Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48P-4X-A Datasheet and Price: Expert Technical Overview for Enterprise Network Deployments

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48P-4X-A is a high-performance, stackable enterprise-class access layer switch designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern campus networks. As part of the Cisco Catalyst 9300L Series, this model delivers advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, robust security, and flexible Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking scalable, secure, and resilient network infrastructure.

Engineered for digital transformation initiatives, the C9300L-48P-4X-A supports up to 48 full Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) ports, enabling seamless connectivity for IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, and IoT devices. The integrated 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks provide high-bandwidth aggregation and interconnectivity with core switches or data center fabrics.

This switch is powered by Cisco IOS XE, a modular operating system that supports programmability, automation, and advanced analytics. The C9300L-48P-4X-A is designed to integrate with Cisco DNA Center for centralized management and policy enforcement, enabling network administrators to optimize performance and security with ease.

2. Product Specifications

Hardware Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48P-4X-A features a fixed configuration chassis with 48 RJ-45 ports supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds with PoE+ capabilities. The switch includes four fixed 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ uplink ports, allowing for high-speed aggregation and uplink flexibility.

• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 PoE+ ports (RJ-45)
• Uplink Ports: 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports
• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 130.95 Mpps (million packets per second)
• PoE Power Budget: 740W total PoE power budget
• Stacking Bandwidth: Up to 160 Gbps with Cisco StackWise-160 technology
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 15.5 inches (4.4 x 44.5 x 39.4 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 10.5 kg (23.1 lbs)
• Power Supply: Internal redundant power supply options available

Software and Protocol Support

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

• Advanced Layer 2 switching features including VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid PVST+, and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)
• Layer 3 routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and IS-IS
• Support for IPv4 and IPv6 routing
• Quality of Service (QoS) with granular traffic classification and shaping
• Security features including 802.1X port-based authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, and Control Plane Policing (CoPP)
• Network segmentation with Private VLANs and VRF-lite
• Support for Cisco DNA Center integration enabling Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)
• Programmability via NETCONF, RESTCONF, and streaming telemetry

Stacking and Redundancy

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48P-4X-A supports Cisco StackWise-160 technology, allowing up to eight switches to be interconnected and operate as a single logical unit. This stacking capability provides:

• High availability with stateful failover
• Increased bandwidth aggregation across stack members
• Simplified management with a single IP address for the entire stack
• Redundant power and data paths to minimize downtime

3. Features and Benefits

Enterprise-Grade Security

Security is paramount in enterprise networks, and the C9300L-48P-4X-A incorporates multiple layers of protection. The switch supports IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control, ensuring only authorized devices connect to the network. Dynamic ARP Inspection and IP Source Guard prevent spoofing attacks, while Control Plane Policing protects the CPU from malicious traffic floods.

Additionally, Cisco TrustSec technology enables scalable segmentation and policy enforcement across the network fabric, reducing the attack surface and simplifying compliance.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

With a total PoE power budget of 740W, the C9300L-48P-4X-A can power a wide range of devices including IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras without requiring additional power sources. The switch supports PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) delivering up to 30W