C9300L-48T-4G-A Cisco Catalyst Ethernet Switch, 48 Ports

Cisco 9300L-48T-4G-A Managed Enterprise-Grade Switch 

The Cisco Catalyst 9300L-48T-4G-A Managed Layer 3 Switch is engineered to support growing enterprise environments that demand high performance, resilience, and advanced control. Designed as part of the Catalyst 9300 Series, this switch delivers a balance of scalability and operational efficiency, making it suitable for campus networks, branch offices, and medium to large business infrastructures.

Manufacturer and Product Identity

• Brand: Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Series: Catalyst 9300L
• Model Reference: C9300L-48T-4G-A
• Category: Managed Ethernet Switch

Detailed Port Breakdown

• 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports
• 4 x Dedicated Gigabit SFP uplink ports
• Non-shared SFP interfaces for consistent throughput

Layer Support and Network Intelligence

• Layer 3 switching and routing support
• Optimized handling of inter-VLAN traffic
• Improved performance for data, voice, and video workloads

Network Technologies Supported

• Gigabit Ethernet technology
• 1000Base-T for copper-based connections
• 1000Base-X for fiber-based networking

Expansion Slot Configuration

• Total expansion slots: 4
• Slot type: SFP
• Flexible uplink module support

Managed Switching Advantages

• Centralized configuration and monitoring
• Enhanced visibility into network performance
• Improved fault detection and troubleshooting

Supported Media Types

• Twisted pair cabling for standard Ethernet connections
• Optical fiber for long-distance or high-resilience links

Power Source and Reliability

• Primary power via integrated power supply
• Support for redundant power supply units

Common Deployment Scenarios

• Enterprise campus access networks
• Branch office connectivity
• High-density user environments
• Hybrid copper and fiber infrastructures

Outline of Cisco Managed Layer 3 Switching Platform

The Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A Catalyst 9300L switch represents a purpose-built enterprise-grade access layer solution engineered to support modern digital networks. Designed as part of the Catalyst 9300L family, this model delivers consistent wired connectivity, intelligent traffic handling, and secure network segmentation for organizations that demand reliability, scalability, and long-term operational efficiency. With forty-eight Ethernet ports and advanced Layer 3 switching capabilities, it fits seamlessly into enterprise campus networks, branch offices, educational institutions, and industrial environments where dependable wired infrastructure remains critical.

Enterprise-Class Network Architecture and Design Philosophy

The Catalyst 9300L platform is built on Cisco’s enterprise networking architecture, emphasizing resiliency, programmability, and centralized management. The C9300L-48T-4G-A is positioned as a fixed access switch optimized for high-density deployments, allowing organizations to standardize network design while maintaining flexibility for future growth. Its hardware and software integration ensures predictable performance under sustained workloads, supporting business-critical applications that rely on uninterrupted connectivity.

Fixed Configuration Access Layer Optimization

As a fixed configuration switch, the Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A simplifies deployment and lifecycle management. The forty-eight Ethernet ports provide ample capacity for connecting workstations, IP phones, printers, access points, and other wired endpoints. This fixed architecture eliminates unnecessary complexity while still delivering enterprise-grade throughput and reliability, making it an ideal choice for structured cabling environments where port density and stability are essential.

Port Density and Network Consistency

The availability of forty-eight Ethernet ports on a single chassis allows organizations to reduce the number of switches required per wiring closet, improving operational efficiency and simplifying cable management. Consistent port performance ensures predictable latency and throughput across all connected devices, which is especially important in environments with mixed traffic types such as voice, video, and data.

Layer 3 Managed Switching Capabilities

The Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A operates as a fully managed Layer 3 switch, enabling advanced routing and traffic control directly at the access layer. This capability supports modern network designs that distribute intelligence closer to endpoints, reducing bottlenecks at the core and improving overall network responsiveness.

Advanced Routing Support for Scalable Networks

Layer 3 functionality enables the switch to participate in dynamic routing protocols and perform inter-VLAN routing locally. This design reduces reliance on upstream devices for basic routing tasks, resulting in lower latency and improved resilience. Organizations can segment networks logically while maintaining efficient communication between departments, user groups, and application tiers.

Inter-VLAN Communication Efficiency

By handling inter-VLAN routing internally, the Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A minimizes unnecessary traffic traversal through core switches or routers. This approach improves bandwidth utilization and enhances user experience for latency-sensitive applications such as real-time collaboration tools and voice communications.

Traffic Control and Policy Enforcement

Integrated policy enforcement at the access layer allows network administrators to apply security rules, quality of service parameters, and access controls directly where devices connect. This localized control supports a zero-trust networking approach and ensures consistent policy application across the enterprise.

High-Performance Ethernet Connectivity

The Ethernet ports on the Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A are engineered to deliver stable and consistent wired performance for a wide range of endpoint devices. These ports support enterprise traffic demands while maintaining compatibility with existing network infrastructure.

Reliable Wired Access for Modern Endpoints

Wired connectivity remains essential for devices that require predictable bandwidth, low latency, and enhanced security. Desktop computers, servers, networked storage, and specialized equipment benefit from the deterministic performance provided by Ethernet connections on the Catalyst 9300L platform.

Uplink Flexibility with 4G Connectivity

The Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A includes integrated uplink options that enhance its role within the broader network topology. These uplinks provide high-speed connections to aggregation or core layers, ensuring sufficient bandwidth for downstream traffic.

Seamless Integration into Campus Networks

High-speed uplinks enable the switch to aggregate traffic from multiple access ports without congestion. This capability is critical in high-density environments where numerous users and devices generate simultaneous network activity.

Optimized Traffic Flow to Core Infrastructure

Efficient uplink design ensures that data flows smoothly from the access layer to distribution and core switches. This optimization reduces the risk of bottlenecks and supports consistent application performance across the network.

Future-Proof Network Expansion

The uplink configuration allows organizations to scale their networks over time. As bandwidth requirements increase, the switch can continue to support growing demands without requiring immediate replacement.

Security-Driven Network Access Control

Security is a foundational aspect of the Cisco Catalyst 9300L series. The C9300L-48T-4G-A incorporates multiple layers of protection designed to safeguard network resources and prevent unauthorized access.

Identity-Based Access Management

The switch supports identity-driven networking principles, enabling administrators to define access policies based on user identity, device type, and location. This approach ensures that only authorized users and devices gain access to sensitive resources.

Segmentation and Threat Containment

Network segmentation capabilities allow organizations to isolate traffic between different user groups or application zones. This isolation reduces the attack surface and limits the impact of potential security incidents.

Continuous Policy Enforcement

Security policies applied at the access layer remain active throughout the user session, adapting dynamically as conditions change. This continuous enforcement supports compliance requirements and enhances overall network trust.

Centralized Management and Automation Readiness

The Catalyst 9300L series is designed for simplified management and automation, reducing operational overhead and enabling faster response to changing network requirements.

Unified Management Interfaces

The Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A integrates with centralized management platforms that provide visibility, configuration control, and monitoring across the entire network. This unified approach streamlines administrative tasks and improves operational consistency.

Programmability and API Support

Programmable interfaces allow organizations to automate routine network operations and integrate the switch into broader IT workflows. This capability supports modern DevOps practices and accelerates network innovation.

Operational Efficiency and Reduced Downtime

Automation and centralized management reduce the likelihood of configuration errors and enable faster troubleshooting. These efficiencies translate into improved network availability and lower total cost of ownership.

Use Case Versatility Across Industries

The Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A is suitable for a wide range of industry applications, offering flexibility and reliability across diverse deployment scenarios.

Enterprise Offices and Corporate Campuses

In corporate environments, the switch provides stable wired access for employees, supporting productivity tools, collaboration platforms, and secure data access.

Educational and Healthcare Institutions

Schools, universities, and healthcare facilities benefit from the switch’s security, reliability, and ability to handle high device density. These environments require consistent connectivity to support learning, research, and patient care.

Industrial and Specialized Deployments

Industrial settings and specialized facilities rely on wired networks for operational technology and monitoring systems. The robust design of the Catalyst 9300L platform ensures dependable performance in such critical applications.