C1300-48FP-4X Cisco Catalyst 1300 48-port Switch

Core Architecture and Unmatched Port Density

The C1300-48FP-4X is architected for high-density access layer deployments where flexibility and future-proofing are paramount. Its port configuration is meticulously planned to handle today's traffic loads while anticipating tomorrow's bandwidth requirements.

48 Ports of Gigabit Ethernet with Full PoE+

The foundation of this switch is its 48 Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T) RJ-45 ports. Each port supports IEEE 802.3af (PoE), 802.3at (PoE+), and Cisco Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE) for ultimate compatibility. With a total PoE budget of up to 740W, the switch can deliver up to 30W per port (PoE+), sufficient to power a comprehensive array of devices simultaneously.

PoE-Powered Device Ecosystem

Wireless Access Points: Power and connect next-gen Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E APs for high-density wireless coverage.
IP Phones & Video Units: Provide reliable connectivity and power for full-featured VoIP and video conferencing systems.
PTZ Security Cameras: Support high-performance, pan-tilt-zoom cameras with high bandwidth and power needs.
Building Management Systems: Power sensors, access control readers, and digital signage.
IoT Endpoints: Connect and power a multitude of Internet of Things devices across retail, healthcare, and education.

4x10G SFP+ Uplinks for High-Speed Aggregation

To prevent uplink bottlenecks and ensure smooth traffic flow to the network core, the switch is equipped with four 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplink ports. These ports offer critical flexibility.

High-Bandwidth Uplinks: Aggregate traffic from all 48 Gigabit ports with room to spare, supporting data-intensive applications and backups.
Flexible Media: Use SFP+ modules for 10GBASE-SR/LR fiber (for long-distance runs) or 10GBASE-T copper transceivers for Cat6a/Cat7 cabling.
Stacking Capabilities: The 10G ports can be utilized for flexible stacking, creating a virtual, single management domain across multiple switches, simplifying operations.

Advanced Feature Set for a Managed Enterprise Switch

Beyond basic switching, the C1300-48FP-4X is packed with intelligent features that enhance network performance, resilience, and manageability.

Comprehensive Layer 3 Lite Routing

The switch supports static routing and Routing Information Protocol (RIP) for efficient inter-VLAN routing. This allows network administrators to segment the network into logical subnets (VLANs) for security and performance, while still allowing controlled communication between them at wire speed, eliminating the need to hairpin all traffic through a core router.

Enhanced Security and Access Control

Security is embedded at multiple levels within the switch's operating system, Cisco IOS XE.

Key Security Protocols

IEEE 802.1X: Provides port-based network access control (NAC), ensuring only authorized users and devices can access the network.
MACsec Encryption: Offers hop-by-hop encryption at the data link layer (Layer 2) to protect data in transit between the switch and connected devices, safeguarding against eavesdropping.
ACLs & Storm Control: Advanced Access Control Lists (ACLs) filter traffic based on IP/MAC addresses, while storm control prevents broadcast, multicast, or unicast traffic storms from degrading performance.
DHCP Snooping & IP Source Guard: These features work in tandem to prevent rogue DHCP server attacks and IP address spoofing, securing the network from inside threats.

Quality of Service (QoS) for Optimized Performance

In a converged network carrying voice, video, and data, QoS is non-negotiable. The Catalyst 1300 provides sophisticated classification, policing, marking, and queuing mechanisms.

Classification & Marking: Identifies and marks traffic based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), or Layer 4 (TCP/UDP ports) information.
Priority Queuing: Uses weighted tail drop (WTD) and shaped round robin (SRR) scheduling to ensure low-latency queuing for voice and video packets, guaranteeing crystal-clear communications.

Resilience and High Availability Features

Network uptime is critical. This switch incorporates several technologies to maximize availability and simplify recovery.

Flexible Stacking with StackWise Virtual

While not the traditional hardware stacking of higher-end Catalysts, the C1300 series supports StackWise Virtual logic. This allows up to four switches to be clustered over standard 10G links, creating a single management and control plane. Benefits include:

Single IP Management: Manage the entire stack as one logical device.
Cross-Stack EtherChannel: Create multi-chassis link aggregation groups (MEC) for redundant, high-bandwidth links to servers or other switches.
Stateful Switchover (SSO): In a virtual stack, if the master switch fails, a backup instantly takes over with minimal disruption.

Reliable Power and Cooling

The fanless, solid-state design ensures silent operation, making it ideal for offices, classrooms, and retail spaces. For power resilience, the switch supports an optional external redundant power supply (RPS), providing power backup in case of an internal PSU failure.

Simplified Management and Programmability

Cisco provides multiple pathways to configure, monitor, and maintain the C1300-48FP-4X, catering to both traditional network engineers and those embracing automation.

Cisco Catalyst Center and DNA Licensing

The switch is fully compatible with Cisco Catalyst Center (part of Cisco DNA). When equipped with the appropriate DNA subscription, it enables:

Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP): Automatically deploy and configure switches out of the box.
Assurance Analytics: Gain deep visibility into user and application performance with AI/ML-driven insights and troubleshooting.
Fabric Integration: Seamlessly integrate as an access node within a software-defined access (SDA) fabric for automated policy enforcement.

Traditional and Modern Interfaces

For day-to-day management, administrators can choose from:

Cisco Command-Line Interface (CLI): The industry-standard, powerful CLI for granular control and scripting.
WebUI (GUI): An intuitive, browser-based graphical interface for simplified setup and monitoring.
Programmability: Supports RESTCONF/NETCONF APIs, YANG data models, and Python scripting for integration into automated DevOps workflows.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The versatile design of the C1300-48FP-4X makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of environments.

Mid-Size Enterprise Branch Offices

As a core switch for a branch, it provides all necessary connectivity, power for IP phones and wireless, and secure, routed uplinks back to the corporate data center over its 10G fiber ports.

Modern Campus Access Layer

In educational institutions or corporate campuses, it serves as a high-density access switch in wiring closets, connecting faculty, students, and a plethora of classroom technology with robust QoS for video and collaboration tools.

Power-Over-Ethernet Intensive Environments

For facilities like hospitals, hotels, or smart buildings, its high PoE budget is critical. It can power dozens of devices—from nurse call systems and infusion pumps to digital room thermostats and LED lighting controllers—simplifying infrastructure and reducing costs.