Cisco C9300L-48T-4X-E=: What Defines Its Role? Core Features, Use Scenarios, and Competitive Edge



​Technical Profile and Core Specifications​

The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4X-E=​​ is a ​​48-port Gigabit Ethernet Layer 3 switch​​ designed for ​​high-speed data aggregation in non-PoE environments​​. It features ​​4 x modular uplink slots (4X)​​ supporting ​​1G/10G/25G connectivity​​, making it suitable for spine-leaf topologies or high-bandwidth access layers. The ​​“E=” designation​​ signifies a ​​Cisco DNA Essentials license​​ with extended security and automation tools, targeting ​​mid-sized enterprises or budget-conscious educational institutions​​.


​Key Differentiators and Operational Benefits​

  • ​Modular Uplink Flexibility​​: The ​​4X slots​​ accept Cisco’s ​​Network Interface Modules (NIMs)​​, enabling ​​25G scalability​​ for future-proof backhaul or uplink demands.
  • ​Advanced Layer 3 Lite Features​​: Supports ​​static routing, QoS, and ACLs​​ for traffic prioritization in complex networks.
  • ​Energy Efficiency​​: Consumes ​​up to 40% less power​​ than PoE-enabled counterparts, ideal for environments prioritizing ​​sustainability and reduced operational costs​​.
  • ​DNA Essentials Licensing​​: Includes ​​Cisco Stealthwatch integration​​ for network visibility and ​​Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)​​ for threat detection.

​Optimal Deployment Scenarios​

  1. ​Educational Backbone Networks​​: Aggregates traffic across ​​campus buildings, lecture halls, and research centers​​ without PoE requirements.
  2. ​Enterprise Data Centers​​: Serves as a ​​cost-effective access-layer switch​​ for server farms or storage clusters.
  3. ​Retail or Hospitality Networks​​: Connects ​​POS systems, digital kiosks, and guest Wi-Fi controllers​​ with high-speed uplinks.

For procurement details, visit itmall.sale’s C9300L-48T-4X-E= listing.


​Comparison: C9300L-48T-4X-E= vs. C9300L-48P-4X-EDU​

Feature C9300L-48T-4X-E= C9300L-48P-4X-EDU
​Port Type​ 48x Data-Only RJ45 48x PoE+
​Power Budget​ 0W 740W
​Licensing Tier​ DNA Essentials DNA Essentials (EDU)
​Typical Use Case​ Data-Centric Aggregation High-Power IoT/Device Support

​Addressing Critical User Questions​

​Q: Does the “E=” suffix affect licensing terms?​
A: No—the ​​“E=”​​ denotes ​​DNA Essentials licensing​​, similar to other models, but verify term lengths (3/5 years) during procurement.

​Q: Can this switch support MACsec encryption?​
A: Yes, via ​​optional NIMs​​ with ​​AES-256 encryption​​ for secure uplinks.

​Q: Is stacking supported for redundancy?​
A: Yes, using ​​StackWise-480​​ for ​​480Gbps stacking bandwidth​​, enabling up to ​​8 switches in a single stack​​.

​Q: What’s the maximum operating temperature?​
A: Operates reliably in ​​0°C to 45°C​​ environments, suitable for most server rooms or closets.


​Strategic Evaluation​

The ​​C9300L-48T-4X-E=​​ is a ​​niche-optimized solution​​ for organizations prioritizing ​​scalable data throughput over PoE functionality​​. Its ​​DNA Essentials license​​ adds tangible value for threat-aware networks, while the ​​modular uplinks​​ ensure adaptability to emerging bandwidth demands. However, the lack of PoE limits its suitability for IoT-heavy deployments—organizations must weigh ​​future expansion needs​​ against potential retrofitting costs. For pure data roles, its ​​energy efficiency and stacking capabilities​​ make it a compelling alternative to legacy unmanaged switches, particularly in education or mid-market enterprise settings.

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