compliance

IEEE & Industry Certifications

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3z
• IEEE 802.1D, 802.1Q, 802.1P, 802.1X
• IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3az
• IEEE 802.1W, 802.1S

Defining the Managed Access Switch Category

Managed access switches like the Cisco C1300-48P-4G form the intelligent edge of a business network. Unlike unmanaged switches that offer simple plug-and-play connectivity, a managed switch provides administrators with granular control over traffic, security policies, and performance. This category is defined by its ability to support VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) for network segmentation, Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing critical applications like voice and video, and advanced security features to protect against internal and external threats. The C1300-48P-4G sits firmly in the upper tier of this category, offering Layer 3 Lite features—such as static routing and Routing Information Protocol (RIP)—which allow for intelligent routing between VLANs without the complexity and cost of a full Layer 3 core switch.

Technical Specifications & Hardware Architecture

Understanding the hardware foundation of the Cisco C1300-48P-4G is key to appreciating its capabilities. This switch is built for density, power delivery, and reliable performance in rack-mounted environments typical of wiring closets and server rooms.

Port Configuration & Uplink Flexibility

The "48P-4G" designation is central to its design: 48 Ethernet ports capable of delivering PoE/PoE+, and 4 dedicated Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports.

Downlink Ports: 48x 10/100/1000 PoE+ Ports

Each of the 48 RJ-45 ports supports auto-negotiation for 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds and auto-MDI/MDIX for simplified cabling. The Power over Ethernet capability is a game-changer, with a total PoE budget supporting the simultaneous powering of devices like IP phones, wireless access points, IP security cameras, and access control systems. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies at the endpoint location, drastically reducing installation cost and complexity.

Uplink Ports: 4x Dedicated Gigabit SFP Slots

The four fixed Gigabit SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) slots provide critical flexibility for uplink connections. Network administrators can choose SFP modules for copper (100/1000BASE-T) or fiber (e.g., 1000BASE-SX/LX) connectivity. This allows for longer-distance connections to a core switch or server, integration into existing fiber infrastructure, or the creation of high-bandwidth, low-latency trunk links. The separation of downlink and uplink ports ensures that valuable PoE power is not consumed by uplink connections.

Performance & Power Specifications

The switch is built on a high-performance switching fabric offering wire-speed performance on all ports simultaneously, preventing internal bottlenecks. The power supply is engineered for the significant load of PoE devices.

Switching Capacity & Forwarding Rate

With a formidable switching capacity and packet forwarding rate, the C1300-48P-4G handles high volumes of traffic from bandwidth-intensive applications without dropping packets or introducing excessive latency, ensuring smooth network operations.

PoE+ Budget & Power Management

The switch features a substantial power budget, typically 370W or more, to deliver up to 30W per port (IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standard). Intelligent power management features allow for prioritization of critical devices, scheduled power cycling, and monitoring of power consumption per port, providing both control and efficiency.

Advanced Software Features & Management Capabilities

Beyond its hardware, the true value of the Cisco C1300-48P-4G lies in its comprehensive Cisco IOS-based software. This familiar operating system provides a consistent management experience and a deep set of features for optimization, security, and resiliency.

Network Segmentation & Routing (Layer 3 Lite)

This switch goes beyond basic Layer 2 switching, offering essential Layer 3 routing functions.

VLAN Implementation & Management

Create multiple broadcast domains for security and performance. Isolate guest traffic, department-specific systems, or IoT devices into separate VLANs to contain breaches and reduce network chatter.

Static Routing & RIP

Enable inter-VLAN routing directly on the switch, allowing different subnets (e.g., Finance, Engineering, Guest) to communicate securely without hair-pinning all traffic through a central router. This improves performance and reduces load on core infrastructure.

Quality of Service (QoS) for Application Assurance

In a converged network carrying data, voice, and video, QoS is non-negotiable. The C1300-48P-4G provides sophisticated traffic classification, marking, and queuing.

Classification & Marking

Identify traffic based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), or Layer 4 (TCP/UDP port) information. Voice packets from an IP phone can be automatically identified and given priority over general web browsing.

Prioritization & Queuing

Employ strict priority queuing and weighted round robin (WRR) to ensure that latency-sensitive traffic, such as VoIP or video conferencing, is forwarded immediately, guaranteeing clear calls and glitch-free video.

Comprehensive Security Suite

Network security starts at the access edge. This switch incorporates multiple layers of protection.

Port Security & 802.1X Authentication

Use IEEE 802.1X (Network Admission Control) to require user or device authentication before granting network access. Port security limits MAC addresses per port, preventing unauthorized devices from connecting.

Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Implement standard and extended ACLs to filter traffic based on IP addresses, protocols, and ports. This can be used to block certain traffic between VLANs or restrict device access to specific resources.

DHCP Snooping & IP Source Guard

Protect against rogue DHCP servers and IP address spoofing attacks. These features build a trusted database of IP-MAC-lease bindings, ensuring devices use only their assigned addresses.

Deployment Scenarios & Use Cases

The versatility of the Cisco C1300-48P-4G makes it suitable for a wide array of business environments, serving as the central connectivity hub for various digital transformation initiatives.

Unified Access for Offices and Campuses

In corporate branch offices or educational campuses, the switch provides reliable, wired access for a high density of users and devices.

High-Density User Connectivity

Support an open-office floor plan or a university classroom with dozens of wired connections for computers, printers, and shared peripherals, all with managed access and traffic control.

Converged Voice, Video, and Data

Power and connect Cisco IP phones, enable high-quality video conferencing systems, and ensure business data applications run smoothly, all on a single, QoS-enabled infrastructure.

Powering Digital Ceilings & Smart Buildings

The robust PoE budget makes this switch ideal for building management and IoT convergence.

IP Surveillance and Physical Security

Power and connect multiple high-definition IP cameras, door access control systems, and security intercoms, creating a centralized, networked security infrastructure.

Wireless Infrastructure Backbone

Deploy and power a dense mesh of Cisco wireless access points (e.g., Aironet series) to provide seamless, high-performance Wi-Fi coverage throughout a facility, with the switch managing traffic and policies.

Building Management Systems (BMS)

Connect and power IoT sensors for lighting, HVAC, and environmental monitoring, converging traditionally separate building systems onto a secure, IP-based network.

Management Interface Options

Administrators can choose the management method that best suits their skill level and network scale.

Cisco IOS Command-Line Interface (CLI)

The powerful, industry-standard CLI offers granular control for experienced network engineers, enabling precise configuration and scripting for automation.

Web-based (HTTP/HTTPS) Management GUI

An intuitive, browser-based graphical interface provides wizards, dashboards, and visual tools for simplified setup, monitoring, and basic configuration without requiring CLI expertise.