Cisco C1200-48T-4G Catalyst 48 Ports Rack-mountable Switch.

Product Outline of Cisco C1200-48T-4G Catalyst Switch  

The Cisco C1200-48T-4G is a smart Layer 3, rack-mountable Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for dense access deployments. With 48 x 10/100/1000BASE-T copper ports and 4 x 1G SFP/SFP+ uplink slots, it blends wire-speed performance, resilient management, and rich QoS and security controls in a compact 1U form factor.

Main Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C1200-48T-4G
• Device Type: Managed L3 Switch (Smart)

Technical Product Facts

• Enclosure: 19-inch rack-mountable, 1U
• Port Mix: 48 x 10/100/1000BASE-T + 4 x 1G SFP/SFP+
• Media Support: Twisted Pair & Optical Fiber
• Power Consumption (typ.): 48.64 W

Performance & Switching Fabric

• Switching Capacity: 104 Gbps non-blocking fabric for high-throughput access layers
• Forwarding Rate (64-byte): up to 77.38 Mpps for deterministic forwarding
• Jumbo Frames: 9,000 bytes to optimize data-intensive transfers and backups
• Packet Buffer: 3 MB to absorb microbursts and smooth traffic
• MAC Address Table: 8,000 entries to scale with growing networks

Layer 3 Intelligence & Routing Support

• Routing: Static IPv4/IPv6 routes for gateway consolidation and inter-VLAN connectivity
• Spanning-Tree Variants: STP, RSTP, MSTP, PVST+, and Rapid PVST+ to maintain loop-free topologies
• Multicast: IGMP, IGMPv2, IGMPv3, IGMP snooping and querier, MLD/MLDv2 for efficient streaming
• Addressing: CIDR awareness for flexible subnet design
• Dual-Stack: Native IPv4 and IPv6 operation for modern networks

Scalable Capacity for Segmentation

• Active VLANs: up to 255 to segment users, devices, and services
• ACL Entries: 512 rules to enforce policy at the edge
• Priority Queues: 8 hardware queues per port for granular traffic handling
• STP Instances: MSTP (8), PVST+ (126), Rapid PVST+ (126) for per-VLAN control
• Link Aggregation: 4 LAG groups / 8 member ports for higher uplink bandwidth and resiliency
• IPv4 Resources: 32 static routes, 16 Layer-3 interfaces for compact routing scenarios
• IGMP Groups: 255 to support IPTV and collaboration platforms

Green IT & Operational Efficiency

• EEE (Energy Efficient Ethernet): power savings during low utilization
• Eco-friendly Mode: dedicated hardware button to optimize consumption
• Intelligent Cooling: single-fan design balancing acoustics and reliability

Interfaces, Uplinks & Expansion

• Access Ports: 48 x 1000BASE-T RJ-45 for desktops, phones, and APs
• Uplinks: 4 x 1G SFP/SFP+ for fiber aggregation or distribution connectivity
• Management Ports: 1 x RJ-45 console and 1 x USB-C console for out-of-band access

Hardware Platform

• Processor: ARM-based CPU at 1.4 GHz for responsive control-plane operations
• Memory: 1 GB DDR4 SDRAM and 512 MB flash for images, configs, and logs
• Status LEDs: system and link/activity/speed indicators for at-a-glance health checks

Power Architecture

• Internal PSU: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz universal input for global deployments
• Typical Draw: approximately 48.64 W, aiding dense rack designs
• Form Factor: 1U rack-mountable to maximize space efficiency

Standards Compliance

• Ethernet & PHY: IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3z, 802.3x flow control, 802.3az EEE
• Bridging & VLANs: IEEE 802.1D, 802.1W, 802.1S, 802.1Q, 802.1p
• Aggregation & Discovery: IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), IEEE 802.1AB (LLDP)
• Security: IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control

Overview of Cisco C1200-48T-4G Catalyst Ethernet Switch  

The Cisco C1200-48T-4G Catalyst Ethernet Switch represents a flexible, enterprise-ready access-layer platform designed for dense Gigabit Ethernet aggregation across modern LANs. With 48 auto-negotiating 10/100/1000BASE-T ports, four 1G SFP uplink slots (1000BASE-X), Layer 3 support, and a compact 1U rack-mountable chassis, this switch balances performance, manageability, and energy efficiency. It supports both twisted pair copper and optical fiber media, enabling organizations to extend reach, improve backbone resilience, and standardize on a unified access switching footprint. Tailored for wired campus, branch, hospitality, healthcare, education, retail, and SMB networks, the C1200-48T-4G is engineered to simplify operations while delivering advanced policy enforcement, segmentation, and traffic visibility.

Core Capabilities and Feature Set

Port Density and Media Flexibility

48 x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports for client, device, and server connectivity.
4 x SFP uplinks (1000BASE-X) for fiber aggregation or high-quality copper transceivers.
Auto-MDI/MDI-X and auto-negotiation streamline edge device onboarding.
Support for optical fiber (via SFP modules) and twisted pair copper cabling.
1U rack-mountable enclosure conserves space in wiring closets and micro-data centers.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Operations

As a Layer 3 supported modular access switch, the platform handles VLAN segmentation, inter-VLAN routing, static routes, dynamic gateway operations, and policy-based forwarding. At Layer 2, it delivers loop prevention, link aggregation, and granular QoS marking, ensuring deterministic performance even in dense, converged environments.

Administrative Control and Manageability

Enterprise-grade CLI, secure web UI, and SNMP integration for streamlined operations.Role-based access controls with AAA/RADIUS/TACACS+ for admin governance.
Configuration templates, zero-touch provisioning options, and file-based backups.
Power-aware design with typical 48.64 W power consumption (model-dependent) for energy savings.

Hardware Architecture and Design

Mechanical and Thermal Considerations

The fan-assisted chassis is optimized for wiring-closet deployments, balancing airflow, acoustics, and component longevity. With a fixed, low-profile design, the switch fits standard 19-inch racks, offering clean cable management with front-facing ports, visible port status LEDs, and clearly labeled SFP uplinks.

Power Efficiency Profile

Power draw near 48.64 W under typical loads (without PoE provisioning) keeps operational expenditure low. Advanced silicon supports dynamic power scaling, while Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) can downshift link power during idle periods, reducing heat and minimizing cooling requirements.

Connectivity Mix and Cabling

Twisted pair copper for short-to-medium distances with 100-meter reach per segment.
Optical fiber via SFPs for long-distance uplinks, EMI immunity, and backbone diversity.
Standards-compliant 1000BASE-T and 1000BASE-X interoperability across heterogeneous networks.

Layer 3 Feature Depth

Inter-VLAN Routing and Segmentation

Virtual interfaces (SVIs) make the switch a compact Layer 3 gateway for each VLAN, simplifying routing at the access layer. This reduces hairpin traffic to the core and lowers latency for local east-west communications. Static routes and policy-based rules allow traffic steering to firewalls, WAN edges, or SD-WAN appliances.

Dynamic Routing Options (Model-Dependent)

Support for dynamic protocols (availability varies by license/model) such as RIP or OSPF for automated route exchange.Equal-cost multipath (ECMP) for improved path diversity on suitable topologies.
VRF-Lite-style segmentation (where supported) for tenant or department isolation.

First-Hop Redundancy and Gateway Resilience

Industry-standard first-hop redundancy (e.g., HSRP/VRRP/GLBP—where supported) allows multiple Layer 3 devices to present a single virtual default gateway. Client subnets retain continuity during failover events, planned maintenance, or distribution-layer upgrades.

Segmentation for Compliance

VLANs and access control lists help enforce separation between payment systems, guest networks, operational technology (OT), and administrative segments. When combined with Layer 3 gateway features, policy enforcement becomes simpler to reason about and easier to audit.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

Enterprise Access Layer

Deploy multiple C1200-48T-4G units in each floor closet to aggregate workstations, thin clients, wireless AP backhaul (via copper links to PoE switches if needed), IP phones, security devices, and printers. Use VLAN assignments per department, with local inter-VLAN routing to enable efficient east-west traffic while retaining clear policy boundaries.

Branch and Remote Office

For mid-sized branch sites, the switch functions as the central access platform, uplinking over fiber to a WAN edge or SD-WAN gateway. Traffic steering and ACLs constrain guest, IoT, and corporate segments. Static routes or lightweight dynamic routing keep the design simple yet resilient.

Retail and Hospitality

Leverage VLANs for POS, guest Wi-Fi backhaul, security cameras, and corporate LAN. SFP uplinks provide fiber runs to MDFs, reducing electromagnetic interference concerns in kitchens, industrial coolers, or elevator shafts. QoS ensures voice and payment transactions retain priority.

Healthcare and Education

Segment clinical systems, research devices, student networks, and administrative IT using a mix of 802.1X enforcement and downloadable ACLs. The switch’s Layer 3 support and monitoring features help meet compliance and privacy requirements while scaling to large numbers of endpoints.

Design Blueprint and Best Practices

Access–Distribution–Core Hierarchy

Build a balanced three-tier campus: aggregate multiple access closets to dual distribution switches using the C1200’s 4 x SFP uplinks for redundant paths. Maintain MST instances per building or per campus area, and apply LACP bundles for high-availability toward upstream layers.

VLAN and Subnet Planning

Allocate VLANs by function (voice, data, guest, IoT) with non-overlapping IP ranges.Summarize routes at distribution to shrink core routing tables.
Use private VLANs (where available) to isolate east-west chatter in sensitive zones.

Edge Security and Identity

Deploy 802.1X with device profiling; use MAB for legacy devices. Bind critical ports to known MAC addresses and limit MAC table entries.
Enable DHCP snooping, IP source guard, and DAI on client VLANs.

High-Availability Uplink Patterns

Create two LACP port-channels from the access switch—one to each distribution switch—using SFP fiber. Configure first-hop redundancy for SVIs across the upstream pair. Test failovers during pre-production to validate timers, convergence, and application response times.

Sustainability

Low Power Consumption Profile

Typical 48.64 W draw reduces operating costs across large deployments. EEE and intelligent port power states curtail consumption during idle windows such as nights, weekends, or seasonal down-time. Lower heat output can translate into fewer fan tray replacements and improved component longevity.

Smart Cooling and Airflow

Front-to-back airflow aligns with hot-aisle/cold-aisle designs.Maintain clear intake paths and appropriate rack spacing to avoid thermal hotspots.
Use environmental sensors to correlate temperature spikes with load or obstruction.

Comparison Within the Category

Why 48 x 1G Access with 1G Fiber Uplinks

Many organizations prioritize widespread Gigabit to the desktop while reserving higher-rate links for distribution and core. The 48 x 1G + 4 x 1G SFP model hits a price-performance sweet spot for wired campus access without the expense of ubiquitous multi-gig or 10G at the edge. It also delivers operational predictability with proven optics and copper transceivers.

When to Choose Multi-Gig or PoE Models

Workloads with heavy Wi-Fi 6/6E AP backhaul, high-density VDI, or creative media production may benefit from multi-gig access or PoE-capable variants to power phones and APs directly. The C1200-48T-4G is ideal where power delivery is not required at the switch (e.g., devices powered by adapters, PoE provided elsewhere, or non-PoE environments).

Scalability and Modularity

Modular uplink design with 4 SFP slots enables incremental growth—add links, add fibers, or split traffic classes without replacing the chassis. This protects capital investment as user counts and application patterns evolve.

From Single Closet to Campus-Wide

Start with one C1200-48T-4G in a small closet, then expand laterally by adding more units per floor as demand grows. Use the 1G SFP uplinks to stitch floors and buildings with resilient fiber rings or redundant star topologies. Introduce distribution switches with higher-rate uplinks as aggregation requirements increase.

Capacity and Growth Planning

Right-Sizing Access Density

Use a 24-to-48 port ratio per 40–60 workspaces and include a 20% growth buffer. For high-churn floors, prefer more 48-port units to avoid oversubscription and patching chaos. Track actual port utilization quarterly to re-balance closets.

Uplink Headroom

Start with two fiber uplinks and expand to four if utilization routinely exceeds 60–70% during peaks. Use LACP hashing adjusted for your traffic profile (layer-3-based hashing for diverse flows) to achieve even distribution across member links.

Service Assurance

Establish KPIs: uptime, convergence times, authentication success rates, queue occupancy, and jitter for voice/video. Tie NMS alerts to KPIs, and pre-define runbooks for common failures (uplink flap, excessive errors, authentication storms).

Standardize in This Category

Consistent Operational Model

Uniform CLI, policy constructs, and monitoring approaches across sites reduce onboarding time for engineers and contractors. Documentation, training, and automation templates carry across regions and departments.

Balanced Feature Mix

The combination of 48 x 1G copper, 4 x 1G SFP uplinks, Layer 3 support, robust security, and 1U rack-mountable ergonomics delivers the essentials for a modern access edge without unnecessary complexity. It fits right into hierarchical campus designs and scales gracefully.

Cost-Effective Reliability

Lower power usage, simpler optics, and well-understood operational playbooks add up to predictable cost and strong reliability. As a standard building block, the C1200-48T-4G shortens project timelines and simplifies lifecycle planning.