In-Depth Technical Analysis and Pricing of Cisco C1000-48T-4G-L Switch

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C1000-48T-4G-L is a fixed-configuration, enterprise-class Layer 2 and Layer 3 access switch designed to meet the demands of small to medium-sized business networks and branch office deployments. As part of Cisco’s Catalyst 1000 series, this model offers a robust, secure, and scalable solution optimized for simplified network management and high availability. The C1000-48T-4G-L is engineered to deliver reliable connectivity with 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 Gigabit SFP uplink ports, providing flexible options for network expansion and integration.

This switch is tailored for environments requiring high port density, energy efficiency, and advanced security features without the complexity of enterprise-grade modular switches. It supports Cisco’s IOS Software, enabling a familiar command-line interface (CLI) and a comprehensive feature set that includes essential Layer 2 switching capabilities, static routing, and limited Layer 3 dynamic routing protocols.

The C1000-48T-4G-L is ideal for organizations seeking a cost-effective, reliable, and easy-to-manage access layer switch that supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) for IP telephony, wireless access points, and other endpoint devices. Its compact form factor and fanless design (in some models) contribute to quiet operation and reduced operational expenses.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Physical and Hardware Specifications

The Cisco C1000-48T-4G-L switch features a fixed 1RU form factor with dimensions approximately 44.5 cm (17.5 inches) in width, 28 cm (11 inches) in depth, and 4.4 cm (1.75 inches) in height. It weighs roughly 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs), making it suitable for standard 19-inch rack mounting or desktop placement.

The switch provides 48 RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports supporting auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDIX, ensuring seamless connectivity with a wide range of network devices. Additionally, it includes 4 dedicated Gigabit SFP uplink ports, allowing for fiber optic or copper uplink flexibility depending on the SFP transceiver modules installed.

Power input is via an internal power supply unit supporting 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz, with power consumption optimized for energy efficiency. The device supports Cisco EnergyWise technology to reduce power usage during off-peak hours.

2.2 Performance and Switching Capacity

The C1000-48T-4G-L delivers a switching capacity of 104 Gbps, with a forwarding rate of up to 77.38 million packets per second (Mpps). This throughput ensures low latency and high performance for data-intensive applications and converged voice and video traffic.

The switch supports a MAC address table size of 16,000 entries, enabling it to handle large numbers of connected devices without performance degradation. The IPv4 and IPv6 routing tables support up to 32 static routes and limited dynamic routing capabilities, including RIP and static routing.

2.3 Software and Protocol Support

Running Cisco IOS Software, the C1000-48T-4G-L supports a comprehensive suite of Layer 2 features such as VLANs (up to 256 active VLANs), Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and Port Security.

Layer 3 features include static routing, limited RIP support, and Access Control Lists (ACLs) for traffic filtering and security enforcement. The switch supports Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms including classification, marking, queuing, and congestion management to prioritize mission-critical traffic such as voice and video.

2.4 Security and Management

Security features include 802.1X port-based authentication, DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, and control plane policing to protect against common network attacks and unauthorized access.

Management options include Cisco Network Assistant for GUI-based management, CLI access via console or SSH, SNMP v1/v2c/v3 for network monitoring, and RMON for traffic analysis. The switch supports Cisco Smart Install for zero-touch deployment and Cisco DNA Center integration for advanced network automation and assurance.

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 High Port Density and Flexible Uplink Options

With 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the C1000-48T-4G-L provides ample connectivity for endpoint devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and desktop computers. The 4 dedicated Gigabit SFP uplink ports enable flexible network design, allowing fiber or copper uplinks to aggregation or core switches, supporting longer distances and higher bandwidth aggregation.

3.2 Enterprise-Class Security

The switch incorporates advanced security features to safeguard network integrity. 802.1X authentication ensures only authorized devices connect to the network, while DHCP snooping and Dynamic ARP Inspection prevent common Layer 2 attacks such as IP spoofing and ARP poisoning. These features are critical in environments with sensitive data or compliance requirements.

3.3 Simplified Management and Deployment

Cisco’s intuitive management tools reduce operational complexity. The Cisco Network Assistant provides a centralized GUI for configuration and monitoring, while CLI access allows experienced network engineers to perform granular configurations. Cisco Smart Install enables plug-and-play deployment, reducing time and cost associated with switch provisioning.

3.4 Energy Efficiency and Reliability

The C1000-48T-4G-L supports Energy Efficient