In-Depth Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4X-A Datasheet and Pricing Guide for Enterprise Networks

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4X-A is a high-performance, stackable enterprise-class access layer switch designed to meet the rigorous demands 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 high availability, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking scalable, secure, and resilient network infrastructure.

Engineered for digital transformation initiatives, the C9300L-48T-4X-A supports up to 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) capabilities, enabling seamless connectivity for a wide range of devices including IP phones, wireless access points, and IoT endpoints. Additionally, it features four fixed 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ uplinks, providing high-bandwidth aggregation and uplink flexibility.

This switch is powered by Cisco IOS XE, a modular operating system that supports programmability, automation, and advanced security features. The C9300L-48T-4X-A is designed to integrate seamlessly into Cisco DNA Center for centralized management and analytics, enabling network administrators to optimize performance and reduce operational complexity.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4X-A is built on a fixed-configuration chassis with the following hardware characteristics:

• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports (RJ-45), supporting PoE+ (up to 30W per port)
• Uplink Interfaces: 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports (fixed)
• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps (non-blocking)
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 130.95 Mpps (million packets per second)
• Stacking Bandwidth: Up to 160 Gbps with Cisco StackWise-160 technology
• PoE Power Budget: 740W total PoE power budget
• Memory: 8 GB DRAM, 4 GB Flash
• CPU: Multicore 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 (AC), with optional field-replaceable fans

2.2 Software and Protocol Support

The C9300L-48T-4X-A 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, MACsec encryption
• Layer 3 Features: Static routing, OSPFv2/v3, EIGRP, BGP, VRF-Lite, PIM-SM/SSM for multicast routing
• Security: 802.1X Network Access Control, Dynamic ARP Inspection, IP Source Guard, DHCP Snooping, Control Plane Policing (CoPP), MACsec hardware encryption
• Quality of Service (QoS): Advanced QoS with classification, marking, policing, shaping, and scheduling
• Management and Automation: Cisco DNA Center integration, NETCONF/YANG, RESTCONF APIs, Cisco Embedded Event Manager (EEM), SNMPv3, Syslog
• Stacking: Cisco StackWise-160 technology for unified management and high availability

2.3 Environmental and Compliance Specifications

The C9300L-48T-4X-A is designed for enterprise environments with the following operational parameters:

• 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
• Altitude: Up to 3000 meters (9842 feet)
• Certifications: UL, CE, FCC Class A, RoHS compliant, ENERGY STAR qualified

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 Advanced Security and Threat Defense

Security is paramount in today’s network environments, and the Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4X-A incorporates multiple layers of defense to protect enterprise assets. The switch supports MACsec hardware encryption on all ports, providing line-rate encryption to secure data in transit without impacting performance. Additionally, features such as