C1000-48T-4X-L Cisco Catalyst 48 Ports Ethernet Switch

Cisco Catalyst C1000-48T-4X-L Managed Switch Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C1000-48T-4X-L is a high-performance managed network switch designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It delivers reliable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, advanced management capabilities, and secure routing features to support modern enterprise networks.

General Product Specifications

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: C1000-48T-4X-L
• Device Category: Managed Network Switch
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable
• Switch Type: Gigabit Ethernet

Port Configuration and Connectivity

This Cisco Catalyst switch is engineered to deliver flexible and scalable network connectivity for business environments.

Ethernet and Uplink Ports

• 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports
• 4 x 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplink ports for high-speed data transfer

Available Interfaces

• 48 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 interfaces
• 4 x 1000Base-X SFP uplink interfaces
• 1 x RJ-45 dedicated management port
• 1 x Mini-USB Type-B console port
• 1 x USB Type-A port

Performance and Hardware Architecture

The Catalyst C1000-48T-4X-L is powered by a reliable processor that ensures smooth switching and consistent network performance.

Processing Power

• ARM-based processor running at 800 MHz

Routing and Network Protocol Support

This managed Ethernet switch supports a wide136 array of routing and spanning tree protocols to enhance network stability and traffic optimization.

Supported Routing Protocols

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

Remote Management and Network Administration

Designed for efficient remote monitoring and configuration, this Cisco switch offers extensive management and security protocol support.

Management and Monitoring Protocols

• SNMP v1, v2c, and v3
• RMON 1 and RMON 2
• CLI and Web-based HTTP management
• Telnet and Secure Shell (SSH, SSH-2)
• TFTP for configuration management
• NTP for time synchronization

Security and Authentication Features

• TACACS+ and RADIUS authentication
• DHCP and ICMP support
• Enhanced network control and secure access

Unlocking Robust Connectivity: The Cisco Catalyst Switch

In the evolving landscape of modern networking, businesses require a foundation that is both resilient and adaptable. The Cisco Catalyst C1000-48T-4X-L stands as a cornerstone for access layer switching, expertly designed to deliver high-density Gigabit Ethernet connectivity with integrated multi-gigabit uplinks. This 48-port switch is engineered for simplicity, security, and scalability, making it an ideal solution for small to medium-sized businesses, enterprise branch offices, and campus environments. It bridges the gap between essential connectivity and advanced network features, providing a future-proof platform that supports today's bandwidth-intensive applications while preparing for tomorrow's technological demands.

Core Architecture and Port Density

The physical design of the C1000-48T-4X-L is centered on providing maximum connectivity in a standard 1RU form factor. Its port configuration is meticulously planned to serve as the primary network aggregation point for a diverse range of devices.

Comprehensive Port Configuration

This switch's primary strength lies in its extensive array of ports, crafted to eliminate connectivity bottlenecks.

48 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 Ports

Each of the 48 downlink ports supports 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds, enabling seamless connection for a vast array of devices including desktop computers, VoIP phones, wireless access points, and IP surveillance cameras. These ports support IEEE 802.3af/at Power over Ethernet (PoE+) on select models, though the specific "C1000-48T-4X-L" is a non-PoE variant, focusing purely on data connectivity.

4 x 10 Gigabit SFP+ Uplink Ports

The integrated "4X" in the model name refers to four 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplink ports. These high-speed ports are critical for aggregating traffic from the 48 Gigabit downlinks and connecting to the network core or distribution layer. They prevent uplink saturation, ensuring smooth traffic flow even under heavy load. The use of SFP+ technology provides flexibility, allowing for connections via fiber (for long-distance runs) or copper DAC (Direct Attach Cables) for cost-effective, short-reach connections within a rack.

Performance and Switching Capacity

Beyond raw port count, the internal switching fabric is designed to handle wire-speed performance across all ports simultaneously. With a high switching capacity and forwarding rate, the C1000-48T-4X-L ensures that latency-sensitive applications like voice and video conferencing operate flawlessly, even when the network is under substantial load from data backups or large file transfers.

Advanced Feature Set for a Managed Network

As a fully managed switch, the Catalyst C1000 series provides granular control over network traffic, security policies, and quality of service, far exceeding the capabilities of unmanaged or smart switches.

Enhanced Security and Access Control

Network security is paramount, and the C1000 switch integrates multiple layers of protection directly into the access layer.

IEEE 802.1X and MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB)

The switch supports robust network access control through IEEE 802.1X, allowing for user and device authentication against a central RADIUS server. For devices that don't support 802.1X (like printers or cameras), MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) provides a fallback method to identify and authorize endpoints based on their hardware address.

ACLs and Port Security

Administrators can define and apply Access Control Lists (ACLs) to control traffic flow between segments, block unauthorized access, and mitigate simple threats. Port security features allow for locking down switch ports to specific MAC addresses, preventing unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.

Cisco TrustSec & Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) Ready

The switch is capable of supporting Cisco's TrustSec technology, which uses security group tags (SGTs) to enforce policies based on user identity and device type rather than just IP addresses. This makes it a ready component for software-defined access architectures, simplifying segmentation and policy management.

Quality of Service (QoS) and Traffic Management

To ensure optimal performance for business-critical applications, the switch offers sophisticated QoS mechanisms.

Classification, Marking, and Queuing

Traffic can be classified and marked based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), or Layer 4 (TCP/UDP port) information. The switch supports multiple egress queues per port, allowing high-priority traffic like voice or video to be prioritized and forwarded with minimal latency and jitter, even during periods of congestion.

Auto QoS

For simplified deployment, Auto QoS features can automatically detect and classify common applications (such as Cisco IP Phones), applying appropriate QoS settings to streamline configuration and ensure immediate optimal performance for real-time applications.

High Availability and Network Resilience

Maximizing network uptime is a critical business objective, and the C1000 platform includes features to enhance reliability.

Stacking with FlexStack and FlexStack-Plus

Multiple C1000 switches can be stacked together using dedicated stacking modules, creating a single, logical management entity. This simplifies operations and provides high availability; if the master switch in a stack fails, a subordinate switch will automatically take over with minimal disruption. FlexStack-Plus offers higher bandwidth stacking connections for increased performance.

Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (RPVST+)

This protocol provides fast network convergence and loop prevention at the VLAN level, ensuring network stability and rapid recovery in the event of a link failure.

Simplified Management and Programmability

Cisco has designed the Catalyst C1000 series to be manageable by IT teams of all sizes, offering a range of tools from intuitive web interfaces to powerful command-line and cloud-based options.

Diverse Management Interfaces

Administrators can choose the management method that best suits their skills and network complexity.

Cisco DNA Center and Cloud Management

For organizations embracing intent-based networking, the switch is fully compatible with Cisco DNA Center. This allows for centralized, policy-based automation, assurance, and analytics across the entire network. Optional cloud management via Cisco Meraki dashboard is also available with a license, providing a simplified, centralized interface for distributed deployments.

WebUI (GUI) and CLI

A responsive, built-in web interface (WebUI) offers an intuitive way to configure and monitor the switch without requiring deep CLI knowledge. For networking professionals, the full-featured Cisco IOS Command-Line Interface (CLI) provides precise control and is consistent with other Cisco Catalyst switches, aiding in operational efficiency.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The specific combination of 48 Gigabit ports and 10G uplinks makes the C1000-48T-4X-L exceptionally versatile for numerous business environments.

Campus and Branch Office Access Layer

It serves as an excellent top-of-rack or wiring closet switch, connecting a high density of end-user devices and providing robust, high-speed uplinks back to the core network. Its advanced security features make it perfect for enforcing access policies at the network edge.

Small to Midsize Business (SMB) Core Switching

For many SMBs, this switch can function as the core network switch, connecting all servers, users, and internet uplinks. Its 10G SFP+ ports can be used for high-speed server connections or for linking to an aggregation switch in a growing network.

Support for Bandwidth-Intensive Applications

The high-throughput design is ideal for environments utilizing bandwidth-heavy applications, such as video production, medical imaging, or CAD/CAM workstations, where large files are regularly transferred across the network.

Technical Specifications

Understanding the detailed specifications is crucial for proper planning and integration into your existing infrastructure.

Physical and Environmental Specifications

The switch operates within standard commercial temperature ranges and features a quiet, fan-cooled design suitable for office environments. Its rack-mountable 1RU form factor ensures efficient use of data closet space.

Software Licensing and Feature Sets

The Cisco Catalyst C1000 series utilizes a simplified licensing model. It typically comes with IP Base feature set, which includes advanced QoS, security, and management features. Options for Network Essentials or Network Advantage licenses may be available to unlock additional capabilities like software-defined access or enhanced OSPF/BGP routing.

Power and Cooling

As a non-PoE model, the C1000-48T-4X-L has a standard AC power supply. It is designed for energy efficiency, potentially qualifying for Cisco's EnergyWise technology to help reduce overall network power consumption.