In-Depth Cisco Catalyst C9200-48P-A Datasheet and Pricing Analysis for Enterprise Networks

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9200-48P-A is a flagship model within Cisco’s Catalyst 9200 Series, designed to deliver enterprise-grade performance, security, and scalability for modern campus and branch networks. As a fixed-configuration Layer 2/3 access switch, the C9200-48P-A offers 48 full Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) ports, enabling seamless connectivity for a wide range of devices including IP phones, wireless access points, and IoT endpoints.

Engineered with Cisco’s proven IOS XE operating system, the C9200-48P-A supports advanced network automation, programmability, and security features, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to future-proof their network infrastructure. The switch is optimized for high availability with redundant power supply options and supports Cisco DNA (Digital Network Architecture) for simplified network management and analytics.

This model is particularly suited for medium to large enterprise deployments requiring robust PoE capabilities, high port density, and advanced Layer 3 routing functionalities. The C9200-48P-A balances cost-effectiveness with Cisco’s industry-leading reliability and feature set, making it a cornerstone device in Cisco’s campus access portfolio.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Architecture

The Cisco Catalyst C9200-48P-A is built on a fixed form factor chassis with the following hardware specifications:

• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports with PoE+ (802.3at) support delivering up to 30W per port.
• Uplink Interfaces: 4 x 1G SFP uplink ports for fiber or copper connectivity, supporting flexible network topologies.
• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps switching fabric, enabling non-blocking throughput for all ports simultaneously.
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 130.95 Mpps (million packets per second) for wire-speed performance.
• Memory: 4 GB DRAM and 4 GB flash memory for IOS XE image and configuration storage.
• Power Supply: Integrated internal power supply with optional redundant power supply (RPS) support for high availability.
• Dimensions: 1RU rack-mountable chassis with standard 19-inch width.
• Weight: Approximately 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs), facilitating easy installation in standard racks.

2.2 Software and Protocol Support

The C9200-48P-A runs Cisco IOS XE Software, a modular and programmable operating system that supports:

• Layer 2 switching protocols: VLAN, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid STP (RSTP), Multiple STP (MSTP).
• Layer 3 routing protocols: OSPFv2/v3, EIGRP, BGP, RIP, static routing, and Policy-Based Routing (PBR).
• Advanced security features: 802.1X port-based authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, DHCP Snooping.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Classification, marking, queuing, and congestion management for voice and video traffic prioritization.
• Network automation and programmability: NETCONF, RESTCONF, Cisco DNA Center integration, and support for model-driven telemetry.
• High availability: StackWise-160 technology allowing up to 8 switches to be stacked with a unified control plane.

2.3 Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

The C9200-48P-A supports PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) delivering up to 30W per port, with a total PoE power budget of up to 740W. This enables powering of high-demand devices such as:

• IP telephony systems with video capabilities.
• Wireless access points requiring high power for multi-radio operation.
• Security cameras and IoT sensors with continuous power needs.

The switch intelligently manages power allocation and prioritization to ensure critical devices maintain connectivity during power constraints.

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 Enterprise-Grade Security

Security is paramount in modern networks, and the Cisco Catalyst C9200-48P-A incorporates multiple layers of protection:

• 802.1X Authentication: Ensures only authorized devices can access the network.
• MACsec Encryption: Hardware-based Layer 2 encryption to protect data in transit.
• Dynamic ARP Inspection and IP Source Guard: Prevents man-in-the-middle attacks and IP spoofing.
• Control Plane Policing (CoPP): Protects the CPU from malicious traffic floods.
• Segmentation: Supports Private VLANs and VLAN Access Control Lists (VACLs) for traffic isolation.

3.2 High Availability and Resiliency</