Cisco Catalyst C9200-48T-E Datasheet and Pricing Guide: Expert Technical Overview for Enterprise Networks

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9200-48T-E is a flagship fixed-configuration Layer 2 and Layer 3 enterprise switch designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern campus and branch networks. As part of the Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series, the C9200-48T-E delivers advanced security, high availability, and programmability features, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking a scalable, resilient, and secure network foundation.

Engineered with Cisco’s latest innovations in hardware and software, the C9200-48T-E supports up to 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, enabling seamless connectivity for a wide range of devices including IP phones, wireless access points, and IoT endpoints. The switch is powered by Cisco IOS XE, providing a robust and flexible operating system that supports automation, analytics, and advanced security protocols.

This model is tailored for enterprise campus access layers, offering high throughput, low latency, and comprehensive Layer 3 routing capabilities. It supports advanced features such as Cisco StackWise-160 technology for stacking up to eight switches, delivering up to 160 Gbps of stack bandwidth, which simplifies management and enhances redundancy.

2. Product Specifications

Hardware Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst C9200-48T-E is a fixed-configuration switch with the following key hardware specifications:

• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports (RJ-45)
• Uplink Interfaces: 4 x 1G SFP or 2.5G/5G/10G SFP+ (depending on model variant and optics)
• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps (non-blocking)
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 130.95 Mpps (million packets per second)
• Stacking: Cisco StackWise-160 technology supporting up to 8 switches in a stack
• Power Supply: Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies (optional)
• PoE Support: PoE+ (802.3at) with up to 740W total PoE power budget
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 15.5 inches (4.4 x 44.5 x 39.4 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs)
• Cooling: Front-to-back airflow with variable speed fans

Software and Protocol Support

The C9200-48T-E runs Cisco IOS XE, a modular operating system that supports:

• Advanced Layer 2 switching protocols: 802.1Q VLANs, Private VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid STP, Multiple STP (MST)
• Layer 3 routing protocols: OSPFv2/v3, EIGRP, BGP, RIP, VRF-lite, static routing
• Security features: 802.1X port-based authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, DHCP Snooping, MACsec encryption (hardware-based)
• Quality of Service (QoS): Classification, marking, policing, shaping, and queuing for voice, video, and data traffic prioritization
• Automation and programmability: NETCONF, RESTCONF, Cisco DNA Center integration, Cisco Embedded Event Manager (EEM), Python scripting
• High availability: StackWise-160 with Stateful Switchover (SSO), In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) support

Environmental and Compliance Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst C9200-48T-E is designed for enterprise environments with the following environmental ratings:

• Operating temperature: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
• Storage temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
• Operating humidity: 10% to 85% non-condensing
• Compliance: UL, CE, FCC Class A, RoHS, WEEE

3. Features and Benefits

Enterprise-Grade Security

Security is paramount in today’s network environments, and the Cisco Catalyst C9200-48T-E addresses this with a comprehensive suite of features. Hardware-based MACsec encryption ensures data confidentiality on all wired links, protecting against man-in-the-middle attacks and eavesdropping. The switch supports IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control, enabling secure authentication of devices before granting network access.

Additional security mechanisms such as Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, and DHCP Snooping prevent common Layer 2 attacks like ARP spoofing and IP address spoofing. Integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) allows for centralized policy enforcement and segmentation, enhancing network visibility and control.

High Availability and Resiliency

The C9200-48T-E supports Cisco StackWise-160 technology, enabling up to eight switches to operate as a single logical