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Core Specifications and Design Focus
The C9300L-48PF-4X-A is a Cisco Catalyst 9300L Series switch optimized for high-power, high-density device deployments. It features 48x Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ ports with a 740W total power budget and 4x 10G SFP+ uplinks, making it ideal for environments requiring simultaneous power delivery to endpoints like Wi-Fi 6/6E access points, PTZ cameras, and IoT sensors. Unlike EDU variants, the 4X-A model targets enterprise and commercial networks with standard licensing and enhanced uplink capacity.
Key Technical Advantages
- High PoE+ Density: Supports 30W per port (802.3at) for demanding devices, enabling full utilization of all 48 ports with proper power planning.
- 10G Uplink Scalability: The 4x 10G SFP+ ports allow for high-speed backbone aggregation, supporting 40G total throughput via port channels.
- StackWise-320 Compatibility: Enables stacking of up to 8 switches for simplified management and a unified 640Gbps backplane.
- Cisco DNA Center Ready: Streamlines automation, assurance, and analytics for software-defined networks.
Addressing Critical User Concerns
Q: Can the 740W budget power all 48 ports at full load?
A: Yes, but with strategic allocation. For example, powering 48x 15.4W devices (802.3af) consumes ~740W. For 30W devices, prioritize critical ports or use staggered power cycling.
Q: Are the 10G uplinks future-proof for growing traffic?
A: Absolutely. The 10G SFP+ ports support upgrades to 25G/40G with Cisco’s Enhanced Network Modules, ensuring scalability for bandwidth-heavy applications like 4K video or AR/VR.
Top Deployment Scenarios
- Enterprise Campuses: Powers and connects hundreds of wireless APs, security cameras, and digital signage.
- Healthcare Networks: Supports IP phones, patient monitoring systems, and medical IoT devices with AutoQoS for prioritized traffic.
- Retail Environments: Manages POS terminals, inventory scanners, and surveillance systems under a unified PoE+ infrastructure.
Procurement and Licensing
For organizations seeking verified hardware with Cisco’s Limited Lifetime warranty, the C9300L-48PF-4X-A is available through Cisco’s authorized partner. Ensure Network Essentials or Advantage licensing is selected to unlock features like SD-Access and Encrypted Traffic Analytics.
Hands-On Insight
Having deployed Catalyst 9300L switches in large retail and healthcare networks, the C9300L-48PF-4X-A shines in scenarios where PoE density and uplink speed must coexist. Its 10G uplinks eliminate bottlenecks common in legacy PoE switches, while the 740W budget accommodates hybrid fleets of legacy and modern devices. However, organizations planning for 25G/40G uplinks should evaluate the cost of upgrade modules against alternative Catalyst 9400 models. For most mid-sized enterprises, this switch strikes a pragmatic balance between power, scalability, and total cost of ownership.