Cisco C1300-48T-4X Catalyst 48 Ports Managed Rack-mountable Switch.

Cisco C1300-48T-4X — Compact 1U 48-Port Catalyst Switch for Modern Networks

The Cisco C1300-48T-4X is a 1U rack-mountable, managed Catalyst-class switch engineered for high-density access and aggregation layers. Designed to deliver multi-gigabit performance, flexible uplinks, and enterprise-grade resiliency, this modular switch blends energy-efficient operation with advanced Layer-3 routing and comprehensive security controls.

At a Glance: Model, Form Factor and Core Specs

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number / SKU: C1300-48T-4X
• Product Type: Managed Ethernet Switch
• Form Factor: 1U rack-mountable chassis
• Port Count: 48 × 10/100/1000BASE-T access ports + 4 × 10G SFP+ uplinks
• Power Consumption: ~50.58 W (typical)

Performance & Forwarding

Built to sustain demanding edge and small-to-medium campus environments, the C1300-48T-4X provides industry-class throughput and low-latency packet forwarding.

Key performance figures

• Switching capacity: 176 Gbps
• Forwarding rate (64-byte): 130.94 Mpps
• Packet buffer: 3 Mb
• MAC table: 16,000 entries
• Jumbo frames: Supports up to 9000 bytes

Scalability & Capacity

This model supports advanced multi-tenant and high-scale deployments through extensive VLAN, routing and aggregation capabilities.

Capacity & aggregation features

• VLAN IDs: Up to 4,093
• Link Aggregation Groups (LAG): 8 groups; 8 ports per group
• Stacking: Up to 8 units per stack
• IPv4 static routes: Up to 990
• IPv4 interfaces: 128
• ACL entries: 1,024 rules
• IGMP multicast groups: 2,000
• Priority queues: 8

Advanced Layer-3 & Routing Capabilities

The Cisco C1300 supports an extensive range of routing and multicast protocols so it can function as a robust distribution or core node in smaller networks.

Supported routing and multicast protocols

• STP, RSTP, MSTP, PVST+, RPVST+
• Static IP routing, RIP-2, Policy-Based Routing (PBR)
• IGMP v1/v2/v3, IGMP Snooping/Querier/Proxy
• MLD, MLDv2, MLD Snooping/Proxy
• IPv4 and IPv6 dual-stack support (CIDR)

Security, Access Control and Threat Protection

Security is comprehensive — from port-level controls to DHCP/ARP inspection and centralized authentication. The platform guards against a wide range of layer-2 and layer-3 risks while enabling policy enforcement.

Security & access features

• 802.1X network access control
• MAC address authentication and port security
• DHCP Snooping, DHCPv6 Guard, DHCP Relay/Server
• ARP Inspection, IP Source Guard
• BPDU Guard, Root Guard, Loopguard
• Dos attack prevention, broadcast/multicast/unicast storm control
• ACL support with up to 1,024 rules and policy enforcement

Management, Observability and Automation

Operators get flexible local and remote management options plus telemetry and zero-touch provisioning to simplify large deployments.

Management interfaces and monitoring

• CLI (console & SSH), Web UI (HTTPS/HTTP)
• SNMP v2c / v3, RMON, Syslog
• Telnet, SCP, TFTP, ICMP
• Zero-touch deployment (Cisco ngPNP) and persistent boot integrity
• sFlow, QoS (DSCP/TOS), traffic mirroring (RSPAN), LLDP / LLDP-MED

Resilience, High Availability & QoS

Designed for always-on environments, the switch provides redundancy, traffic shaping and prioritization tools to keep mission-critical apps responsive.

Availability & traffic control

• High availability constructs and redundant protocols
• QoS: priority queues, WRR, DSCP/CoS mapping and TCP congestion handling
• iSCSI optimizations and Path MTU discovery
• Hardware features to prevent head-of-line blocking and ensure fair queuing

Physical Interfaces & Expandability

The C1300-48T-4X provides abundant copper access ports with 10G SFP+ uplinks and dedicated management ports for console and USB-C maintenance.

Ports and physical connectivity

• 48 × 1000BASE-T RJ-45 access ports (10/100/1000 Mbps)
• 4 × 10GBASE-X SFP+ uplink slots
• 1 × Console RJ-45 and 1 × USB-C console port for local management

Hardware & System Resources

Powered by a modern Arm CPU and DDR4 memory, the platform is sized for rapid control-plane operations and stable forwarding performance.

System hardware

• Processor: ARM-based 1.4 GHz
• Memory: 1 GB DDR4 SDRAM
• Flash: 512 MB
• Status LEDs: System, Link/Activity/Speed indicators
• Cooling: Single serviceable fan

Power, Efficiency & Environmental

This model includes an internal AC power supply with wide voltage tolerance and supports Cisco energy-saving features for greener operation.

Power specifications

• Power type: Internal power supply
• Input voltage: AC 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz
• Energy features: IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet), EEE and eco-button controls

Standards Compliance & Interoperability

The switch adheres to prevailing IEEE and Ethernet standards for reliable interoperability in multi-vendor environments.

Standards supported

• IEEE 802.1X, 802.1Q, 802.1p, 802.1D/W/S
• IEEE 802.3 family (802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3z, 802.3ae, 802.3an)
• IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet), 802.3ad (LACP)

Operational Features & Notable Services

The C1300 series packs a long list of practical features for administrators, security teams and application owners alike.

Selected operational capabilities

• Zero-touch provisioning and Cisco Plug-and-Play support
• Port security, MAC-based and protocol-based VLAN support
• Private VLANs, guest VLANs, Auto Surveillance VLAN and QoS shaping
• DHCP relay/server, bootP, DNS client, time-based port operation and cable length detection
• Boot integrity, chip guard, and other platform protections

Why Choose the C1300-48T-4X?

For organizations needing a compact, performant access switch with enterprise routing, strong security, and straightforward management, the C1300-48T-4X presents a balanced choice. It is particularly well suited for campus access, small aggregation, branch offices, and environments where power efficiency and dense copper access are priorities.

Quick buying considerations

• Choose the C1300-48T-4X when you require 48 full Gigabit RJ-45 ports with 10G uplink headroom.
• Ideal for deployments that need Layer-3 services without the footprint or cost of larger chassis systems.
• Consider stacking multiple units (up to 8) to expand capacity while keeping management unified.

Included / Optional Items to confirm before purchase

• Verify if transceivers (SFP/SFP+) are included — uplinks typically require separate SFP+ modules.
• Confirm warranty, software licensing (if applicable) and support packages based on your procurement needs.
• Check power cord region compatibility for AC input requirements.

Search-friendly keywords to help discovery

• Cisco C1300 switch 48 ports
• C1300-48T-4X Catalyst managed switch
• 1U rackmount 10G SFP+ uplink Ethernet switch
• Layer 3 gigabit access switch Cisco
• energy efficient campus access switch

Product overview: Cisco C1300-48T-4X Catalyst Ethernet Switch

The Cisco C1300-48T-4X Catalyst Ethernet Switch is a high-density, rack-mountable networking platform designed for modern enterprise access and aggregation layers. Built to support 48 copper RJ-45 ports (10/100/1000Base-T) and four 10GbE uplinks (10GBase-X), this 1U switch provides a feature-rich, Layer-3 capable solution with modular options, advanced security, and flexible connectivity for both optical fiber and twisted-pair cabling environments. With typical power consumption around 50.58 W, the C1300 family balances performance and energy efficiency for branch offices, campus edge deployments, and converged voice/data/video networks.

Key selling points

• 48 Gigabit copper access ports (10/100/1000Base-T) supporting PoE/PoE+ options on designated SKUs.
• Four 10G SFP+ / 10GBase-X uplinks for high-speed aggregation, virtualization, and data center connectivity.
• Layer-3 routing features including static routes, OSPF, EIGRP (where licensed), and advanced ACLs for segmentation.
• Modular architecture permitting flexible transceiver choices (SFP/SFP+), optical fiber or DAC connectivity.
• Low-profile 1U design, ideal for 19" rack environments with simple cable management and front-access LEDs.
• Power consumption optimized around 50.58 W, making it energy-efficient for always-on enterprise use.

Hardware specifications and physical characteristics

Ports & connectivity

The C1300-48T-4X ships with 48 RJ-45 ports delivering 1 Gbps per access port and 4 x 10GBase-X SFP+ slots for uplink or stacking purposes. The switch accepts both optical SFP+/SFP transceivers and direct attach copper (DAC) cables, supporting fiber multimode and singlemode modules depending on deployment needs.

Supported cable types

• Twisted pair (UTP/STP): Cat5e/6/6a recommended for 1 Gbps operation; Cat6A preferred for noise immunity and future-proofing.
• Optical fiber: LC SFP/SFP+ modules for 10G connections; multimode (OM3/OM4) for short reach, singlemode for long-haul links.
• Direct Attach Copper (DAC): Passive and active DACs for short, cost-effective 10G uplinks within racks.

Form factor, rackmount and cooling

Designed as a 1U, rack-mountable chassis, the switch fits standard 19″ racks and provides front-accessible port density with rear exhaust and efficient internal airflow. Quiet fans and thermal management make it suitable for both data center top-of-rack (ToR) and office telecom closets.

Power profile

Typical power consumption of approximately 50.58 W (non-PoE SKU) makes the C1300 family energy-conscious. Optional PoE/PoE+ SKUs increase the power envelope but provide significant advantages for campus deployments powering IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras. Built-in power monitoring and graceful PoE budget management help administrators avoid over-provisioning.

Software capabilities: Layer 2 and Layer 3 features

Layer 2 switching functionality

• VLAN support (access, trunk modes) with flexible VLAN assignment.
• 802.1Q tagging for multi-tenant and segmented environments.
• Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and MSTP for loop prevention and convergence optimization.
• Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for multi-link redundancy and increased throughput.
• MAC address table management with dynamic learning, static entries and port security.

Layer 3 routing & advanced services

The C1300-48T-4X provides robust Layer-3 capabilities suitable for small to medium access/aggregation roles:

• IPv4 and IPv6 routing
• Static routing and dynamic routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP as supported by platform license)
• Inter-VLAN routing for east-west traffic through hardware forwarding
• Policy-based routing, multicast routing (PIM) and VRF-lite for tenant separation

Quality of Service (QoS)

Comprehensive QoS features support differentiated services across converged networks — ensuring voice and video receive preferential treatment over best-effort traffic. Capabilities include shaping, policing, classification (DSCP), priority queuing, and dynamic QoS policies for application-aware performance.

Security and access control

Authentication, authorization, and accounting

Supports industry-standard AAA (RADIUS/TACACS+) as well as 802.1X port-based access control to authenticate devices before granting network access. Integration with identity services enables role-based policies tied to user and device attributes.

Segmentation and threat protection

• Access Control Lists (ACLs) for fine-grained traffic filtering at L2/L3 layers.
• Private VLANs to isolate endpoints within the same subnet.
• MACsec support (where available and licensed) for link-level encryption on fiber or compatible copper links.
• Dynamic ARP inspection (DAI), DHCP snooping and IP source guard to reduce spoofing and man-in-the-middle risk.

Advanced security services

Integration with Cisco’s broader security portfolio (such as Secure Access by Cisco Identity Services Engine and Cisco Umbrella) enables a layered defense strategy combining device posture, threat intelligence and network enforcement.

Management and orchestration

Local and remote management

Administrators can manage the Cisco C1300 by console (CLI), SSH, and web-based GUI. REST APIs and SNMP v2/v3 provide programmatic control and monitoring. The switch supports telemetry-based streaming and JSON-formatted data for modern monitoring workflows.

Integration with Cisco management platforms

• Cisco DNA Center: Plug-and-play provisioning, policy automation, and assurance (depending on licensing).
• Cisco Meraki / Cloud-managed options: Cloud orchestration available on select models for zero-touch provisioning and remote troubleshooting.
• Third-party orchestration: Standard APIs and open protocols allow integration with Ansible, Puppet, and other IT automation tools.

Diagnostics and visibility

Built-in diagnostics include cable and SFP diagnostics, per-port counters, flow sampling (NetFlow/IPFIX) and event logging. These features accelerate troubleshooting, capacity planning and security incident response.

Deployment scenarios & use cases

Campus access layer

The C1300-48T-4X excels as an access-layer switch in campus wiring closets, providing high port density for user devices and APs, with 10G uplinks to the distribution or core. Layer-3 functions enable inter-VLAN routing at the edge, reducing east-west traffic through the core.

Branch office aggregation

As a branch aggregation device, the C1300 consolidates multiple access switches and delivers WAN connectivity via 10G uplinks. Its small form factor and low power draw make it ideal for space-constrained branch POPs and remote sites.

VoIP, video and wireless convergence

With advanced QoS and optional PoE support, the C1300 supports converged services — powering IP telephony endpoints, high-density wireless access points, and PoE cameras while maintaining predictable performance.

Edge data center / ToR for small deployments

For entry-level ToR deployments, the 10G uplink density, low latency switching and Layer-3 features make the C1300 practical in small server racks or hyperconverged clusters where cost-efficiency matters.

Optical fiber vs twisted pair: choosing the right cabling

Twisted pair (copper) considerations

Use twisted pair (Cat5e/6/6A) for standard workstation and PoE device connectivity. Copper is cost-effective up to 1 Gbps per port and simplifies endpoint cabling. For noise-sensitive environments, shielded twisted pair (STP) or Cat6A is recommended.

Optical fiber considerations

Optical SFP/SFP+ modules provide reach and immunity to electromagnetic interference, ideal for uplinks between buildings, distribution closets, or long rack-to-rack links. Choose multimode (OM3/OM4) for short 10G runs and singlemode for long-haul connections.

When to choose which

• Short run, low cost: Copper (access ports)
• Long run, higher bandwidth, EMI-prone areas: Fiber
• Short 10G within rack: DAC for cost-effective connectivity

Redundancy, resiliency and high availability

Link and path redundancy

• LACP for multi-path uplinks and automated failover.
• Dynamic routing (OSPF) for resilient path selection and fast reconvergence.
• Spanning Tree variants with rapid convergence to avoid loops while maximizing link utilization.

Switch-level resiliency features

Non-stop forwarding (NSF), stateful switchover (on supported platforms), and graceful restart protocols minimize session disruption during software updates or reboots. Scheduled maintenance windows and in-service software upgrades (where supported) further reduce downtime.

Performance benchmarks and sizing guidance

Throughput and forwarding

The C1300 family is designed for line-rate forwarding on all ports. With hardware-based switching and dedicated ASICs, it supports full-duplex gigabit access on all 48 ports while maintaining low-latency forwarding for 10G uplinks.

How to size for your network

1. Estimate average and peak per-port traffic (e.g., 50–100 Mbps per user, higher for video-heavy users).
2. Plan uplink oversubscription: aim for 1:1 to 4:1 oversubscription depending on application criticality.
3. Consider QoS and traffic engineering for latency-sensitive applications (voice, video, UC).
4. Factor in future growth: choose Cat6A or fiber backbone if anticipating 10G to the access layer.

Licensing, support and lifecycle

Licensing model

Cisco typically offers multiple software tiers — base feature sets with optional feature licenses that unlock advanced routing, security or management capabilities. Verify SKU licensing to ensure features such as advanced routing, DNA Center integrations, or security modules are included or require add-ons.

Support & warranty

Standard hardware warranties apply; Cisco offers SmartNet and other support contracts for rapid hardware replacement, software updates, and proactive alerts. For mission-critical deployments, consider advanced support levels that include next-business-day or 4-hour replacement.

End-of-life & upgrade paths

Check Cisco’s lifecycle announcements for the C1300 line when planning multi-year deployments. The modular nature of uplink ports and transceivers facilitates in-place upgrades of optics without wholesale chassis replacement.

Migration & replacement planning

Replacing legacy switches

When replacing older access switches with the C1300, plan for configuration migration, VLAN and ACL mappings, and QoS policies. Use automated tools for bulk configuration pushes and validate with pilot racks before full rollout.

Coexistence with existing Cisco ecosystems

The C1300 integrates smoothly with Cisco cores, distribution layers and management platforms. Maintain consistent naming conventions, SNMP settings, and staging labs to mirror production policies.

Environmental considerations and compliance

Energy efficiency

With a measured power consumption of ~50.58 W (varies by SKU), the C1300 minimizes operational costs in always-on deployments. Intelligent fan control and power-saver modes for PoE devices further reduce consumption.

Standards and certifications

Compliant with industry standards for Ethernet switching, electromagnetic emissions and safety. Check product documentation for regulatory compliance relevant to your geography (CE, FCC, RoHS, WEEE, etc.).

Comparisons & alternatives

Within Cisco portfolio

• Compared to higher-end Catalyst 9K series: C1300 is optimized for cost-effective access/aggregation rather than massive scale and feature density.
• Compared to Cisco Meraki: Meraki offers cloud-managed simplicity; C1300 offers more granular local control and potentially lower recurring cloud costs depending on licensing.

Third-party alternatives

Other vendors offer similar 48-port, 10G-uplink switches. When comparing, evaluate total cost of ownership (support, licensing), ecosystem integration, and feature parity for Layer-3 routing, security and orchestration.

Typical accessories and complementary hardware

Recommended transceivers and cabling

• 10G SFP+ SR/LR modules for multimode/singlemode fiber uplinks.
• Cat6A patch panels and shielded cabling for PoE deployments.
• DAC cables for intra-rack 10G connectivity to servers or aggregation switches.

Racking, cable management and power

Standard 19" rackmount kits, blanking panels, cable management arms and PDUs with monitoring are recommended to simplify installation and future maintenance. For PoE SKUs, ensure PDUs provide adequate headroom.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is the C1300 suitable for small data centers?

Yes — for small, cost-sensitive ToR roles where compact form factor, 10G uplinks and Layer-3 features are sufficient. Larger data centers may require higher-density Catalyst switches with advanced throughput.

Can I mix optical fiber and twisted pair on the same switch?

Absolutely — copper ports handle twisted-pair endpoints while SFP+/SFP uplinks accept fiber modules. Plan transceiver types and multimode/singlemode selection according to link distances.

Does the switch support PoE?

Some C1300 SKUs include PoE/PoE+ capabilities. Confirm the exact SKU to determine PoE budget and per-port power allocation.

How do I manage firmware upgrades?

Firmware upgrades are performed via the CLI, web GUI or centralized platforms like Cisco DNA Center. Follow Cisco’s recommended upgrade paths and test in a staging environment before production rollout.

Procurement checklist: what to order

• Correct C1300-48T-4X SKU (confirm PoE vs non-PoE)
• License pack for required Layer-3 or management features
• 10G SFP+/SFP transceivers or DAC cables for uplinks
• Rackmount kit and rails (if not included)
• Support contract (SmartNet or equivalent) and spare optics

Best practices for deployment

Pre-deployment

• Inventory all endpoints and estimate PoE budgets.
• Plan VLANs, QoS policies and access controls in a design document.
• Test transceivers and cabling using fiber and cable testers.

Post-deployment

• Enable monitoring and telemetry to detect anomalies early.
• Perform a staged firmware upgrade regime and backups for configurations.
• Conduct periodic security audits and patch management.

Customer scenarios & real-world examples

University campus

A university can use C1300 switches in building closets to aggregate dorm and classroom connections, powering Wi-Fi APs and VoIP phones while routing student and faculty VLANs for security and policy separation.

Retail chain with distributed branches

Retail branches can leverage the C1300 in each store for POS terminals, IP cameras and wireless infrastructure — centrally managed via cloud or on-prem tooling and connected to headquarters via 10G or bonded WAN links.

Professional services office

Consulting firms with intensive video conferencing needs benefit from QoS prioritization on the C1300, ensuring meeting traffic remains clear while keeping uplink latency low.

Technical references and documentation

Where to find official resources

Refer to Cisco’s product documentation, hardware installation guides, and release notes for exact configuration commands, supported transceiver lists and end-of-life schedules. Maintain a copy of the configuration and serial numbers for warranty and support interactions.

Closing implementation notes

Customization and future-proofing

Choose uplink optics and cabling that match your expected growth. If you anticipate 25G/40G migrations, structure your backbone and patch panels for easier upgrades. Maintain a clean labeling scheme and documentation for each port and VLAN to reduce troubleshooting time.

Final tips

• Validate SKU specifics (PoE, licensing, optics compatibility) before purchase.
• Plan redundancies for uplinks and power sources to meet SLA targets.
• Use centralized management to reduce operational overhead and accelerate rollouts.

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