C1300-48P-4G Cisco Network Switch with 48 Ports and 4 Gigabit SFP Slots

Core Architecture and Performance Benchmarks

The C1300-48P-4G is built on a high-performance switching fabric designed to deliver wire-speed performance across all ports simultaneously. This ensures that data-intensive applications, voice communications, and video conferencing experience zero lag or jitter, creating a seamless user experience.

Switching Capacity and Forwarding Rates

With a substantial aggregate switching capacity, this switch can handle heavy network traffic loads with ease. Its non-blocking architecture guarantees that the internal bandwidth exceeds the sum of all port capacities, preventing bottlenecks even during peak usage. The packet forwarding rate, measured in millions of packets per second (Mpps), is engineered to process maximum-size Ethernet frames on all ports concurrently, making it ideal for environments with high volumes of small-packet transactions, such as retail POS systems or financial trading floors.

Hardware Acceleration for Advanced Features

Integrated hardware-based forwarding engines offload complex processing tasks—like Access Control List (ACL) enforcement, quality of service (QoS) marking, and security checks—from the main CPU. This hardware acceleration ensures that enabling these critical features does not come at the cost of switching performance, maintaining line-rate throughput while the network remains secure and traffic is optimally prioritized.

Deep Dive: Port Configuration and PoE+ Capabilities

The "48P" in the model name is a declaration of power and density. This switch provides an extensive array of Ethernet ports to connect a vast ecosystem of devices, from traditional computers to a new generation of powered endpoints.

48 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports with Full PoE+ Budget

Each of the 48 RJ-45 ports supports 10/100/1000 Mbps connectivity, offering auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDIX for simplified cabling. Crucially, all 48 ports are capable of delivering IEEE 802.3at PoE+ power, with a total power budget that allows administrators to power a significant number of high-wattage devices simultaneously. This makes the switch a perfect fit for environments dense with wireless access points, IP surveillance cameras with pan-tilt-zoom and heater functions, VoIP phones with large color displays, and even compact digital signage.

Intelligent Power Management

Beyond simply delivering power, the C1300-48P-4G features sophisticated PoE management through Cisco's EnergyWise technology. Administrators can set power policies, schedule device power cycles (e.g., turning off cameras after business hours), and monitor real-time power consumption per port. This granular control transforms the switch from a simple power source into an active energy management tool, reducing operational costs and supporting sustainability initiatives.

4 x SFP Uplink Ports for High-Speed Backbone Connectivity

The integrated 4 x 1 Gigabit SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) slots are a critical differentiator. These fiber-optic uplinks provide flexibility for connecting to a core network switch, an aggregation layer, or an ISP's equipment over long distances. They offer immunity to electromagnetic interference, higher security, and the ability to cover kilometers instead of the 100-meter limitation of copper Ethernet. The inclusion of four ports allows for link aggregation (LACP) for higher bandwidth and redundancy, or they can be used for daisy-chaining switches in a ring or star topology without consuming the valuable copper ports.

Comprehensive Layer 2 and Layer 3

As a fully managed switch, the Catalyst C1300-48P-4G provides a rich suite of features that enable network administrators to design, control, and optimize their network for performance, reliability, and security.

Advanced VLAN and Routing Capabilities

The switch supports IEEE 802.1Q VLANs for logical network segmentation, enhancing security and broadcast containment. For inter-VLAN routing, it offers static routing capabilities, allowing it to perform basic Layer 3 routing at wire speed. This means traffic between different subnets (e.g., between the guest Wi-Fi VLAN and the server VLAN) can be routed locally without traversing an external router, reducing latency and offloading work from core network devices.

Spanning Tree Protocols for Network Resilience

To prevent loops and ensure a fault-tolerant network topology, the switch supports multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) variants: traditional IEEE 802.1D STP, Rapid PVST+ (Per-VLAN Rapid Spanning Tree) for faster convergence, and MST (Multiple Spanning Tree). This allows for the creation of redundant links that automatically become active if a primary link fails, ensuring business continuity.

Quality of Service (QoS) for Optimized Application Performance

In a converged network carrying voice, video, and data, QoS is non-negotiable. The switch supports classification, marking, policing, and scheduling based on IEEE 802.1p (CoS) and DSCP (IP precedence). This allows administrators to guarantee bandwidth for critical applications like VoIP, ensuring clear call quality, and for video conferencing, preventing pixelation and dropouts, even when the network is under heavy load from file transfers or backups.

Robust Security Posture for the Modern Threat Landscape

Network security is a multi-layered endeavor, and the C1300-48P-4G is equipped to act as a frontline defense, controlling access and monitoring traffic to protect network assets.

Access Control and Authentication Framework

The switch supports IEEE 802.1X port-based network access control (NAC), which authenticates users or devices before granting network access. It can integrate with RADIUS servers like Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for centralized policy enforcement. Complementing this are features like MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) for devices that don't support 802.1X and ACLs (Standard, Extended, and VLAN-based) to filter traffic based on IP addresses, protocols, and ports.

Storm Control and DHCP Snooping

To protect against both malicious and accidental broadcast, multicast, or unicast storms that can cripple a network, the switch offers granular storm control. DHCP Snooping acts as a firewall between untrusted hosts and trusted DHCP servers, preventing rogue DHCP server attacks and building a binding database that is used by other security features like IP Source Guard to prevent IP address spoofing.

Deployment Versatility and Use Case Scenarios

The physical design and feature set of the C1300-48P-4G make it a Swiss Army knife for numerous deployment scenarios, adapting to the unique needs of different environments.

Ideal for High-Density PoE Environments

This switch excels in any setting requiring a high concentration of powered devices. In a modern office, it can power dozens of IP phones, Cisco Meraki or Aironet wireless access points, and video conferencing units. In a retail store, it becomes the hub for point-of-sale systems, inventory scanners, digital price tags, and security cameras. In education, it powers access points across classrooms, cameras for safety, and phones in administrative offices.

Branch Office and Mid-Sized Business Core

For a regional branch or a growing mid-sized company, this Catalyst switch can serve as the core network infrastructure. Its Layer 3 static routing capability allows it to route traffic between departmental VLANs (Finance, HR, Engineering) locally. The SFP uplinks can be used for a high-speed, reliable connection back to corporate headquarters via WAN links, while the 48 copper ports connect all in-office users and devices.

IoT and Edge Networking Foundation

As the Internet of Things expands, networks need to securely integrate a plethora of sensors, controllers, and smart devices. The C1300-48P-4G provides the port density, PoE for these endpoints, and the security features (like VLANs and ACLs) to segment IoT traffic from the main corporate network, reducing the attack surface and ensuring operational technology does not interfere with information technology.

Management and Programmability

Cisco offers multiple pathways to manage the Catalyst 1300 Series, catering to traditional network engineers and those embracing modern automation paradigms.

Cisco Business Dashboard and CLI

For a streamlined, cloud-based management experience, the switch is compatible with the Cisco Business Dashboard. This portal allows for zero-touch deployment, centralized monitoring, and firmware management of multiple switches from a single pane of glass. For granular control, the industry-standard Cisco IOS Command-Line Interface (CLI) offers full access to every configurable feature, ideal for complex setups and seasoned network professionals.

Towards Software-Defined Access with DNA Center Lite

The switch is ready for more automated, intent-based networking models. It is compatible with Cisco DNA Center—specifically the DNA Center Lite functionality for smaller deployments. This enables features like automated device onboarding, application visibility, and assurance analytics, providing deeper insights into network health and user experience without the overhead of a full-scale DNA Center deployment.

Hardware Reliability and Serviceability

Built for 24/7 operation, the C1300-48P-4G incorporates design elements that maximize uptime and simplify maintenance.

Rack-Mountable Design and Cooling

Housed in a standard 1U, rack-mountable metal chassis, the switch is built for installation in server rooms, wiring closets, or even secure open racks. It features a robust, fault-tolerant fan system with side-to-side airflow (port-side exhaust or intake, configurable) to ensure optimal operating temperatures in varied deployment conditions, contributing to long-term component reliability.