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

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4X-E is a high-performance, stackable enterprise-class switch designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern campus and branch network infrastructures. As part of Cisco’s renowned Catalyst 9300 Series, the C9300L-48T-4X-E model delivers advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities, robust security features, and flexible connectivity options, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking scalable, secure, and resilient network solutions.

Engineered for digital transformation initiatives, the C9300L-48T-4X-E supports Cisco’s intent-based networking architecture, enabling automation, analytics, and enhanced network visibility. This switch is optimized for high-density access deployments, offering 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) support and four 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, ensuring seamless integration with aggregation and core layers.

The “L” designation in the model number indicates a cost-optimized variant of the Catalyst 9300 platform, providing essential enterprise features with a focus on affordability without compromising Cisco’s hallmark reliability and performance. The “E” suffix denotes the inclusion of the Enterprise Services software license, unlocking advanced Layer 3 routing protocols and enhanced security capabilities.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Architecture

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4X-E is built on Cisco’s Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) 2.0 ASIC, delivering wire-speed forwarding and advanced programmability. The switch chassis supports a fixed configuration with 48 RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps ports and 4 fixed 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplink ports. The device supports stacking via Cisco StackWise-160 technology, enabling up to eight switches to operate as a single logical unit with a combined bandwidth of 160 Gbps.

Key hardware specifications include:

• Switching Capacity: 160 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 95.2 Mpps (million packets per second)
• MAC Address Table Size: 32,000 entries
• IPv4/IPv6 Routing Table Size: 16,000 routes
• DRAM: 4 GB
• Flash Memory: 16 GB
• Power Supply: Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies (optional)
• PoE Budget: Up to 740W total PoE+ power budget

2.2 Port and Interface Details

The 48 fixed ports support 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds with auto-negotiation and full PoE+ (802.3at) support, enabling connectivity for IP phones, wireless access points, and other powered devices. The four fixed 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplink ports provide high-bandwidth aggregation capabilities, supporting both fiber and copper transceivers for flexible deployment scenarios.

2.3 Software and Licensing

The C9300L-48T-4X-E ships with the Cisco IOS XE Software, a modular operating system that supports advanced networking features, programmability, and security. The “E” license (Enterprise Services) enables:

• Advanced Layer 3 routing protocols including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and IS-IS
• Enhanced security features such as MACsec encryption and TrustSec
• Flexible NetFlow for traffic analytics
• Segment Routing and MPLS support
• StackWise Virtual for high availability and redundancy

2.4 Physical and Environmental Specifications

The switch is designed for standard 19-inch rack mounting with a 1RU form factor. It operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 45°C and supports front-to-back airflow for efficient cooling in data center and wiring closet environments.

• Dimensions: 44.5 cm (W) x 44.5 cm (D) x 4.45 cm (H)
• Weight: Approximately 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs)
• Power Input: 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 85% non-condensing

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 High-Density Gigabit Access with PoE+

The C9300L-48T-4X-E provides 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with full PoE+ support, delivering up to 30W per port. This capability is critical for powering a wide range of endpoint devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, and IoT sensors without requiring separate power infrastructure. The high PoE budget of up to 740W ensures simultaneous powering of multiple devices with headroom for future expansion.

3.2 Advanced Layer 3 Routing and Security

With the Enterprise Services