In-Depth Technical Analysis and Pricing of Cisco Catalyst C9200L-48T-4G-E Switch

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9200L-48T-4G-E is a high-performance, enterprise-class fixed-configuration switch designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern campus and branch network infrastructures. As part of Cisco’s renowned Catalyst 9200 Series, the C9200L-48T-4G-E model delivers advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, robust security features, and seamless integration with Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture (DNA) framework. This switch is engineered to provide scalable, secure, and resilient connectivity for medium to large enterprise environments, supporting a wide range of applications from data center access to campus aggregation.

The “L” in the model number denotes the “Lite” version of the Catalyst 9200 series, optimized for cost-sensitive deployments without compromising on essential enterprise features. The “48T” indicates 48 fixed 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, while “4G” refers to four 1G SFP uplink ports, enabling flexible fiber or copper uplink connectivity. The “E” suffix signifies the Enhanced Image, which includes advanced Layer 3 routing protocols and features.

This switch is ideal for organizations seeking a balance between performance, security, and cost-efficiency, with Cisco’s proven reliability and extensive software ecosystem. It supports Cisco IOS XE software, enabling programmability, automation, and integration with Cisco DNA Center for centralized management.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Architecture

The Cisco Catalyst C9200L-48T-4G-E is built on a modular hardware architecture featuring a fixed 1RU form factor. It incorporates a high-performance switching ASIC capable of wire-speed forwarding across all ports. The switch supports up to 48 RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps ports for end-device connectivity, complemented by 4 dedicated 1G SFP uplink ports for flexible fiber or copper uplinks.

The device is powered by a dual-core CPU running at 1.2 GHz, with 4 GB of DRAM and 4 GB of flash memory, providing ample resources for IOS XE software operations, advanced routing, and security features. The switch supports redundant power supply options (sold separately) to ensure high availability in mission-critical deployments.

2.2 Switching Capacity and Performance

The C9200L-48T-4G-E delivers a switching capacity of 176 Gbps and a forwarding rate of up to 130.95 Mpps (million packets per second). This performance ensures low latency and high throughput for demanding enterprise applications, including voice, video, and data traffic.

The switch supports wire-speed Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding, with hardware-based support for advanced features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), Quality of Service (QoS), and multicast routing.

2.3 Software and Protocol Support

Running Cisco IOS XE, the C9200L-48T-4G-E supports a comprehensive suite of Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols, including:

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid STP (RSTP), and Multiple STP (MSTP)
• Virtual LANs (VLANs) with support for up to 1024 VLANs
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) snooping and relay
• IPv4 and IPv6 static routing, OSPF, EIGRP, and RIP
• Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) for IPv4 and IPv6
• Policy-Based Routing (PBR)
• Multicast protocols such as PIM-SM, PIM-DM, IGMP snooping
• Security features including 802.1X authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), and IP Source Guard

2.4 Physical and Environmental Specifications

The switch measures approximately 44.5 cm (17.5 inches) in width, 44.5 cm (17.5 inches) in depth, and 4.4 cm (1.75 inches) in height, conforming to standard 1RU rack-mount dimensions. It weighs approximately 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs).

Operating temperature ranges from 0°C to 45°C, with storage temperature from -40°C to 70°C. The device supports an operating humidity range of 10% to 90% non-condensing.

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 Enterprise-Grade Security

Security is paramount in modern networks, and the C9200L-48T-4G-E integrates multiple layers of protection. It supports IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication to control device access, along with MACsec encryption on supported ports to secure data in transit. Dynamic ARP Inspection and IP Source Guard prevent spoofing attacks, while Control Plane Policing (CoPP) protects the CPU from malicious traffic.

3.2 Advanced Layer 3 Routing

The Enhanced Image (“E”) enables full Layer 3 routing capabilities, including OSPFv2/v3, EIGRP, RIP, and static routing. This allows the switch to function as a robust Layer 3 access or distribution layer device, reducing the need for additional routers and simplifying network design.

3.3 High Availability and Resiliency

The C9200L-48T-4G-E supports StackWise-160 technology, allowing up to eight switches to be stacked and managed as a single logical unit. This stacking capability provides redundancy,