C9300L-48PF-4X-E Cisco SFP+ 48-Ports Ethernet Switch

Overview of Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E Ethernet Switch

The Cisco Catalyst 9300L-48PF-4X-E is engineered to meet the growing demands of enterprise access-layer networking, combining high port density, advanced power delivery, and scalable uplink connectivity. Designed as part of the Catalyst 9300L family, this Ethernet switch supports performance-intensive environments where reliability, manageability, and security are essential.

Key Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Manufacturer Part Number: C9300L-48PF-4X-E
• Product Type: Ethernet Switch

Networking Features

• Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Total Number of Network Ports: 48
• Uplink Port: Yes
• Expansion Slot Type: Uplink Module
• Stack Port: Yes
• Expansion Slots: 4
• Layer Supported: Layer 3
• Power Source: Power Supply

Port and Expansion Details

• 48 x Gigabit Ethernet POE+
• 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Uplink Ports

Physical Dimensions

• Height: 1.7 inches
• Width: 17.5 inches
• Depth: 16.1 inches

Additional Features

• Manageable: Yes
• Redundant Power Supply Supported: Yes
• Energy Star Certified: Yes
• Modular Design: Yes

Outline of Cisco Catalyst Enterprise-Class Access Switch   

The Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E Systems Catalyst 9300L 48P Full PoE Network ESS category represents a purpose-built class of enterprise access switches designed to meet the demands of high-density, power-intensive, and performance-sensitive environments. Positioned within the Catalyst 9300L family, this category focuses on scalable access-layer switching that supports a wide range of connected devices while maintaining operational simplicity, security, and long-term investment protection. The systems in this category are engineered for organizations that require consistent uptime, simplified management, and predictable performance across campus, branch, and distributed network architectures.

At the core of this category is a commitment to delivering resilient wired connectivity with integrated power capabilities. The 48-port full Power over Ethernet design allows organizations to deploy and manage IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, building automation systems, and IoT endpoints without additional power infrastructure. This approach streamlines deployments, reduces cabling complexity, and supports rapid scaling as business requirements evolve.

Design Philosophy and Catalyst 9300L Architecture

The Catalyst 9300L platform has been developed with a forward-looking architectural philosophy that emphasizes modularity, efficiency, and long-term adaptability. Systems in this category leverage a fixed-access switching design optimized for predictable workloads at the network edge. The architecture balances switching performance, power delivery, and uplink flexibility to ensure that access-layer connectivity does not become a bottleneck as application usage increases.

The Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E category benefits from a unified hardware and software approach that aligns with Cisco’s broader enterprise networking strategy. By integrating hardware-based forwarding, advanced ASIC capabilities, and a consistent operating system, this category supports reliable throughput, low latency, and smooth integration with upstream distribution and core layers.

Fixed Configuration with High Port Density

High port density is a defining characteristic of this category. The 48 Ethernet access ports are designed to support a diverse range of endpoint types, from traditional desktops to bandwidth-intensive collaboration devices. This density makes the category suitable for office floors, classrooms, healthcare facilities, and industrial spaces where numerous devices must connect reliably through a single access switch.

The fixed configuration model reduces complexity by providing a standardized hardware footprint that can be replicated across multiple locations. Network architects can design repeatable access-layer templates, simplifying deployment, documentation, and ongoing maintenance.

Integrated Uplink Flexibility

Systems in this category include high-speed uplink interfaces designed to connect seamlessly to aggregation or core switches. The presence of multiple uplink options supports redundancy, load balancing, and future bandwidth expansion. This ensures that the access layer can keep pace with increasing traffic generated by cloud applications, video collaboration, and data-intensive workflows.

Uplink flexibility within this category allows network designers to choose appropriate fiber or copper connectivity strategies without replacing the entire access switch infrastructure. This adaptability is essential for organizations planning phased network upgrades.

Full Power over Ethernet Capabilities

One of the most significant attributes of the Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E Systems Catalyst 9300L 48P Full PoE Network ESS category is its comprehensive Power over Ethernet support. Full PoE capability enables each access port to deliver power to connected devices, eliminating the need for separate electrical outlets or power injectors.

This power delivery model is particularly beneficial in environments where devices are frequently relocated or added. Network administrators can activate ports remotely, monitor power usage, and prioritize critical devices through centralized management interfaces.

Supporting Next-Generation Endpoints

As organizations adopt next-generation wireless standards, advanced IP telephony, and smart building technologies, the demand for reliable PoE continues to grow. This category is designed to support these evolving requirements by providing consistent power delivery alongside high-speed data transmission.

From high-performance wireless access points to advanced video surveillance systems, the category ensures that power-hungry devices can operate at full capacity without compromising network stability.

Operational Efficiency  

By consolidating power and data delivery into a single cable, systems in this category help reduce installation time and overall infrastructure costs. Facilities teams benefit from simplified planning, while IT teams gain greater visibility and control over connected devices.

Power management features allow administrators to monitor consumption trends, schedule port power usage, and respond quickly to anomalies. This level of control contributes to more efficient energy utilization across the network.

Performance and Reliability for Business-Critical Operations

The Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E Systems Catalyst 9300L 48P Full PoE Network ESS category is engineered to deliver consistent performance under demanding conditions. Enterprise networks often support a mix of latency-sensitive and bandwidth-intensive applications, and the access layer must handle this diversity without degradation.

High-performance switching fabric and efficient packet processing ensure smooth data flow between endpoints and upstream network resources. This reliability supports day-to-day operations and helps maintain user satisfaction.

Optimized Throughput and Low Latency

Access-layer switches in this category are optimized to forward traffic efficiently, minimizing delays and packet loss. This is particularly important for environments that rely on real-time communication tools, such as unified communications and virtual meetings.

Consistent throughput ensures that application performance remains stable, even as the number of connected devices increases.

High Availability and Operational Continuity

Network downtime can have significant business impacts. The Catalyst 9300L category incorporates design elements that support high availability and rapid recovery. These systems are built to operate continuously in enterprise environments where uptime is critical.

Redundancy options and robust hardware design contribute to operational continuity, reducing the risk of service interruptions at the access layer.

Centralized Management and Automation Readiness

Effective network management is essential for maintaining performance and security across distributed environments. The Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E category integrates seamlessly with centralized management platforms, enabling consistent configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

This centralized approach reduces administrative overhead and helps ensure that network policies are applied uniformly across all access switches.

Visibility and Control Across the Access Layer

Administrators gain detailed visibility into port status, power usage, and traffic patterns. This information supports proactive maintenance and informed capacity planning.

Centralized dashboards and reporting tools make it easier to identify trends, diagnose issues, and optimize network performance.

Automation and Policy-Based Operations

As networks grow in size and complexity, manual configuration becomes increasingly impractical. This category supports automation-ready workflows that allow administrators to deploy changes quickly and consistently.

Policy-based operations help align network behavior with business intent, reducing the risk of configuration errors and improving overall efficiency.

Scalability for Growing Organizations

The Catalyst 9300L 48P Full PoE category is designed to scale alongside organizational growth. Whether expanding a single campus or adding new branch locations, these systems provide a consistent access-layer foundation.

Scalability is achieved through standardized configurations, flexible uplinks, and software capabilities that support evolving requirements.

Supporting Distributed and Hybrid Environments

Modern organizations often operate across multiple sites with varying connectivity needs. This category supports consistent access-layer deployments across headquarters, remote offices, and specialized facilities.

By maintaining a common platform, IT teams can simplify training, support, and lifecycle management.

Future-Ready Investment Protection

Network infrastructure represents a long-term investment. The Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E Systems Catalyst 9300L 48P Full PoE Network ESS category is designed to remain relevant as technologies and business needs evolve.

Support for software enhancements and integration with broader network ecosystems helps protect this investment over time.

Industry Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

This category is well suited for a wide range of industries, including education, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and professional services. Any environment that requires reliable wired connectivity with integrated power delivery can benefit from the capabilities offered.

From dense office floors to technology-enabled classrooms and smart facilities, the category adapts to diverse operational requirements.

Enterprise Campuses and Office Environments

In corporate campuses, the access layer must support a high volume of users and devices. The 48-port full PoE configuration enables dense deployments while maintaining clean cable management and efficient power distribution.

Consistent performance and centralized management help IT teams maintain service quality across large user populations.

Specialized and IoT-Driven Deployments

As IoT adoption increases, access switches must support a growing array of connected sensors and controllers. This category provides the power and connectivity required to support smart building initiatives and operational technology integrations.

Flexible port configurations and robust management capabilities ensure that these deployments remain secure and manageable.