C1000-48P-4G-L Cisco Catalyst 48 Ports Ethernet Switch

Product Overview of C1000-48P-4G-L Cisco 48 Ports Switch

The Cisco Catalyst C1000-48P-4G-L is a high-performance managed Ethernet switch designed for small to medium-sized business networks. Built with Cisco’s reliability and enterprise-grade features, this switch delivers secure connectivity, efficient power delivery, and simplified network administration.

Manufacturer & Model Information

• Brand: Cisco
• Model: Catalyst C1000-48P-4G-L
• Part Number: C1000-48P-4G-L
• Device Category: Managed Network Switch

Design and Form Factor

Physical Specifications

• Rack-mountable enclosure for professional network cabinets
• Compact and durable build suitable for enterprise environments

Network Technology

• Gigabit Ethernet switching
• Optimized for high-speed data transmission

Port Configuration

Ethernet Ports

• 24 x 10/100/1000 Mbps PoE+ ports
• 24 x 10/100/1000 Mbps standard Ethernet ports

Power over Ethernet Capability

• PoE+ support with up to 15W per port
• Ideal for IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras

Uplink Interfaces

• 4 x Gigabit SFP uplink ports
• Supports flexible fiber connectivity

Interface Details

Available Interfaces

• 24 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 PoE+ ports
• 24 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 standard ports
• 4 x 1000Base-X SFP uplinks
• 1 x RJ-45 management port
• 1 x Mini-USB Type-B console port
• 1 x USB Type-A port

Performance and Processing

Processor Specifications

• ARM-based processor
• Clock speed of 800 MHz
• Ensures stable performance for daily network operations

Routing and Switching Protocols

Supported Protocols

• IGMP
• MLD and MLDv2
• STP, RSTP, and MSTP

Optimized Traffic Management

These protocols help maintain loop-free network topology, efficient multicast traffic handling, and reliable data flow across the network.

Remote Management and Security

Management Protocols

• SNMP v1, v2c, and v3
• RMON 1 and RMON 2
• Telnet and SSH / SSH-2
• HTTP and TFTP
• CLI-based management
• NTP, ICMP, and DHCP support

Authentication and Access Control

• TACACS+
• RADIUS

Core Architecture and Hardware Specifications

At its foundation, the C1000-48P-4G-L is built with a purpose-built hardware design that balances performance, power efficiency, and reliability. Understanding its physical and technical specifications is key to evaluating its fit for your network environment.

Port Configuration and Uplink Flexibility

The switch's defining characteristic is its rich port density, designed to accommodate a wide array of devices and network topologies.

48 x Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Ports

Each of the 48 RJ-45 ports supports 10/100/1000 Mbps connectivity, providing ample bandwidth for desktop computers, VoIP phones, wireless access points, and IP security cameras. Crucially, all ports deliver full IEEE 802.3at PoE+ capability, with a total power budget sufficient to support power-hungry devices like advanced PTZ cameras and next-generation Wi-Fi 6/6E access points simultaneously.

4 x 1G SFP Uplink Ports

The integrated four Gigabit SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) slots provide critical uplink flexibility. Network administrators can choose between SFP modules for fiber optic connections (enabling long-distance runs between buildings or floors) or copper SFP modules for additional twisted-pair connections. This allows for resilient stacking, high-bandwidth aggregation to core switches, or connectivity to service provider equipment.

Performance and Switching Capacity

Beyond simple port count, the internal switching fabric determines how efficiently data moves through the switch.

Switching Bandwidth and Forwarding Rates

The C1000-48P-4G-L is designed with a non-blocking architecture, offering a substantial aggregate switching bandwidth. This ensures that all ports can operate at wire-speed simultaneously without internal congestion, crucial for latency-sensitive applications like voice and video. The packet forwarding rate is engineered to handle maximum throughput across all interfaces, maintaining network performance even under heavy load.

Hardware-Based QoS and ACLs

Critical networking features are processed in dedicated hardware, not software. This includes Access Control Lists (ACLs) for security policy enforcement and Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritization. Hardware acceleration means these functions occur at line rate with zero performance penalty, ensuring security and application performance are never compromised.

Advanced Feature Set for a Managed Network

As a fully managed Layer 3 switch, the C1000-48P-4G-L provides a deep set of features that enable sophisticated network design, optimization, and security far beyond basic unmanaged switches.

Layer 3 Routing Capabilities

This switch operates at the network layer, allowing it to make intelligent routing decisions within your local network.

Static and Dynamic Routing

It supports static routing for simple, predictable path control. More importantly, it includes dynamic routing protocols like Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) for more complex environments. This allows the switch to dynamically learn network routes, provide redundancy, and efficiently segment network traffic between VLANs without needing a dedicated router for inter-VLAN communication.

DHCP Services

The switch can act as a DHCP server, relay, or snooping agent. DHCP snooping is a vital security feature that prevents rogue DHCP servers (which could be malicious devices) from distributing incorrect IP addresses to clients on the network.

Comprehensive Security Framework

Network security is multilayered, and the C1000 switch provides tools at the access edge to create a robust defense.

Port Security and 802.1X Authentication

Implement IEEE 802.1X for identity-based network access control. This requires users or devices to authenticate before gaining network access, tying connectivity to credentials or certificates. Port security features allow administrators to lock down MAC addresses to specific ports, preventing unauthorized device connections.

Advanced Threat Defense Integration

The switch can work in concert with Cisco's wider security ecosystem. Features like Cisco TrustSec provide group-based policy enforcement and segmentation, while integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) offers centralized policy management and visibility for every connected user and device.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Deployment Advantages

The integrated PoE+ capability is a transformative feature that reduces cabling, centralizes power management, and enables a new class of networked devices.

PoE+ Budget and Management

The switch offers a substantial total PoE power budget, intelligently allocated across the 48 ports. Administrators can set per-port power limits, prioritize which ports receive power during a budget shortfall, and remotely power cycle connected devices—a invaluable troubleshooting tool that eliminates trips to remote wiring closets.

Use Cases for PoE+ Deployment

Unified Communications

Power and connect Cisco IP phones directly from the switch, simplifying cabling and ensuring phone service remains active during a local power outage if the switch is on a UPS.

High-Density Wireless

Seamlessly deploy and power the latest Cisco wireless access points, including those supporting Wi-Fi 6 and requiring higher PoE+ budgets for optimal performance and feature support.

Building Management and Security

Run a full suite of IP security cameras, access control systems, digital signage, and even LED lighting systems over a single network cable, dramatically reducing installation costs and complexity.

Simplified Management and Programmability

Cisco has designed the C1000 series with operational simplicity in mind, offering multiple management pathways suitable for different skill levels and automation requirements.

Management Interfaces and Tools

Cisco Catalyst Mobile App

Physically deploy the switch using the intuitive mobile app for iOS and Android. The app guides you through initial setup, provides a real-time dashboard, and allows for basic configuration and monitoring from your smartphone.

Web UI (Cisco Embedded Event Manager)

A modern, graphical web interface provides access to the vast majority of switch features without requiring command-line knowledge. It offers wizards for common tasks, real-time graphs, and a configuration dashboard.

CLI and DNA Center Compatibility

For network professionals, the full Cisco IOS CLI offers precise, scriptable control. For larger deployments, the switch is compatible with Cisco DNA Center, enabling centralized, intent-based networking for automated provisioning, policy application, and assurance across the entire network fabric.

Network Visibility and Analytics

The switch includes embedded telemetry and analytics features.

Cisco Smart Licensing

Simplifies software license management by registering licenses in a centralized portal. It provides flexibility and ease of management compared to traditional PAK-based licensing.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios and Applications

The versatility of the C1000-48P-4G-L makes it an optimal choice for a range of environments where performance, power, and manageability converge.

Small to Midsize Business (SMB) Core/Edge

Acts as the central networking hub for an SMB, connecting all users, servers, and wireless infrastructure. Its Layer 3 routing allows for efficient segmentation of departments (e.g., finance, sales, guest Wi-Fi) while its PoE+ powers the office's phones and access points.

Enterprise Branch Office

Deployed in remote branches, it provides local switching and routing resilience. Features like OSPF allow it to efficiently route traffic locally and back to headquarters. Its manageability via DNA Center ensures consistency with corporate policies and standards.

Educational Institutions and Classrooms

Perfect for wiring closets serving computer labs, library networks, or administrative wings. The high PoE budget supports dense deployments of thin clients, access points for 1:1 device programs, and classroom AV equipment.