C9300L-48UXG-4X-E Cisco Catalyst Switch 9300L 48 Ports 12mGig Network Essentials UPoE

Enterprise-Grade Catalyst 9300L Switching Architecture

The Cisco Catalyst 9300L-48UXG-4X-E belongs to a new generation of fixed-access switches designed to meet the growing demands of modern enterprise networks. Built for scalability, resiliency, and high-speed connectivity, this model supports advanced Layer 3 features while maintaining operational efficiency for campus and branch deployments. Its managed switching capabilities enable administrators to maintain full control over traffic flow, security policies, and network performance.

Key Specifications

• Brand: Cisco
• Part Number: C9300L-48UXG-4X-E
• Device Type: Managed Switch

Technical Information

• Total Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 (UPOE) + 4 x 10 Gigabit SFP+ (Uplink)
• Power Over Ethernet: UPOE
• Power Budget: 675 Watts
• Enclosure Type: Rack-Mountable
• Subtype: Gigabit Ethernet

Designed for Rack-Mount Network Installations

• Standard rack-mountable enclosure for data centers and wiring closets
• Optimized airflow for continuous operation
• Compact footprint suitable for space-constrained deployments

Benefits of UPOE Deployment

• Supports high-power devices such as Wi-Fi 6 access points
• Reduces cabling and electrical installation costs
• Improves flexibility when relocating or expanding endpoints

Optimized Power Allocation Features

• Dynamic power negotiation for connected endpoints
• Support for power prioritization on critical devices
• Efficient energy usage without sacrificing performance

Switching Capacity  

• Up to 392 Gbps switching capacity in standalone mode
• Expanded throughput of 712 Gbps when operating in a stacked configuration

Forwarding Rate Capabilities

• 291.66 Mpps forwarding rate without stacking
• 529.76 Mpps forwarding rate with switch stacking enabled

Advantages of a Stackable Switch Architecture

• Simplified configuration and monitoring
• Higher aggregate bandwidth
• Improved fault tolerance and uptime

IP Routing Scale

• Supports up to 32,000 IPv4 routes
• Handles up to 16,000 IPv6 routes

Multicast and Segmentation Capacity

• Multicast scale of up to 8,000 entries
• Support for 4,094 VLANs

QoS and Policy Scalability

• Up to 5,120 QoS entries for granular traffic management
• Support for 5,120 Access Control List (ACL) entries

SVI Capacity Highlights

• Up to 1,000 SVIs supported
• Efficient inter-VLAN routing for enterprise networks

Outline of Cisco C9300L-48UXG-4X-E Catalyst Switch

The Cisco C9300L-48UXG-4X-E Catalyst Switch 9300L series represents a modern access-layer switching category designed for organizations that require consistent performance, advanced power delivery, and seamless integration with Cisco’s intent-based networking architecture. This category focuses on fixed access switches optimized for dense device environments where wireless access points, IP phones, video endpoints, and IoT devices demand both high bandwidth and reliable power. The 9300L family extends the Catalyst 9000 portfolio by emphasizing efficiency, scalability, and simplified operations while maintaining enterprise-class reliability.

This category is positioned for campus networks, branch offices, and enterprise access layers that are transitioning from traditional Gigabit Ethernet to multi-gigabit connectivity. It supports the growing demand created by Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E deployments, high-resolution video collaboration, and latency-sensitive applications. By combining multi-gigabit copper access with high-speed fiber uplinks, this category bridges current infrastructure with future-ready networking standards.

Multi-Gigabit Access Architecture and Port Density

The Catalyst 9300L access switching category is built around multi-gigabit Ethernet technology that allows existing copper cabling to deliver significantly higher speeds than traditional Gigabit Ethernet. This approach protects cabling investments while enabling faster device connectivity. The 48-port configuration in this category is designed to support high client density environments such as open office floors, educational campuses, healthcare facilities, and retail locations where numerous endpoints must connect simultaneously without performance degradation.

Multi-gigabit access enables flexible speed negotiation, allowing connected devices to operate at optimal rates depending on their capabilities. This adaptability makes the category suitable for mixed environments where legacy devices coexist with modern high-performance endpoints. The access layer becomes a performance enabler rather than a bottleneck, ensuring smooth application delivery across the network.

Support for Advanced Wireless Deployments

One of the defining aspects of this category is its alignment with next-generation wireless networking. Modern wireless access points require more than one gigabit of throughput to operate at full capacity. The multi-gigabit ports in the Catalyst 9300L category provide the necessary bandwidth headroom to support high-density wireless deployments without requiring fiber to every access point.

This capability simplifies network design by allowing wireless upgrades to occur without major infrastructure changes. As wireless standards evolve, the access switch category continues to support higher throughput demands, ensuring long-term usability.

High-Speed Uplink Connectivity

To complement high-performance access ports, this category includes dedicated uplink interfaces designed for aggregation and core connectivity. High-speed uplinks reduce congestion between access and distribution layers, ensuring that increased edge bandwidth does not overwhelm upstream network segments. This balance between access speed and uplink capacity is critical for maintaining consistent application performance across large networks.

Unified Power over Ethernet Capabilities

The Cisco Catalyst 9300L switching category emphasizes robust power delivery through advanced Power over Ethernet technologies. Unified Power over Ethernet enables the switch to deliver higher wattage per port, supporting a wide range of powered devices. This includes high-performance wireless access points, advanced IP cameras, digital signage, and building automation equipment.

By centralizing power delivery at the access switch, organizations can simplify device deployment and reduce reliance on local power adapters. This approach improves reliability, streamlines maintenance, and supports centralized power management strategies.

Power Efficiency and Intelligent Allocation

The category incorporates intelligent power management features that allocate power based on real-time device requirements. This ensures efficient utilization of the available power budget while maintaining device stability. Intelligent allocation also supports prioritization, allowing mission-critical devices to receive power even during constrained conditions.

Energy-efficient design principles help organizations reduce operational costs and support sustainability initiatives. The switch category contributes to greener IT operations without compromising performance.

Network Essentials Licensing and Feature Set

The Catalyst 9300L category with Network Essentials licensing provides a carefully selected set of features that address the core requirements of enterprise access networks. This includes advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, robust security controls, and automation support. The focus is on delivering essential enterprise functionality while maintaining a cost-effective licensing model.

This category is well suited for organizations that require reliable routing, segmentation, and policy enforcement at the access layer without the complexity of higher-tier licensing. It delivers a balanced feature set that aligns with common enterprise use cases.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Capabilities

Access switching in this category supports advanced Layer 2 features such as VLAN segmentation, quality of service, and loop prevention. Layer 3 functionality enables inter-VLAN routing and integration with upstream routing protocols, simplifying network design and reducing dependency on external routing devices.

This integrated approach improves performance by reducing latency and enables more efficient traffic flows within the access layer.

Policy-Based Networking Foundations

The category supports policy-based networking concepts that allow administrators to define intent rather than configure individual devices manually. Policies can be consistently applied across the access layer, improving security posture and simplifying network operations. This foundation is essential for organizations adopting software-defined networking principles.

Security Integration at the Access Layer

Security is a core component of the Catalyst 9300L access switching category. The access layer is often the first point of entry into the network, making it a critical enforcement location for security policies. This category integrates multiple security features designed to protect against unauthorized access and network threats.

Authentication mechanisms ensure that only approved users and devices can connect to the network. Traffic segmentation and monitoring help contain potential threats and reduce the attack surface.

Device and User Authentication

Support for modern authentication standards allows the switch category to integrate with identity services and access control platforms. This enables dynamic policy enforcement based on user roles, device types, or security posture. Authentication at the access layer enhances visibility and control over network usage.

Threat Detection and Mitigation Support

While primarily an access switching category, the Catalyst 9300L integrates with broader security architectures to support threat detection and response. Telemetry and monitoring capabilities provide valuable data that can be used by centralized security systems to identify anomalies and potential attacks.

Automation, Programmability, and Management

Modern enterprise networks require efficient management and rapid adaptability. The Catalyst 9300L category is designed with automation and programmability in mind, enabling IT teams to streamline operations and reduce manual configuration tasks. This approach minimizes errors and accelerates deployment cycles.

Support for standardized APIs and automation tools allows integration with orchestration platforms and network management systems. Administrators can implement consistent configurations across multiple switches with minimal effort.

Centralized Management Integration

This category is optimized for centralized management solutions that provide a single pane of glass for monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting. Centralized visibility simplifies network operations and improves response times when issues arise.

Real-time insights into device health, performance metrics, and traffic patterns enable proactive maintenance and capacity planning.

Programmable Interfaces and Extensibility

Programmability allows organizations to adapt the access layer to evolving requirements. Custom scripts and automated workflows can be used to implement new policies, deploy configurations, or respond to network events dynamically. This flexibility supports agile IT operations and future-proof network design.

Performance, Reliability, and Hardware Design

The Catalyst 9300L switching category is engineered for continuous operation in enterprise environments. Hardware components are selected to deliver consistent performance under sustained loads. The design prioritizes reliability, ensuring minimal downtime and stable network connectivity.

Thermal management and power redundancy options contribute to operational stability, particularly in high-density deployments where heat and power demands are significant.

Non-Blocking Architecture

A non-blocking switching architecture ensures that all ports can operate at their maximum supported speeds simultaneously. This is essential for environments with unpredictable traffic patterns and high concurrent usage. The category supports smooth data flow even during peak demand periods.

Enterprise-Class Build Quality

Durable construction and rigorous testing standards define this access switching category. The hardware is designed to meet enterprise reliability expectations, supporting long service life and consistent performance across diverse deployment scenarios.

Scalability for Growing Networks

Scalability is a defining attribute of the Catalyst 9300L category. As organizations expand their networks or adopt new technologies, the access layer must scale accordingly. This category supports modular growth through uplink flexibility and software-driven feature expansion.

Network architects can design access layers that grow incrementally without requiring complete infrastructure replacement. This approach reduces total cost of ownership and supports long-term network planning.

Flexible Deployment Scenarios

The category is suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, from single-site offices to multi-building campuses. Its versatility allows consistent access-layer design across different locations, simplifying management and standardization.

Future-Ready Software Evolution

Software-driven capabilities ensure that the access switching category can adapt to emerging requirements. Feature updates and enhancements can be introduced through software, extending the value of the hardware investment over time.

Use Cases Across Industries

The Cisco Catalyst 9300L access switching category is applicable across numerous industries. In education, it supports high-density wireless access for classrooms and student devices. In healthcare, it provides reliable connectivity for medical equipment and secure access for staff. Retail environments benefit from unified power and bandwidth for point-of-sale systems, cameras, and digital signage.

Corporate offices leverage the category to support collaboration tools, video conferencing, and secure user access. Industrial and smart building environments utilize its power and connectivity features to support automation and IoT deployments.

Campus and Enterprise Offices

In campus environments, the category provides consistent access-layer performance across multiple buildings. It supports seamless user mobility and centralized policy enforcement, enhancing user experience and administrative efficiency.

Branch and Remote Locations

For branch deployments, the Catalyst 9300L category offers enterprise-grade features in a compact, cost-effective form factor. Centralized management and automation simplify remote operations and reduce the need for on-site IT presence.

Integration with Intent-Based Networking

The access switching category aligns with Cisco’s intent-based networking vision, where business intent is translated into network configuration and enforcement automatically. This integration improves consistency, reduces configuration errors, and accelerates service delivery.

By acting as an intelligent access layer component, the Catalyst 9300L category contributes to end-to-end visibility and control across the network infrastructure.

Telemetry and Analytics Support

Enhanced telemetry provides detailed insights into network behavior, device performance, and application usage. These insights enable data-driven decision-making and support continuous optimization of the access layer.

Long-Term Value  

The Cisco C9300L-48UXG-4X-E Catalyst Switch 9300L access switching category is designed to deliver long-term value through a combination of performance, efficiency, and adaptability. Its feature set supports current enterprise requirements while providing a foundation for future growth.

Operational efficiency is achieved through simplified management, intelligent automation, and reliable hardware performance. These attributes reduce administrative overhead and allow IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance.

Cost-Effective Enterprise Networking

By balancing advanced capabilities with essential licensing, this category offers a cost-effective approach to enterprise access switching. Organizations gain access to modern networking features without unnecessary complexity, supporting both budgetary and technical objectives.

Resilient Foundation for Digital Transformation

The access switching category serves as a resilient foundation for digital transformation initiatives. Whether supporting cloud applications, hybrid work models, or IoT expansion, it provides the connectivity, power, and intelligence required to sustain evolving business demands.