C9400-LC-48UX Cisco 48 Ports UPoe 10GE Expansion Module

Cisco C9400-LC-48UX 48-Port UPoE 10GE Expansion Module

The Cisco C9400-LC-48UX plug-in module enhances network performance with high-capacity copper interfaces, flexible multigigabit technology, and advanced power delivery. Designed for Catalyst 9400 Series chassis, this expansion card supports scalable enterprise environments requiring dependable throughput, robust security, and intelligent traffic optimization.

Key Manufacturer and Hardware Specifications

• Brand: Cisco
• Product ID: C9400-LC-48UX
• Form Factor: Plug-in switch module
• Total Interfaces: 48 Ethernet ports

Interface and Speed Capabilities

• 24 × 100/1000/2.5G/5G/10GBASE-T multigigabit copper ports with UPoE
• 24 × 10/100/1000BASE-T copper UPoE ports
• Optimized for high-performance wired connectivity for modern applications

Power Delivery and PoE Features

• Supports UPoE for delivering enhanced electrical power to connected devices
• Ideal for powering next-generation wireless access points, smart lighting, VoIP terminals, and IoT nodes
• Operational consumption rated at 240 watts

Supported Technologies and Enhancements

• Jumbo frame handling up to 9198 bytes
• Built-in support for PAgP and LACP aggregation protocols
• Energy Efficient Ethernet for reduced operational costs
• Precision Time Protocol for synchronized network timing
• TrustSec capabilities for enhanced identity-based security

Industry Compliance and Standards

• IEEE 802.3z and IEEE 802.3ab for Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at for PoE and PoE+ powering requirements
• IEEE 802.3x for full-duplex flow control
• IEEE 802.3ad (LACP) for link bundling and redundancy
• IEEE 802.1ae for MACsec encryption
• IEEE 802.1as for precise time synchronization
• IEEE 802.3az for energy-efficient operation
• IEEE 802.3bz for higher-speed multigigabit Ethernet

Available Interfaces

• 24 × RJ-45 100/1000/2.5G/5G/10GBASE-T UPoE connections
• 24 × RJ-45 1000BASE-T UPoE Ethernet interfaces

Cisco C9400-LC-48UX UPoE 10GE Expansion Module Functional

The Cisco C9400-LC-48UX 48 Ports UPoE 10GE Expansion Module is engineered to meet the demanding requirements of enterprise campus environments that rely on resilient switching architectures, advanced power delivery capabilities and high bandwidth connectivity. This module integrates seamlessly with Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series chassis, enabling scalable access layer deployments that demand dense port counts, multispeed Ethernet capabilities and intelligent Layer 2 and Layer 3 services. Within evolving digital infrastructures, this expansion module serves as a central element for unified communications, IoT device integration, wireless access expansion and high-performance edge switching operations. It maintains a balance of throughput, security features, energy efficiency and platform longevity, making it a reliable choice for organizations implementing complex access distribution frameworks.

Hardware design and engineering characteristics

The hardware architecture of the Cisco C9400-LC-48UX module is based on purpose-built ASIC technology that supports flexible multispeed 10-Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. Each port automatically negotiates the optimal performance rate depending on connected client devices, ensuring operational efficiency in mixed environments containing modern servers, high-speed wireless controllers, smart IoT gateways and legacy Ethernet endpoints. The module includes advanced circuitry that distributes Universal Power over Ethernet, allowing it to energize devices that require elevated wattage levels. This allows organizations to consolidate power and data connectivity, simplify cable management and reduce electrical infrastructure complexity. Engineers benefit from the module’s high power budget support, ensuring stable and consistent energy delivery to large numbers of connected powered devices.

Thermal and structural reliability considerations

The Cisco C9400-LC-48UX is developed with a strong focus on heat dissipation and long-term operational stability. Chassis-integrated cooling pathways ensure consistent airflow across internal components, preventing localized overheating during sustained traffic peaks. A robust metal housing safeguards sensitive electronics from electromagnetic interference and external contaminants. All mechanical connectors and internal board designs meet strict Cisco durability standards, enabling the module to withstand continuous use within enterprise networking closets, demanding campus environments and dense equipment racks. These design choices collectively improve longevity and lower the frequency of maintenance operations.

Port density and connection flexibility

The module delivers forty-eight high-performance Ethernet ports, each supporting UPOE capabilities and 10-Gigabit data rates. The density offered by this line card significantly enhances the scalability of the Catalyst 9400 chassis. It enables large campus buildings, distributed office floors and corporate environments to support numerous wired endpoints without requiring separate standalone switches. The uniform distribution of ports across the front-facing panel simplifies structured cabling layouts and ensures easy access for technicians performing deployments or upgrades. Organizations that rely heavily on wired IP phones, wireless access points, video conferencing systems and PoE-powered sensors can benefit greatly from the consistent energy distribution and high bandwidth per port.

Advanced UPoE power delivery technologies

Universal Power over Ethernet is a core differentiator for the Cisco C9400-LC-48UX module. It extends beyond the capabilities of standard PoE and PoE+ by delivering higher wattage per port, enabling support for next-generation devices that depend on greater electrical capacity. UPoE unlocks deployment options for digital signage, high-capacity wireless access points, building automation controllers, industrial IoT equipment and advanced security camera systems. With this module, organizations can combine data and power transmission within a single structured cabling system, significantly reducing installation complexity. This centralization of power management helps streamline monitoring and increases the reliability of connected devices.

Dynamic power management mechanisms

The module uses intelligent power negotiation technology that dynamically assigns the optimal wattage to each connected device. This prevents energy waste, ensures safe operational margins and maintains system integrity during fluctuating power demands. Network administrators can use integrated Cisco Catalyst management tools to monitor total power draw, track individual port consumption and configure allocation policies. These capabilities allow for efficient planning and reduce the likelihood of outages due to excessive energy usage. Combined with redundant power supplies within the Catalyst 9400 chassis, the module reinforces enterprise-grade power resiliency.

Optimized power efficiency

Power efficiency is supported by industry-leading chipset designs that minimize unnecessary energy expenditure. The system automatically enters low-power modes when ports are idle, lowering total consumption without reducing performance responsiveness. This contributes to improved sustainability and reduced operational costs. As organizations increasingly prioritize environmentally conscious infrastructure decisions, the Cisco C9400-LC-48UX offers measurable benefits in long-term energy savings and minimized carbon footprint within large distributed networking deployments.

Performance benchmarks and traffic handling capabilities

The Cisco C9400-LC-48UX Expansion Module provides high throughput performance that supports modern enterprise workloads, cloud connectivity demands and real-time application interactions. Its internal switching fabric integrates with the Catalyst 9400 Series architecture to provide non-blocking performance, ensuring that packets flow efficiently even during intense multi-directional data transfers. Built-in QoS features allow administrators to prioritize latency-sensitive traffic such as voice, video and business-critical applications. Packet handling is optimized by advanced forwarding engines that maintain low latency, reduce jitter and prevent packet loss during congested conditions.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 feature integration

The Cisco C9400-LC-48UX supports a comprehensive suite of Layer 2 features including VLAN segmentation, STP enhancements, MAC address table expansion and link aggregation. For Layer 3 functionalities, it integrates routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS and static routing options. This combination offers flexible network designs that accommodate hierarchical campus models, collapsed core architectures or hybrid topologies. Enterprises can implement seamlessly integrated routing and switching operations without requiring additional hardware modules, thanks to the built-in intelligence of the Catalyst 9400 Series supervisor engines. The expansion module therefore plays a crucial role in enabling multiprotocol routing environments within a consolidated switching infrastructure.

Multigigabit Ethernet support and bandwidth optimization

As digital environments continue to scale, support for high-speed connectivity becomes increasingly essential. The Cisco C9400-LC-48UX provides 10G Ethernet on each port, with intelligent negotiation mechanisms that make it compatible with lower-speed devices while maintaining throughput consistency. This flexibility ensures broad compatibility across existing and newly deployed infrastructures. When used in conjunction with high-capacity backplanes and redundant supervisor engines, the module enables smooth data flow across large network segments, supporting hundreds or thousands of connected clients without overburdening the system.

Low latency architecture

The internal packet forwarding pathways are designed to minimize delay for time-sensitive applications. This low latency architecture supports voice-over-IP communications, cloud-based collaboration tools, interactive learning systems, real-time analytics platforms and rapid response security mechanisms. Reduced jitter and improved delivery precision enhance user experience across all connected services, making the C9400-LC-48UX a valuable element of high-performance enterprise networking environments.

Security mechanisms and network protection features

Security is deeply integrated into the design of the Cisco C9400-LC-48UX UPoE 10GE Expansion Module. Advanced threat defense functions work in tandem with Cisco DNA Center, Cisco ISE and other Cisco security frameworks to deliver robust protection against unauthorized access, malicious attacks and internal network threats. Access control lists, port-based authentication, DHCP snooping and dynamic ARP inspection contribute to layered security enforcement. The module supports encrypted management protocols and secure device onboarding capabilities, ensuring compliance with enterprise cybersecurity policies.

Identity-based access and authentication controls

With features such as 802.1X, multi-domain authentication and MAC authentication bypass, the module enables identity-driven access management. Network administrators can ensure that only verified devices and users gain entry into network segments. This granular control is particularly valuable in large organizations where a diverse range of devices connect to the network daily. The module’s integration with identity management systems enables real-time enforcement of security policies, limiting attack surfaces and enhancing overall protection.

Traffic segmentation and microsecurity

The expansion module supports microsegmentation strategies that isolate sensitive data flows from general-purpose traffic. Virtual LAN assignments, private VLAN capabilities and network segmentation policies enable precise partitioning of user groups, departments or device categories. This segmentation limits potential attack propagation and aligns with zero-trust networking frameworks. IT teams can design secured data paths that support compliance-heavy operations such as healthcare record management or financial data handling while maintaining flexible user mobility.

Integration with Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series ecosystem

The Cisco C9400-LC-48UX functions as a fundamental expansion option for the Catalyst 9400 modular chassis family. When installed, it enhances the chassis’ ability to accommodate rising access layer needs, supporting plug-and-play scalability with minimal downtime. The Catalyst 9400 architecture provides redundant supervisor engines, hot-swappable power supplies and fabric modules. These features ensure that the expansion module operates within a resilient, always-available environment. Upgrades, replacements and maintenance tasks can be performed without interrupting user connectivity.

Role within campus architecture

In modern enterprise campus networks, the Catalyst 9400 Series commonly operates as an access or distribution layer switch that consolidates user connections from multiple floors or building wings. The 48-port UPoE module supports large wiring closets that must accommodate numerous client devices, wireless terminals and IoT endpoints. Its robust performance aligns with digital transformation initiatives involving cloud migration, high-density wireless rollouts and smart building technologies. The expansion module helps organizations create predictable, scalable and easily manageable network environments across geographically dispersed facilities.

Compatibility with supervisor engines and software packages

The C9400-LC-48UX is compatible with a variety of Cisco supervisor engines that manage control-plane functions, hardware acceleration and routing logic. This compatibility ensures flexible upgrade paths for enterprises seeking increased performance over time. The module operates efficiently under Cisco IOS XE software, which offers automation tools, programmability through open APIs and enhanced visibility through built-in analytics. These software capabilities enable IT teams to automate provisioning tasks, conduct rapid troubleshooting and maintain consistent configuration standards across large networks.

Operational advantages for enterprise environments

The Cisco C9400-LC-48UX module brings numerous operational benefits that contribute to a reliable enterprise networking experience. It enhances workforce productivity by providing stable wired connectivity, powering advanced workplace devices and supporting high-speed data transfer essential for streaming, collaboration and cloud-hosted applications. Businesses that require dependable connectivity for telepresence systems, digital learning tools, medical equipment or industrial automation workflows can rely on this module’s advanced performance attributes.

Future-proofing and long-term infrastructure planning

As organizations modernize their networks, the need for future-proof solutions becomes critical. The C9400-LC-48UX is engineered to support long-term operational strategies by providing infrastructure ready for next-generation Ethernet speeds, intelligent power delivery enhancements and sophisticated management frameworks. The modular nature of the Catalyst 9400 chassis enables businesses to gradually scale capacity, protecting previous investments while allowing flexible growth. This forward-looking design ensures compatibility with future device ecosystems, enhanced bandwidth requirements and evolving digital applications.

Centralized management enhancements

With Cisco DNA Center, administrators gain access to centralized management capabilities, including automation workflows, AI-driven insights and real-time device monitoring. The expansion module fully supports these ecosystems, enabling streamlined operations and simplified configuration tasks. Remote troubleshooting, health metrics visualization and automated security policy enforcement reduce the burden on IT staff and enhance operational efficiency. This contributes to faster deployment cycles, improved network uptime and consistent performance across large enterprise campuses.

Simplified maintenance and rapid troubleshooting

The module supports hot-swappable installation, allowing for maintenance procedures without service interruption. Diagnostic tools such as Syslog, SPAN sessions, onboard telemetry and hardware health indicators assist technicians in identifying issues quickly. The module is designed for long-term durability, reducing replacement intervals and ensuring minimal operational impact during updates or repairs.

Use cases and deployment scenarios

The Cisco C9400-LC-48UX UPoE 10GE Expansion Module is suitable for a wide array of enterprise, institutional and commercial environments. It supports education campuses that depend on high-density wired access for laboratories, classrooms and administrative buildings. In healthcare facilities, the module powers critical medical devices, communication systems and security infrastructure. Manufacturing environments can leverage its strong power delivery and rugged reliability to support industrial IoT sensors, robotics controllers and automation gateways. Corporate headquarters benefit from its integration with collaboration tools, cloud access services and physical security systems.

High-density wireless access point connectivity

As organizations adopt large fleets of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 access points, high-power and high-bandwidth wired uplinks become essential. The 48 UPoE ports on this module enable dense deployment of wireless access points throughout campus buildings, ensuring each AP receives sufficient power to support advanced radio functions and high user capacity. The module supports high throughput uplinks that ensure efficient backhaul for wireless traffic, reducing bottlenecks and optimizing user experience.

IoT and smart building integration

The module’s extensive UPoE power capabilities are ideal for powering sensors, building automation terminals, lighting controllers, access control systems and other IoT devices that populate modern smart buildings. Its robust operational design ensures these devices remain available at all times. The Catalyst 9400 platform’s analytics tools can help monitor device status and ensure the health of IoT ecosystems. This equips organizations to adopt energy-efficient automation strategies, improve data collection and enhance building management systems.

Collaboration and unified communications environments

Enterprises that rely heavily on unified communications benefit from the module’s low-latency capabilities. High-bandwidth video conferencing systems, IP phones, digital receptionist terminals and collaboration hubs demand stable and predictable wired connectivity. The Cisco C9400-LC-48UX provides the foundational stability required for seamless voice and video interactions, ensuring consistent sound quality, clear imaging and minimal disruption during meetings or remote communication sessions.

Environmental sustainability and efficiency

The module supports numerous energy-efficient operational modes, contributing to environmentally responsible networking deployments. Its intelligent power negotiation mechanisms and energy-saving algorithms help organizations reduce carbon footprint and decrease long-term utility expenditures. The ability to consolidate power delivery through UPoE reduces the need for additional power adapters, lowering electronic waste and simplifying sustainability planning. These features align with corporate environmental responsibility initiatives that prioritize energy-efficient technology adoption.