C9300LM-48T-4Y-A Cisco Switch L3 Managed 48 Port 25 Gigabit Sfp Rack-mountable

Overview of Cisco C9300LM-48T-4Y-A Catalyst Mini Switch 

The Cisco C9300LM-48T-4Y-A Catalyst 9300LM Mini is a high-performance, stackable Layer 3 managed switch designed for modern enterprise networks. Optimized for scalability and reliability, it offers advanced features for network security, management, and high-speed connectivity, making it ideal for demanding data centers, campus environments, and enterprise applications.

General Specification

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C9300LM-48T-4Y-A 
• Device Type: Managed L3 switch with stackable capabilities

Technical Specifications

• Port Configuration: 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports plus 4 x 25G SFP uplink ports
• Enclosure Type: Rack-mountable design for seamless integration in network racks
• Stacking Bandwidth: 320 Gbps for high-speed inter-switch communication
• Switching Capacity: 296 Gbps standalone; up to 616 Gbps with stacking
• Forwarding Rate: 220.22 Mpps per switch, 458.3 Mpps with stacked units
• Maximum Stack Units: Supports up to 8 switches for seamless expansion
• Buffer Capacity: 16 MB ensuring efficient data handling during traffic spikes
• Compact Mini Form Factor: Efficient layout for high-density network deployments

Routing and Network Scalability

• Supports a wide range of routing protocols including OSPF, RIP v1/v2, EIGRP, VRRP, PIM-SM, PIM-SSM, and Policy-Based Routing
• IPv4 route capacity up to 32,000 entries and IPv6 routes up to 16,000 entries
• Multicast scale: 8,000 entries, ideal for multimedia and streaming applications
• Supports up to 4,094 VLANs and 1,000 Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs)
• Routed ports capacity: 416, ensuring robust Layer 3 connectivity

Advanced Security and Management Features

• Supports ACLs for fine-grained access control and network segmentation
• Quality of Service (QoS) with Shaped Round Robin (SRR) for traffic prioritization
• Media Access Control Security (MACsec) to encrypt data between switches
• Control Plane Protection (CoPP) and First Hop Security (FHS) for network resilience
• Secure Boot and Trust Anchor Module to prevent unauthorized software execution
• Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) simplifies deployment and reduces configuration errors

Software and Networking Enhancements

• Cisco StackWise-320 technology enables unified stacking of multiple switches
• Flexible NetFlow (FNF) for comprehensive traffic analysis and monitoring
• Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (RPVST+) for optimized Layer 2 loop prevention
• Software Defined Networking (SDN) support with RESTCONF, NETCONF, and gRPC protocols
• Integrated Cisco Unified Access Data Plane (UADP 2.0) for consistent performance

Standards Compliance and Interoperability

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3z, 802.3ab, 802.3ae, 802.3an, 802.3at, 802.3bz, and 802.3bt
• IEEE 802.1D/w/q/s/x/ba compliance for spanning tree, VLAN tagging, QoS, and security
• Energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE) to reduce power consumption and improve sustainability
• Wi-Fi Certified 6 interoperability for seamless wireless integration

Memory and Processing

• RAM: 8 GB for high-speed operations and protocol handling
• Flash Storage: 16 GB to support IOS XE software, configuration files, and logs
• Status indicators for real-time monitoring of system health and network activity

Connectivity and Expansion

• 48 x 1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports for standard gigabit connections
• 4 x 25G SFP uplink ports for high-speed backbone integration
• Management interface: 1 x RJ-45 LAN port
• Console port for direct device configuration and troubleshooting
• USB 2.0 port for external storage or configuration transfer

Power and Redundancy

• Internal hot-swappable power supply providing 600 Watts of power
• Optional power redundancy for mission-critical deployments
• Voltage range: AC 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz to support global compatibility
• Energy-efficient design to reduce operational costs without compromising performance

Key Advantages

• High-performance switching with robust Layer 3 capabilities
• Scalable stacking technology supports large campus networks
• Enhanced security and QoS for sensitive and critical applications
• Flexible network management with advanced monitoring and automation tools
• Compact and efficient design suitable for dense rack deployments

Outline of Cisco C9300LM-48T-4Y-A Catalyst 9300LM Switch 

The Cisco C9300LM-48T-4Y-A Catalyst 9300LM Fixed Uplink Switch is part of the renowned Catalyst 9300 series, representing the next generation of enterprise-class network solutions. Designed for high-performance environments, this switch delivers unmatched reliability, scalability, and security for modern enterprise networks. It is particularly optimized for organizations looking to streamline network operations while maintaining robust connectivity and network intelligence.

Advanced Hardware Architecture

The C9300LM-48T-4Y-A model incorporates a fixed uplink design that enhances port density and provides advanced stacking capabilities. Equipped with 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, it supports high-throughput data transmission suitable for enterprise access layers. Additionally, the four 10 Gigabit uplinks enable seamless integration with aggregation and core layers, ensuring low-latency and high-bandwidth network performance. The modular design of the hardware allows for future upgrades, making it a long-term investment for evolving network demands.

Powerful Switching and Forwarding Capacity

The Catalyst 9300LM series offers exceptional switching and forwarding capacity to support the growing needs of modern enterprises. With high packet-per-second (PPS) rates and non-blocking architecture, the C9300LM-48T-4Y-A switch handles multiple concurrent data flows efficiently. Its forwarding performance ensures minimal packet loss, even under heavy network traffic, which is crucial for latency-sensitive applications such as voice over IP (VoIP), video conferencing, and cloud-based services.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Compliance

Cisco has integrated energy-efficient features into the 9300LM series, allowing organizations to reduce operational costs without compromising performance. The switch supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and intelligent power management, automatically adjusting power usage based on port activity. Moreover, the device complies with international environmental standards, including RoHS and WEEE, promoting sustainable IT practices within enterprise networks.

Enhanced Network Security Features

Security remains a cornerstone of the Catalyst 9300LM series. The C9300LM-48T-4Y-A switch incorporates advanced security protocols, including Cisco TrustSec, which provides role-based access control to safeguard sensitive network resources. Integrated features such as Secure Group Access, dynamic segmentation, and threat defense mechanisms ensure comprehensive protection against cyber threats and unauthorized access. Furthermore, the switch supports MACsec encryption on uplinks, guaranteeing secure communication between switches across the network.

Advanced Software Capabilities

The Cisco IOS XE operating system empowers the Catalyst 9300LM switches with powerful software capabilities. The modular architecture of IOS XE allows for seamless software upgrades and the addition of new features without interrupting network operations. Network administrators benefit from advanced automation, programmability, and analytics tools embedded in the operating system, enabling proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimized network performance. Features like Cisco DNA Center integration simplify policy-based management and allow administrators to streamline network configuration and monitoring tasks.

Intelligent Network Automation

With the Catalyst 9300LM-48T-4Y-A, intelligent network automation becomes a reality. The switch supports automation frameworks, including Cisco Network Plug and Play (PnP), which reduces deployment time and minimizes configuration errors. Automated software updates and predictive analytics allow IT teams to anticipate network issues before they escalate, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent network availability. Integration with Cisco DNA Center provides a centralized management interface, allowing administrators to define policies, monitor device health, and generate actionable insights efficiently.

Stacking and Scalability

The 9300LM series is designed with advanced stacking capabilities, offering high-density network expansion without compromising performance. The Cisco StackWise-480 technology allows up to eight switches to be stacked together, functioning as a single logical unit. This approach simplifies management, reduces operational complexity, and enhances redundancy. Stackable configurations ensure seamless scalability as network requirements grow, accommodating increasing device connectivity while maintaining consistent throughput and latency levels.

Optimized for High-Performance Applications

Modern enterprises require switches capable of supporting bandwidth-intensive applications. The C9300LM-48T-4Y-A switch is optimized for high-performance computing, video streaming, and unified communications. The combination of 48 access ports and 4 uplinks ensures adequate bandwidth allocation for demanding workloads. Quality of Service (QoS) features prioritize critical traffic, ensuring voice, video, and data applications operate without interruptions. Additionally, the switch supports multicast routing and high availability protocols, which are essential for large-scale enterprise deployments.

Reliability and Redundancy Features

Reliability is integral to the Catalyst 9300LM design. Redundant power supplies and hot-swappable fan modules provide uninterrupted operation even in the event of hardware failures. The switch supports dual-stack IPv4 and IPv6 environments, ensuring compatibility with evolving network infrastructures. Furthermore, high availability protocols such as Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) and Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) guarantee network resilience, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous business operations.

Comprehensive Management 

Efficient network management is vital for maintaining optimal performance in enterprise environments. The C9300LM-48T-4Y-A integrates multiple management tools, including Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Cisco Prime Infrastructure, and REST APIs for third-party integration. Real-time monitoring of network health, port utilization, and traffic patterns provides administrators with actionable insights, enabling proactive network optimization. Additionally, built-in telemetry capabilities allow continuous data collection for analysis, helping IT teams identify bottlenecks and plan for future network expansion.

Integration with Wireless and IoT Networks

The Catalyst 9300LM series seamlessly integrates with wireless access points and IoT devices, supporting a converged wired and wireless network architecture. Its uplinks provide the necessary backbone for high-density wireless deployments, while advanced security features protect IoT endpoints from unauthorized access. With support for Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and policy-based automation, organizations can manage diverse endpoints efficiently, ensuring consistent security and performance across the network.

Enterprise-Class Routing Capabilities

Beyond its switching functionality, the C9300LM-48T-4Y-A offers advanced routing capabilities. Support for static routing, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) allows seamless integration into existing enterprise networks. The switch also supports policy-based routing, enabling fine-grained control over traffic flow and prioritization. These routing features enhance network flexibility, allowing organizations to design resilient and scalable topologies tailored to specific operational needs.

Comparative Advantages Over Other Catalyst Models

Compared to previous Catalyst 9300 models, the C9300LM-48T-4Y-A delivers significant enhancements in uplink capacity, energy efficiency, and software capabilities. The fixed uplink architecture simplifies deployment in dense environments, while improved stacking technology supports larger and more resilient network topologies. Additionally, the enhanced security and automation features position this model as a preferred choice for enterprises seeking to modernize their network infrastructure without compromising on reliability or performance.

Future-Proof Investment

Investing in the Cisco C9300LM-48T-4Y-A ensures that enterprises remain future-ready. With support for emerging networking technologies, high-speed uplinks, and automation-driven management, the switch can adapt to changing organizational requirements. Its robust hardware design and modular software architecture provide a flexible foundation for integrating future innovations, such as software-defined networking (SDN) and enhanced security frameworks. Organizations benefit from a solution that not only addresses current needs but also scales efficiently with technological advancements.

Industry Applications and Use Cases

The Catalyst 9300LM-48T-4Y-A switch is versatile, serving multiple industry sectors, including finance, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. In financial institutions, its high-security features protect sensitive transactions and support low-latency trading environments. Healthcare organizations benefit from reliable data transmission for electronic health records and telemedicine applications. Educational campuses leverage the switch for high-density connectivity in classrooms and research labs. Manufacturing plants integrate the device into industrial networks to support IoT sensors and automation systems, ensuring operational efficiency and network resilience.

Technical Specifications and Performance Metrics

The Cisco C9300LM-48T-4Y-A switch boasts the following key specifications: 48 fixed 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, four 10-Gigabit uplinks, support for StackWise-480 stacking technology, dual redundant power supply support, and hot-swappable fan modules. Forwarding performance exceeds millions of packets per second, ensuring uninterrupted high-speed data transfer. With support for advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, the switch accommodates complex routing scenarios, VLAN segmentation, multicast traffic, and Quality of Service management for enterprise-grade performance.

Advanced Security and Compliance Standards

The switch adheres to stringent security and compliance standards, including FIPS 140-2 for cryptography, MACsec encryption, and Cisco TrustSec segmentation policies. Network administrators can implement granular access control measures, protecting sensitive resources from internal and external threats. Compliance with international environmental standards, including RoHS and WEEE, ensures sustainable operation while meeting corporate responsibility objectives.

Seamless Integration  

The C9300LM-48T-4Y-A is designed to integrate seamlessly with Cisco's broader networking ecosystem. Whether deployed alongside Cisco wireless access points, security appliances, or cloud-based management solutions, the switch offers consistent performance, centralized management, and policy-based automation. Integration with Cisco DNA Center allows organizations to leverage AI-driven analytics, automated troubleshooting, and centralized policy enforcement, enhancing overall network efficiency and reducing operational complexity.

Deployment and Configuration Flexibility

Deployment of the Catalyst 9300LM-48T-4Y-A is straightforward due to Cisco's Plug and Play capabilities, reducing installation time and minimizing configuration errors. The switch supports multiple management interfaces, including CLI, GUI, and APIs, providing flexibility for administrators with varying skill levels. With comprehensive documentation, automated deployment tools, and centralized management options, enterprises can achieve rapid, error-free implementation across distributed network environments.

Scalable Enterprise Networking Solution

The Cisco Catalyst 9300LM series provides a scalable foundation for enterprise networking. Its combination of high port density, robust uplinks, advanced security, and seamless software integration allows organizations to expand their networks effortlessly. Whether scaling up to accommodate additional users, integrating new applications, or connecting remote locations, the C9300LM-48T-4Y-A ensures consistent performance, reliability, and security across the enterprise network.