In-Depth Technical Analysis and Pricing of Cisco C1000-48P-4X-L Switch

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C1000-48P-4X-L is a robust, enterprise-grade Layer 2 managed switch designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern network infrastructures. Positioned within Cisco’s Catalyst 1000 series, this model is engineered to deliver high-performance connectivity, advanced security, and simplified management for small to medium-sized businesses and branch office environments.

The C1000-48P-4X-L variant specifically features 48 Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports, enabling seamless integration of IP-based devices such as VoIP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras without the need for additional power supplies. Complementing these ports are 4 high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, facilitating high-throughput aggregation and backbone connectivity.

This switch is designed to provide a balance between cost-efficiency and enterprise-class features, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking reliable, scalable, and secure network access with simplified deployment and management.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Architecture

The Cisco C1000-48P-4X-L is built on a fixed-configuration hardware platform optimized for Layer 2 switching with limited Layer 3 static routing capabilities. The switch chassis supports 48 RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps ports with full PoE+ (802.3at) support, delivering up to 30W per port and a total PoE power budget of approximately 740W. This power budget is sufficient to support a wide range of powered devices (PDs) simultaneously.

The four 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports utilize SFP+ modules, allowing flexible fiber or copper connectivity options depending on network design requirements. These uplinks enable high-bandwidth aggregation to core switches or data center infrastructure.

2.2 Performance Metrics

The switch’s switching capacity is rated at 176 Gbps, with a forwarding rate of up to 130.95 million packets per second (Mpps). This throughput ensures low latency and high packet forwarding efficiency, critical for latency-sensitive applications such as voice and video.

The MAC address table supports up to 16,000 entries, accommodating large numbers of connected devices and enabling efficient Layer 2 forwarding. The switch also supports up to 4,096 VLANs, providing extensive segmentation capabilities for network security and traffic management.

2.3 Software and Protocol Support

Running Cisco IOS XE software, the C1000-48P-4X-L supports a comprehensive suite of Layer 2 features including Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP). Static routing capabilities are limited to basic Layer 3 static routes, making this switch primarily a Layer 2 device with some Layer 3 functionality.

Security features include 802.1X port-based authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, and DHCP Snooping, which collectively protect the network from unauthorized access and common Layer 2 attacks.

2.4 Physical and Environmental Specifications

The switch is designed for rack-mount deployment with a 1RU form factor, measuring approximately 44.5 cm in width, 25.5 cm in depth, and 4.4 cm in height. It operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 45°C and supports standard operating humidity levels of 10% to 85% non-condensing.

Power redundancy is not natively supported on this model; however, the internal power supply unit is designed for high efficiency and reliability, compliant with Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standards.

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 Advanced PoE+ Capabilities

The C1000-48P-4X-L’s 48 PoE+ ports deliver up to 30W per port, supporting a wide array of powered devices including IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras. The high PoE power budget enables centralized power management, reducing the need for separate power adapters and simplifying cabling infrastructure.

Intelligent PoE management features allow administrators to prioritize power allocation, schedule power cycles, and monitor power consumption in real-time, optimizing energy usage and ensuring critical devices remain powered during peak demand.

3.2 High-Speed Uplink Flexibility

The inclusion of four 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplink ports provides significant bandwidth headroom for aggregation and uplink connectivity. This capability is essential for environments with high data throughput requirements, such as multimedia streaming, large file transfers, and virtualization workloads.

The modular nature of the SFP+ ports allows for diverse media types, including multimode and single-mode fiber or direct-attach copper cables, enabling flexible deployment scenarios across campus or data center networks.

3.3 Simplified Management and Automation

Cisco IOS XE software provides a familiar command-line interface (CLI) and supports Cisco DNA Center integration for centralized network management and automation. This enables network administrators to deploy, monitor, and troubleshoot the switch remotely with ease.

Additional management options include Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Cisco Network Assistant, and web-based GUI, catering to diverse operational preferences and skill levels.

3.4 Robust Security Features

Security is paramount in modern networks, and the C1000-48P-4X-L incorporates multiple layers of protection. 802.1X port-based authentication ensures only authorized devices can access the network. Dynamic ARP Inspection and IP Source Guard prevent spoofing attacks