In-Depth Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4G-E Datasheet and Pricing Analysis for Enterprise Networks

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4G-E is a high-performance, stackable enterprise-class access layer switch designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern campus networks. As part of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series, the C9300L model offers a cost-effective, feature-rich solution optimized for secure, scalable, and resilient network deployments. Engineered to support advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, this switch is ideal for organizations seeking to enhance network agility, security, and operational efficiency.

The “L” in the model number denotes the “Lite” variant of the Catalyst 9300 series, which balances cost and performance by providing essential features without some of the higher-end capabilities found in the full 9300 models. The C9300L-48T-4G-E specifically includes 48 fixed 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports and 4 x 1G SFP uplink ports, making it suitable for dense access deployments in enterprise branch offices, campus wiring closets, and mid-sized data centers.

Cisco’s Catalyst 9300L switches are built on the Cisco IOS XE operating system, delivering programmability, automation, and advanced security features. The C9300L-48T-4G-E supports Cisco DNA (Digital Network Architecture) Essentials, enabling simplified network management and policy enforcement through Cisco DNA Center.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4G-E is a fixed-configuration switch with the following hardware characteristics:

• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 ports (PoE/PoE+ not supported on this model)
• Uplink Interfaces: 4 x 1G SFP ports for fiber or copper uplinks
• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps (non-blocking architecture)
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 130.95 Mpps (million packets per second)
• Stacking: Supports Cisco StackWise-160 technology with up to 8 switches per stack
• 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)
• Power Supply: Dual redundant, field-replaceable power supplies (optional)
• Fans: Front-to-back cooling with redundant fans for high availability

2.2 Software and Protocol Support

The C9300L-48T-4G-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 (MSTP)
• Layer 3 routing protocols: OSPFv2/v3, EIGRP, BGP, RIP, VRF-lite
• Quality of Service (QoS): Classification, marking, shaping, policing, and queuing mechanisms
• Security features: 802.1X port-based authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, DHCP Snooping
• Network automation and programmability: NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC, Cisco DNA Center integration
• Multicast support: PIM Sparse/Dense Mode, IGMP Snooping
• StackWise-160 technology for high availability and simplified management

2.3 Environmental and Compliance Specifications

The C9300L-48T-4G-E is designed for enterprise environments with the following environmental tolerances:

• 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 90% non-condensing
• Compliance: UL, CE, FCC Class A, RoHS, WEEE

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 High-Density Gigabit Access

With 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the C9300L-48T-4G-E provides ample connectivity for high-density user environments such as classrooms, open office spaces, and branch offices. The inclusion of 4 dedicated 1G SFP uplink ports allows flexible fiber or copper uplinks to distribution or core layers, ensuring scalable network design.

3.2 StackWise-160 Technology for Scalability and Resilience

Cisco StackWise-160 technology enables up to eight C9300L switches to be interconnected and managed as a single logical unit. This stacking capability provides:

• Increased port density and bandwidth aggregation
• Redundancy and failover capabilities to minimize downtime
• S