C1000-48T-4G-L Cisco Managed SFP Switch - 48 Ports

Product Summary

The Cisco Catalyst C1000-48T-4G-L is a high-performance managed Ethernet switch designed for small to medium-sized networks. It delivers reliable connectivity, advanced traffic control, and enterprise-grade security, making it an ideal choice for modern business infrastructures.

Manufacturer & Model Information

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: C1000-48T-4G-L
• Product Line: Catalyst 1000 Series

Device Specifications

General Device Details

• Device Category: Managed Network Switch
• Total Ports: 48 Ethernet Ports
• Switch Type: Gigabit Ethernet
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable

Port Configuration

Downlink Ports

• 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet ports

Uplink Interfaces

• 4 x 1G SFP fiber uplink ports

Interface & Connectivity Options

Network Interfaces

• 48 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 ports
• 4 x 1000Base-X SFP uplink interfaces

Management Interfaces

• 1 x RJ-45 dedicated management port
• 1 x Mini-USB Type-B console port
• 1 x USB Type-A port

Performance & Hardware Capabilities

Processing Power

• ARM-based processor running at 800 MHz

Routing & Switching Protocols

Supported Protocols

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

Remote Management & Network Control

Management Protocols

• SNMP v1, v2c, and v3
• RMON 1 & RMON 2
• Telnet and Secure Shell (SSH & SSH-2)
• HTTP-based management
• TFTP and CLI access
• NTP and ICMP support
• DHCP services
• TACACS+ and RADIUS authentication

Advantages of Cisco Catalyst C1000-48T-4G-L

• Enterprise-class reliability for growing networks
• High port density with flexible fiber uplinks
• Advanced security and traffic management features
• Easy remote administration and monitoring
• Ideal for offices, campuses, and branch networks

Cisco Catalyst C1000 Series: Powering SMB

The Cisco Catalyst C1000 Series stands as a cornerstone of modern networking for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), enterprise branch offices, and managed service providers. Engineered to deliver robust, secure, and scalable connectivity, this series bridges the gap between essential functionality and advanced feature sets. The Cisco C1000-48T-4G-L Catalyst Switch is a premier model within this family, exemplifying the series' commitment to performance and value. As a 48-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with additional uplink capacity, it is designed to be the silent workhorse at the heart of your network, efficiently connecting users, devices, and applications while providing a pathway for future growth.

Deep Dive: The C1000-48T-4G-L Model

This specific SKU, the Catalyst C1000-48T-4G-L, is a fully-featured, Layer 3 Lite managed switch. The model name itself tells a detailed story: 48T indicates 48 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports for device connectivity, 4G signifies four dedicated 1G SFP uplink ports for fiber or copper uplinks, and the -L denotes the "LAN Base" feature set, which includes advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities. This configuration makes it an ideal aggregation or core switch for smaller deployments or a high-density access switch for growing offices, classrooms, or clinics.

Hardware Architecture and Design

Crafted with reliability in mind, the C1000-48T-4G-L features a robust metal chassis with a side-to-side airflow design suitable for various wiring closet environments. Its rack-mountable 1U form factor ensures efficient use of space. The switch operates with a fixed configuration, offering a clean, uncluttered front panel with status LEDs for quick port and system diagnostics. The inclusion of both RJ-45 and SFP ports provides unparalleled deployment flexibility, allowing network administrators to use cost-effective copper cabling for desktop connections while leveraging fiber for long-distance, high-bandwidth, and electrically isolated uplinks to core switches or routers.

Advanced Feature Set and Management Capabilities

Beyond simple connectivity, the Catalyst C1000-48T-4G-L is a fully managed switch, offering deep visibility into network traffic and granular control over its operation. This empowers IT teams to optimize performance, enhance security, and troubleshoot proactively.

Comprehensive Management Interfaces

Administrators can manage the switch through multiple intuitive interfaces tailored to different skill levels and tasks. The Cisco Command-Line Interface (CLI) offers powerful, granular control for networking professionals. For a more visual approach, the embedded Cisco Catalyst Web GUI provides a user-friendly, browser-based dashboard for configuration and monitoring. For centralized management of multiple switches, it is fully compatible with Cisco DNA Center and Cisco Meraki dashboard (with a subscription), enabling cloud-based orchestration, automation, and assurance across the entire network fabric.

Layer 3 "Lite" Routing Performance

The LAN Base software license unlocks essential Layer 3 static routing and RIP (Routing Information Protocol) capabilities. This allows the switch to perform inter-VLAN routing, efficiently forwarding traffic between different IP subnets without needing a dedicated external router for internal traffic. This reduces latency, minimizes load on core devices, and simplifies network architecture by consolidating functions.

Enterprise-Grade Security for Modern Threats

In today's landscape, network security is non-negotiable. The C1000-48T-4G-L integrates a multi-layered security framework to protect data and infrastructure from internal and external threats.

Network Access Control and Segmentation

The switch supports IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control (NAC), ensuring only authorized users and devices can connect to the network. Coupled with MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) for devices without 802.1X supplicants, it provides flexible yet secure access. VLAN support (including voice VLAN) allows for logical segmentation of network traffic, isolating departments, guests, or devices to contain breaches and improve performance.

High Availability and Network Resilience

Business continuity depends on a reliable network. This Catalyst switch is built with features that maximize uptime and ensure rapid recovery from link failures.

Redundancy and Fast Convergence

The switch supports IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and 802.1s Multiple Spanning Tree (MSTP) to create loop-free topologies and provide sub-second convergence in case of a link failure. For the uplinks, EtherChannel technology (Link Aggregation Control Protocol - LACP) allows the grouping of multiple physical ports into a single logical channel, providing increased bandwidth, load balancing, and inherent redundancy.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The versatility of the Cisco C1000-48T-4G-L makes it a perfect fit for a wide array of environments where reliable, managed switching is required.

Core Switching for Small to Medium Businesses

As the main network switch in an SMB, it can connect all end-user devices, servers, and wireless controllers. Its Layer 3 routing capability allows it to efficiently handle inter-departmental traffic between VLANs for sales, operations, and guest networks, all while providing a secure and manageable foundation.

High-Density Access Layer for Enterprises

In larger enterprise branch offices or campus settings, this switch excels as an access layer device. It can connect a high density of users in an office wing, classroom, or hospital floor, with the four SFP uplinks providing high-bandwidth, aggregated connections back to the district or campus core.