In-Depth Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48P-4G-E Datasheet and Pricing Analysis for Enterprise Networks

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48P-4G-E is a high-performance, stackable Layer 3 access switch designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern enterprise campus networks. As part of Cisco’s renowned Catalyst 9300 Series, the C9300L model offers a cost-effective yet robust solution optimized for secure, scalable, and resilient network access. This switch is engineered to support advanced network features such as full Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), advanced security protocols, and flexible uplink options, making it ideal for organizations seeking to future-proof their infrastructure while maintaining operational efficiency.

The “L” in the model number denotes the “Lite” variant of the Catalyst 9300 series, which provides a streamlined feature set tailored for customers who require essential enterprise-grade capabilities without the full breadth of the flagship 9300 models. The C9300L-48P-4G-E specifically includes 48 PoE+ ports and 4 fixed 1G SFP uplinks, delivering a balance of port density and uplink flexibility suitable for medium to large campus deployments.

Architected with Cisco’s IOS XE operating system, the C9300L-48P-4G-E supports programmability, automation, and advanced security features, enabling network administrators to deploy and manage complex network topologies with ease. Its modular stacking capabilities allow up to eight switches to be interconnected, creating a single logical unit with high availability and simplified management.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48P-4G-E is built on a fixed-configuration chassis with the following hardware characteristics:

• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps PoE+ RJ-45 ports
• Uplink Interfaces: 4 x 1G SFP fixed uplink ports (non-modular)
• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps (full-duplex)
• Forwarding Rate: 130.95 Mpps (million packets per second)
• PoE Power Budget: Up to 740W total PoE power budget, supporting IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standard
• Stacking: Supports Cisco StackWise-160 technology with up to 8 switches per stack
• Memory: 8 GB DRAM, 4 GB flash memory
• CPU: Multicore ARM processor optimized for high throughput and low latency
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 15.5 inches (4.4 x 44.5 x 39.4 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 10.5 lbs (4.76 kg)
• Power Supply: Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies (optional)
• Cooling: Front-to-back airflow with variable speed fans

2.2 Software and Protocol Support

The C9300L-48P-4G-E runs Cisco IOS XE Software, providing a rich feature set for enterprise networking:

• Layer 2 Features: VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, RSTP, MSTP), EtherChannel, Private VLANs, VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)
• Layer 3 Features: Static routing, OSPFv2/v3, EIGRP, BGP, VRF-lite, Policy-Based Routing (PBR)
• Security: 802.1X Network Access Control, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, DHCP Snooping, MACsec (hardware-based encryption)
• Quality of Service (QoS): Advanced QoS with classification, marking, policing, shaping, and queuing
• Management: Cisco DNA Center integration, Cisco Prime Infrastructure, SNMPv3, NETCONF/YANG, RESTCONF APIs, Embedded Event Manager (EEM)
• Automation: Support for Cisco SD-Access, Cisco DNA Center automation, Python scripting, and programmability via Cisco onePK
• High Availability: StackWise-160 technology with Stateful Switchover (SSO) and In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)

2.3 Environmental and Compliance Specifications

The C9300L-48P-4G-E is designed to meet rigorous environmental and regulatory standards:

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
• Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing
• Certifications: UL, CE, FCC Class A, RoHS compliant, ENERGY STAR qualified

3. Features and Benefits

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