C9400-LC-48HN++=: Can This Cisco Line Card Solve High-Density Enterprise Network Demands?

Technical Overview of the C9400-LC-48HN++=

The ​​C9400-LC-48HN++=​​ is a ​​48-port multi-gigabit line card​​ designed for Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series modular switches. Tailored for ​​high-density campus and enterprise edge deployments​​, it combines ​​48x 1G/2.5G/5G BASE-T ports​​ with ​​12x 40G/100G QSFP28 uplinks​​, delivering flexibility for environments requiring massive device connectivity and high-speed backbone links.

Core Capabilities for Enterprise Networks

​​1. Multi-Gigabit Port Density​​
The ​​48 multi-gig ports​​ support speeds up to 5G, ideal for modern Wi-Fi 6/6E access points, IoT devices, and IP phones. This density eliminates the need for multiple access-layer switches, reducing rack space and power costs.

​​2. High-Power PoE++ for Device Aggregation​​
With ​​90W per port​​ via ​​Cisco UPOE+​​, the line card powers devices like PTZ cameras, digital signage, and advanced collaboration systems across large campuses or smart buildings—without external power injectors.

​​3. Hyperscale Uplink Capacity​​
The ​​12x 40G/100G uplinks​​ (configurable as 4x 25G or 2x 50G via breakout cables) ensure seamless connectivity to core switches or cloud gateways, supporting bandwidth-intensive applications like video surveillance analytics or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).

​​4. Enterprise-Grade Security​​
Integrated ​​MACsec encryption​​ (256-bit) and ​​Cisco TrustSec​​ enforce policy-based micro-segmentation, protecting sensitive data in industries like healthcare, education, or retail.

Addressing Key Deployment Questions

​​Q: How does it integrate with existing Catalyst 9400 chassis?​​
The line card slots into any Catalyst 9400 Series slot, supporting ​​hot-swappable installation​​ and interoperability with other modules (e.g., 100G or PoE++ cards) within the same chassis.

​​Q: Can it handle legacy 1G and modern 5G devices simultaneously?​​
Yes. ​​Auto-sensing NBASE-T technology​​ allows mixed-speed device connectivity on the same card, simplifying phased upgrades from 1G to multi-gig infrastructures.

​​Q: What cooling/power requirements apply?​​
The card’s ​​variable-speed fans​​ and ​​front-to-back airflow​​ optimize thermal efficiency in Catalyst 9400 chassis, while ​​3.5kW power supply support​​ ensures stable PoE++ delivery across all ports.

​​Q: Is automation supported?​​
With ​​Cisco DNA Center integration​​, the card enables zero-touch provisioning, AI-driven network insights, and automated policy enforcement for large-scale deployments.

Where to Source the C9400-LC-48HN++=

For availability and volume discounts, visit the [“C9400-LC-48HN++=” link (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Confirm compatibility with your Catalyst 9400 chassis and review Cisco DNA licensing tiers (Essentials/Advantage) for feature access.

Final Evaluation

After assessing its design and real-world applications, the ​​C9400-LC-48HN++=​​ isn’t merely a line card—it’s a linchpin for enterprises juggling device sprawl and bandwidth demands. Its ability to consolidate power, speed, and security into a single chassis slot makes it a pragmatic choice for organizations prioritizing operational simplicity and future readiness. For those scaling smart campuses or IoT ecosystems, this module is a compelling answer to the “do more with less” challenge.