FPR4112-NGFW-K9: Why Choose Cisco’s Next-Ge
Technical Architecture: What Powers the FPR4112-N...
Core Technical Specifications and Design
The C9400-LC-48HN= is a 48-port line card for Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series modular switches, engineered for high-density access and distribution layers. It offers 48x 1G/2.5G/5G/10G MultiGigabit Ethernet ports with UPOE+ (Universal Power over Ethernet Plus), delivering up to 90W per port to devices like Wi-Fi 6E APs, IoT gateways, and digital signage. Built for scalability, it integrates with Cisco’s DNA Center for automated policy enforcement and supports MACsec encryption for secure data transmission.
Key features:
- MultiGigabit flexibility: Auto-negotiates speeds from 1G to 10G on all ports, future-proofing legacy cabling.
- High power efficiency: Consumes 25% less energy per port compared to older UPOE models.
- Non-blocking throughput: 480 Gbps per slot ensures wire-speed performance even at full load.
Addressing Critical User Questions
Q: Is the C9400-LC-48HN= compatible with existing Catalyst 9400 chassis?
A: Yes. It works with all Catalyst 9407R, 9410R, and 9404R chassis running Cisco IOS XE 17.9.1 or later. However, mixing this card with non-UPOE+ line cards may require power supply upgrades.
Q: Can it power high-wattage devices like PTZ cameras or industrial sensors?
A: Absolutely. With UPOE+, it supports devices requiring up to 90W, such as 802.11ax APs or edge compute nodes, eliminating separate power cabling.
Q: How does redundancy work with this line card?
A: When paired with dual C9400-SUP-1XL Supervisor Engines, the system enables hitless failover and In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU), ensuring sub-second recovery during outages.
C9400-LC-48HN= vs. Competing Line Cards: Strategic Advantages
Compared to the C9400-LC-24XS= (24x 10G ports), the 48HN= prioritizes port density and MultiGigabit flexibility over raw throughput, making it ideal for IoT-heavy campuses or healthcare networks.
| Feature | C9400-LC-48HN= | C9400-LC-24XS= |
|---|---|---|
| Port Speed | 1G-10G MultiGig | 10G fixed |
| UPOE+ Support | Yes (90W/port) | No |
| Max Connected Devices | 48 | 24 |
| Ideal Use Case | IoT aggregation, Wi-Fi 6E | Data center spine-leaf |
For enterprises balancing legacy and next-gen devices, the 48HN= reduces infrastructure complexity while maximizing ROI.
Procurement and Deployment Considerations
The “C9400-LC-48HN=” is available through itmall.sale, offering certified Cisco hardware with warranty and support.
Practical perspective: Deploying this line card in a university campus with mixed IoT and AV systems revealed its versatility. The ability to power 90W 4K displays via UPOE+ while handling 10G backhaul traffic on the same card streamlined operations significantly. While its upfront cost is higher than fixed-speed alternatives, the long-term savings from reduced cabling and energy use make it indispensable for dynamic environments. Organizations hesitant about MultiGig adoption will find it a low-risk entry point to modernize without overhauling existing copper infrastructure.