C9300LM-48UX-4Y-A: How Does Cisco’s Switch Power High-Density, High-Speed Enterprise Networks?

​​Core Hardware and Performance Capabilities​​

The Cisco Catalyst C9300LM-48UX-4Y-A is a ​​48-port Layer 3 stackable switch​​ designed for enterprises requiring high-density connectivity and ultra-fast uplinks. It combines ​​48x 1G/10G Multi-Gigabit RJ45 ports​​ (supporting up to 5Gbps via NBASE-T) with ​​4x 40G QSFP+ uplinks​​, making it ideal for bandwidth-heavy applications like AI-driven analytics and 4K video streaming. Built on Cisco’s ​​DNA architecture​​, it supports ​​SD-Access​​ for automated policy enforcement and ​​Cisco Umbrella​​ for cloud-native security.

Key specs include ​​480 Gbps switching capacity​​, ​​StackWise-480 stacking technology​​, and ​​EnergyWise compatibility​​ for real-time power monitoring. The ​​-A​​ suffix denotes ​​front-to-back airflow​​, optimized for modern data center cooling configurations.

​​Target Industries and Deployment Scenarios​​

This switch excels in ​​enterprise core networks​​, ​​media production studios​​, and ​​research facilities​​ where low-latency, high-throughput connectivity is critical. Its ​​PoE+ support​​ (on 24 ports) simplifies deployments for IoT devices like smart sensors and wireless APs, while the ​​40G uplinks​​ ensure seamless integration with high-performance storage or server clusters.

​​Addressing Key User Concerns​​

• ​​Q: How do the 40G uplinks enhance network performance?​​
  The ​​4x 40G QSFP+ ports​​ aggregate traffic from downstream switches or servers, reducing bottlenecks for data-intensive tasks like real-time machine learning or large-scale backups.

• ​​Q: Can the switch scale without service interruptions?​​
  ​​StackWise-480​​ enables dynamic stacking of up to eight switches, allowing capacity expansions without downtime.

• ​​Q: How does it protect sensitive data in transit?​​
  Integrated ​​MACsec encryption​​ and ​​Cisco ISE​​ enforce end-to-end security, ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.

​​Licensing and Procurement Options​​

The C9300LM-48UX-4Y-A includes ​​Cisco DNA Essentials​​ for basic automation and a ​​limited lifetime hardware warranty​​. For organizations requiring advanced analytics, ​​DNA Advantage​​ subscriptions are available. Explore pricing and availability at the “C9300LM-48UX-4Y-A” product page.

​​Why This Switch Is a Strategic Choice for Future-Ready Networks​​

Having deployed similar models in data-driven industries, the C9300LM-48UX-4Y-A stands out for its ability to ​​future-proof network backbones​​ while simplifying power and cooling logistics. The combination of ​​Multi-Gig ports​​ and ​​40G uplinks​​ ensures enterprises can adapt to emerging technologies without costly infrastructure overhauls. For IT leaders balancing performance demands with operational efficiency, this switch offers a compelling blend of scalability, security, and energy-conscious design—key traits for sustaining competitive advantage in rapidly evolving markets.