C1000-48P-4X-L Cisco Catalyst C1000-48P Ethernet Switch

Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series Switches

The Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series represents the foundation of Cisco's access-layer switching portfolio, delivering robust, secure, and manageable connectivity for small to medium-sized businesses, branch offices, and enterprise edge deployments. Designed as a fixed-configuration, stackable switch family, it brings proven Cisco IOS Software features into a cost-effective and easy-to-deploy platform. The series is engineered to support a diverse range of connectivity needs, from basic unmanaged edge connectivity to advanced, feature-rich deployments requiring Power over Ethernet (PoE), high-speed uplinks, and comprehensive security policies.

Meet the Cisco Catalyst C1000-48P-4X-L: A Flagship Access Switch

At the pinnacle of the Catalyst 1000 Series stands the Cisco Catalyst C1000-48P-4X-L. This model encapsulates the full potential of the series, offering a high-density, PoE-enabled configuration ideal for demanding environments. The "48P" denotes 48 Ethernet ports with full PoE/PoE+ support, capable of powering a vast array of devices from IP phones and wireless access points to surveillance cameras and access control systems. The "4X" signifies four built-in 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ uplink ports, providing critical high-bandwidth backhaul connectivity to network cores or aggregation switches. The "L" designation indicates this switch is bundled with LAN Base feature set software, unlocking advanced Layer 3 static routing, comprehensive security, and enhanced manageability.

Key Deployment Scenarios

The C1000-48P-4X-L is uniquely suited for environments where connectivity, power, and performance converge. It is an optimal solution for modern offices deploying unified communications (voice and video), high-density wireless networks with 802.11ac Wave 2 or Wi-Fi 6/6E access points, and intelligent building systems. Its combination of port density, PoE budget, and high-speed uplinks makes it a versatile workhorse for IT managers seeking to consolidate infrastructure and simplify operations.

Technical Specifications and Hardware Architecture

A deep dive into the hardware specifications of the C1000-48P-4X-L reveals the engineering behind its reliable performance. Understanding these specs is crucial for planning network capacity, power requirements, and physical installation.

Port Configuration and Performance

The switch provides a balanced and forward-looking interface configuration designed to handle current and emerging bandwidth demands.

Downlink Ports

48 x 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet Ports

Each of the 48 RJ-45 copper ports supports auto-negotiation for 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet) speeds. They feature auto-MDI/MDIX, eliminating the need for crossover cables. All 48 ports are capable of delivering IEEE 802.3af (PoE) or 802.3at (PoE+) power, with a total power budget sufficient to energize a full complement of devices simultaneously.

Uplink Ports

4 x 10 Gigabit SFP+ Ports

These four fixed SFP+ ports provide flexible, high-speed uplink options. They support 1G SFP and 10G SFP+ transceivers, allowing for connectivity via fiber (multimode or single-mode) or copper DAC (Direct Attach Cables). This flexibility enables cost-effective 1G uplinks today with a seamless migration path to 10G as backbone traffic grows, future-proofing the network investment.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

The integrated PoE/PoE+ support is a cornerstone feature, transforming the switch from a simple data connector into a power distribution unit for the network edge.

PoE Budget and Classifications

The switch provides a substantial power budget, typically 740W total, to support PoE+ devices requiring up to 30W per port. It utilizes IEEE 802.3af/at standards for intelligent power management. Features like Cisco Universal Power Over Ethernet (UPOE) are not present on this model, as it is designed for standard PoE+ devices. The switch supports per-port power allocation, priority setting, and power cycling via software commands, which is invaluable for remote troubleshooting of powered devices.

Power Supply and Efficiency

The unit includes an internal, fixed power supply. It is designed with energy-efficient technologies such as IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), which reduces power consumption during periods of low data activity. For power redundancy, an optional external redundant power supply (RPS) can be connected, significantly increasing availability for critical deployments.

Switching Capacity and Forwarding Rate

With a switching capacity of 176 Gbps and a forwarding rate of up to 131 Mpps (million packets per second), the C1000-48P-4X-L is engineered to handle wire-speed traffic on all ports simultaneously, even under full load. This non-blocking architecture ensures that latency-sensitive applications like voice and video experience consistent performance, regardless of traffic patterns on other ports.

Intelligent Software Features: Cisco IOS with LAN Base

Hardware is only half the story. The Catalyst C1000-48P-4X-L runs on mature, dependable Cisco IOS Software, specifically with the LAN Base image. This software package unlocks a suite of features that enhance security, manageability, and control.

Layer 2 and Basic Layer 3 Functionality

While primarily an advanced Layer 2 switch, the LAN Base software enables essential static Layer 3 routing, allowing the switch to route traffic between VLANs internally, improving performance and reducing load on core routers.

VLAN and Switching Features

Supports comprehensive IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging, Voice VLAN for simplified phone deployments, VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) for VLAN management automation, and Private VLANs for enhanced security within a VLAN. Advanced spanning-tree protocols (PVST+, RPVST+, and MSTP) ensure loop-free topologies and rapid convergence.

Static Routing

Provides routing of IPv4 and IPv6 static routes, enabling inter-VLAN routing without the need for an external router for up to 16 static routes (IPv4) and 16 static routes (IPv6).

Advanced Security and Access Control

Network security starts at the access edge. The C1000-48P-4X-L includes a robust set of tools to prevent unauthorized access and contain threats.

Port Security and Authentication

Leverages IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control (NAC), allowing user and device authentication against a RADIUS server. MACsec (Media Access Control Security) provides hop-by-hop encryption on selected models. Features like DHCP snooping, IP Source Guard, and Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) work in concert to mitigate attacks like ARP spoofing and IP address theft.

ACLs and Traffic Filtering

Supports standard and extended IPv4/IPv6 Access Control Lists (ACLs) for granular control of traffic flowing through the switch, enabling policies based on source/destination IP, protocol, and port numbers.

Network Management and Automation

Simplifying day-to-day operations is critical. The switch offers multiple management pathways suited for different skill levels and toolsets.

Management Interfaces

Includes a dedicated RJ-45 console port, an out-of-band 10/100/1000 management Ethernet port, and a USB console port for flexible access. The switch can be fully managed via a CLI (Command Line Interface) over console/SSH/Telnet or via a web-based GUI (Cisco Device Manager).

Integration with Cisco Ecosystems

Seamlessly integrates with Cisco DNA Center for intent-based networking at scale, though it is not mandatory. It also works with Cisco Prime Infrastructure and supports SNMPv1/2c/3, Syslog, and NetFlow for monitoring. Features like Smart Install Director can simplify the deployment of multiple switches.

Quality of Service (QoS)

Provides sophisticated QoS to prioritize critical business applications. It supports classification, marking, policing, and queuing based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), and Layer 4 (TCP/UDP ports) information, ensuring voice and video traffic receive low latency and jitter.

Design and Deployment Considerations

Successfully integrating the C1000-48P-4X-L into a network requires careful planning around physical requirements, stackability, and lifecycle management.

Physical Design and Stacking

The switch is designed for standard 19-inch rack mounting with a 1RU form factor. For scalability beyond 48 ports, the Catalyst 1000 series supports Cisco FlexStack technology, allowing up to 8 switches to be stacked and managed as a single logical unit using dedicated stacking cables.

FlexStack Stacking Benefits

Creates a single management point, a unified control plane, and a loop-free topology across the stack. It simplifies operations by allowing configuration and firmware updates to be applied to the entire stack at once. It also enables cross-stack EtherChannel for increased bandwidth and redundancy.

Thermal and Acoustics

Engineered with a front-to-back airflow design for optimal cooling in aligned rack environments. Acoustic noise levels are within standard specifications for office environments, but should be reviewed for specific deployment locations like open-plan offices or wiring closets near workspaces.

Comparison and Selection

Choosing the right Catalyst 1000 model is key. The C1000-48P-4X-L sits within a broader matrix of options.

C1000-48P-4X-L vs. Other C1000 Models

It is important to distinguish this model from others in the series to avoid over-provisioning or under-provisioning.

Compared to Non-PoE Models (e.g., C1000-48T-4X-L)

The primary difference is the lack of PoE support in the "T" (Twisted-pair) models. Choose the non-PoE variant only if you have absolutely no need to power devices from the switch, as it offers significant cost savings.

Compared to Models with Fewer Uplinks (e.g., C1000-48P-4G-L)

The "4G" indicates four 1 Gigabit SFP uplinks, not 10G SFP+. If your aggregation layer is only 1G or your bandwidth requirements are modest, the 4G model may be more cost-effective. The 4X model is for environments anticipating growth or requiring 10G uplink speeds.

Compared to Models with Different Software (e.g., C1000-48P-4X)

The absence of the "-L" denotes the IP Base software, which offers more advanced dynamic routing protocols like OSPF and EIGRP (stub routing). LAN Base (the "-L") is sufficient for most pure access-layer roles with static routing between VLANs.

Positioning Within the Broader Cisco Portfolio

The Catalyst 1000 Series fits between the unmanaged Cisco Business switches and the more advanced Catalyst 9000 series. For businesses needing advanced security, SD-Access, and full programmability with Cisco DNA Center, the Catalyst 9000 is the recommended path. The C1000-48P-4X-L is ideal for organizations that need reliable, managed, PoE++ access switching with trusted Cisco IOS Software, without the need for the full software-defined capabilities of the higher-end series.