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

Highlights of Cisco Advanced PoE Enterprise-Grade Switch

The Cisco Catalyst 9300L-48PF-4X-E is engineered for modern enterprise networks that demand high availability, scalable performance, and intelligent power delivery. This Ethernet switch delivers a balanced combination of access-layer switching, robust uplink flexibility, and enhanced management features, making it suitable for campus environments, branch offices, and growing IT infrastructures.

Main Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C9300L-48PF-4X-E
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Product Series: 9300
• Device Type: Ethernet Switch

Technical Information

• Ethernet Technologies: Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Total Network Ports: 48
• Expansion Slots: 4
• Uplink Support: Yes
• Stack Port Availability: Yes

High-Density Port Configuration for Expanding Networks

• 48 × 1 Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ access ports
• Consistent power delivery for edge devices
• Optimized for unified communications and IoT deployments

Uplink and Expansion Capabilities

• 4 × 10 Gigabit Ethernet / 1 Gigabit SFP+ uplink interfaces
• Dedicated uplink module architecture
• Improved traffic flow between access and core layers

Enhanced Network Management and Control

• Layer 3 routing support for inter-VLAN communication
• Centralized management for policy enforcement
• Scalable architecture for growing infrastructures

Power and Energy Optimization Features

• Redundant power supply support for high availability
• Energy Star certified for improved efficiency
• Intelligent PoE+ power allocation

Benefits of StackWise Architecture

• Unified management of multiple switches
• Improved fault tolerance and redundancy
• Seamless scalability as network demand increases

Dimensions and Form Factor

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

Operational and Deployment Advantages

• Optimized for enterprise access-layer deployments
• Supports advanced security and traffic segmentation
• Ideal for powering and connecting modern digital workplaces

Enterprise-Class Access Switching Architecture

The Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E Systems Catalyst 9300L 48-Port Full Power over Ethernet Network Essentials Switch is designed to operate as a foundational access-layer solution within modern enterprise networks. Built on the proven Catalyst 9000 switching platform, this model delivers consistent performance, scalability, and security for organizations that require dependable wired connectivity. Its architecture is optimized to support high-density endpoint environments, ensuring seamless communication across business-critical applications, collaboration tools, and cloud-integrated services.

The Catalyst 9300L series benefits from Cisco’s intent-based networking principles, enabling predictable network behavior through policy-driven automation and visibility. This specific configuration focuses on fixed-access deployments, combining powerful forwarding capabilities with intelligent software features that support simplified operations, reduced downtime, and improved user experiences.

Fixed Configuration Design for Access Layer Deployment

The fixed configuration of the C9300L-48PF-4X-E allows organizations to deploy a robust switching solution without the complexity of modular hardware components. This approach reduces initial acquisition costs while still providing enterprise-grade reliability and performance. The switch is particularly suitable for campus access networks, branch offices, and distributed enterprise environments where predictable port density and consistent power delivery are required.

Its design emphasizes operational efficiency, offering predictable performance characteristics and simplified lifecycle management. The hardware is engineered to operate continuously under demanding conditions, making it well suited for always-on environments such as offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and retail infrastructures.

High-Density 48-Port Full Power over Ethernet Capability

One of the defining features of the Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E is its 48-port full PoE capability. Each Ethernet port is capable of delivering power alongside data, supporting a wide range of connected devices. This enables organizations to deploy IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, IoT sensors, and other powered endpoints without the need for separate electrical infrastructure.

Full PoE support ensures consistent power availability even for high-demand devices. This is especially valuable in environments that rely on advanced wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6 access points, or in scenarios where powered devices must operate continuously and reliably. By centralizing power delivery through the switch, organizations can simplify installation, reduce cabling complexity, and improve overall network resilience.

High-Speed Uplink Connectivity with 4x 10 Gigabit Interfaces

The Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E is equipped with four 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, providing high-speed connectivity to aggregation or core network layers. These uplinks ensure that access-layer traffic can be forwarded without congestion, even in high-bandwidth environments where multiple users and devices generate significant data flows.

High-capacity uplinks are essential for supporting modern workloads, including real-time collaboration, video conferencing, cloud-based applications, and data-intensive services. The availability of multiple 10G uplinks also enables redundancy and link aggregation, enhancing both performance and network resilience.

Scalable Bandwidth for Growing Networks

As organizational demands evolve, the need for scalable bandwidth becomes increasingly important. The uplink architecture of the Catalyst 9300L supports future growth by accommodating higher traffic volumes without requiring immediate hardware replacement. This scalability ensures that the switch remains a valuable asset throughout multiple network refresh cycles.

By providing sufficient headroom for expansion, the switch supports long-term investment protection and minimizes the risk of performance bottlenecks as network usage increases.

Network Essentials Overview

The C9300L-48PF-4X-E operates with Cisco Network Essentials software, which delivers a comprehensive set of features tailored for enterprise access networks. This licensing tier includes essential Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, enabling efficient traffic segmentation, routing, and policy enforcement across the network.

Network Essentials software supports advanced switching functions while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It is designed to meet the needs of organizations that require reliable connectivity, security, and basic automation without the complexity of advanced software tiers.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Feature Integration

The switch supports robust Layer 2 features such as VLAN segmentation, spanning tree enhancements, and link aggregation. These capabilities allow administrators to design flexible and resilient network topologies that optimize traffic flow and minimize downtime.

At the Layer 3 level, the switch provides static routing and basic dynamic routing support, enabling efficient inter-VLAN communication and integration with upstream network devices. This combination ensures smooth data transmission across diverse network segments.

Policy-Based Traffic Control

Traffic management features within the Network Essentials software allow for granular control over how data flows through the network. Administrators can prioritize critical applications, manage bandwidth utilization, and enforce security policies that align with organizational requirements.

This level of control enhances application performance and ensures that business-critical services receive the necessary resources, even during peak usage periods.

Security Features for Modern Enterprise Environments

Security is a core component of the Cisco Catalyst 9300L platform. The C9300L-48PF-4X-E incorporates multiple layers of protection to safeguard network infrastructure and connected devices. These features help mitigate threats, prevent unauthorized access, and maintain data integrity.

The switch supports secure authentication mechanisms, access control policies, and traffic inspection capabilities that work together to create a secure access-layer environment. This is particularly important in today’s threat landscape, where networks must defend against both internal and external risks.

Secure Access and Authentication Controls

Support for standards-based authentication protocols enables organizations to enforce identity-based access policies. Devices and users must be authenticated before gaining network access, reducing the risk of unauthorized connections.

Integration with centralized identity services allows for consistent policy enforcement across the network. This approach simplifies administration while enhancing overall security posture.

Network Segmentation and Isolation

VLAN-based segmentation and access control lists enable logical separation of network traffic. This isolation helps contain potential security incidents and limits the impact of compromised devices.

By segmenting traffic based on user roles, device types, or application requirements, organizations can implement a zero-trust approach that improves overall network security.

Automation, Visibility, and Simplified Management

The Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E is designed to integrate seamlessly with Cisco’s network management and automation tools. These capabilities provide enhanced visibility into network performance, device health, and traffic patterns, enabling proactive management and faster troubleshooting.

Automation features reduce the need for manual configuration, minimizing human error and accelerating deployment processes. This is especially beneficial in large or distributed networks where consistency and efficiency are critical.

Centralized Management Integration

The switch can be managed through centralized platforms that provide a unified view of the network. Administrators can configure policies, monitor performance metrics, and deploy updates from a single interface, improving operational efficiency.

Centralized management also supports faster response times to network issues, reducing downtime and improving end-user satisfaction.

Reliability, Resilience, and Operational Continuity

Reliability is a key consideration in enterprise network design, and the Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E is engineered to deliver consistent uptime. Its hardware components are designed for durability, while its software features support rapid recovery from failures.

Redundant power options and high-quality internal components contribute to long-term operational stability. This reliability ensures that critical business services remain accessible even under challenging conditions.

High Availability Features

Support for redundancy protocols and fast convergence mechanisms helps maintain network availability during component failures or maintenance activities. These features reduce service interruptions and protect productivity.

The switch’s ability to quickly adapt to changes in network topology ensures continuous operation in dynamic environments.

Use Cases Across Multiple Industries

The Cisco C9300L-48PF-4X-E is suitable for a wide range of industries and deployment scenarios. In corporate offices, it supports high-density user environments with reliable connectivity and power delivery. In educational institutions, it enables digital learning initiatives by powering access points and connected classroom devices.

Healthcare facilities benefit from its ability to support networked medical devices and secure data transmission, while retail environments can leverage its performance and reliability to support point-of-sale systems, surveillance, and guest Wi-Fi services.

Support for Emerging Technologies

The switch is designed to accommodate emerging technologies such as IoT and advanced wireless standards. Its power delivery and bandwidth capabilities ensure compatibility with future devices and applications.

This forward-looking design helps organizations stay competitive by enabling rapid adoption of new technologies without major infrastructure changes.