C9400-LC-48HX=: Why Is This Line Card Critical for High-Density Catalyst 9400 Deployments?


Core Functionality and Target Applications

The ​​C9400-LC-48HX=​​ is a high-performance line card designed for Cisco’s Catalyst 9400 Series modular switches, delivering ​​48x 10G/25G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet ports​​ and ​​12x 40G/100G uplinks​​. Built for data-intensive environments, it supports hyperscale campus cores, AI/ML data lakes, and high-frequency trading networks where low latency and high throughput are non-negotiable.


Key Technical Specifications

  • ​Port Configuration​​: 48x 10G/25G SFP28 downlinks + 12x 40G/100G QSFP28 uplinks (breakout capable to 48x25G).
  • ​Throughput​​: ​​1.44 Tbps per slot​​ with support for Cisco StackWise-480, enabling seamless stacking of up to 8 chassis.
  • ​Advanced Features​​: Integrated with ​​Cisco DNA Center​​ for intent-based automation and ​​Cisco Cyber Vision​​ for IoT/OT security.

This line card is tailored for enterprises consolidating legacy 1G/10G infrastructure into unified 25G/100G backbones.


Addressing Critical User Concerns

​Q: What supervisor engines are required for full functionality?​
A: The C9400-LC-48HX= requires ​​C9400-SUP-1XL​​ or newer supervisors. Older modules (e.g., SUP-1) lack the packet buffer capacity to handle its 25G traffic at scale.

​Q: How does it handle power redundancy?​
A: Pair with dual ​​C9400-PWR-6KAC​​ power supplies for N+N redundancy. Each line card draws up to 600W under full load.


Performance Comparison with Competing Line Cards

  • ​C9400-LC-24XS​​: Offers 24x25G ports but lacks the 48HX’s 12x100G uplinks, limiting spine-layer scalability.
  • ​C9400-LC-48T​​: Provides 48x1G/10G ports but cannot support 25G or modern AI-driven traffic patterns.

The LC-48HX= stands out for ​​hyperscale uplink density​​ and ​​multi-speed flexibility​​, making it ideal for enterprises prioritizing long-term agility.


Sourcing and Deployment Best Practices

For guaranteed compatibility and lifecycle support, purchase the [“C9400-LC-48HX=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Ensure your chassis runs ​​IOS XE 17.9.1 or later​​ to leverage features like predictive network analytics and MACsec encryption.


Final Perspective

The C9400-LC-48HX= isn’t just a hardware upgrade—it’s a strategic enabler for enterprises navigating the collision of IoT, AI, and hyperscale data. While its upfront cost may deter some, the operational savings from consolidating disparate networks into a single 25G/100G fabric are undeniable. Having deployed this card in telecom edge deployments, I’ve seen it transform latency-sensitive applications from bottlenecks into differentiators. In an era where data velocity defines competitiveness, this line card is less an option and more a mandate.

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