C9400-LC-48T=: Does This Cisco Line Card Deliver Cost-Effective PoE for High-Density Access Networks?

Technical Overview of the C9400-LC-48T=

The ​​C9400-LC-48T=​​ is a ​​48-port Gigabit Ethernet line card​​ designed for Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series modular switches. Built for ​​high-density access layer deployments​​, it provides ​​48x 10/100/1000BASE-T ports​​ with ​​PoE+ (30W per port)​​ support, making it ideal for environments requiring robust connectivity and power delivery to endpoints like IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points.

Core Features for Access Layer Demands

​​1. High-Power PoE+ Simplified​​
With ​​30W per port​​ and a ​​total PoE budget of 1.44kW​​, the line card powers devices such as PTZ cameras, digital signage, and Wi-Fi 6 APs across large campuses or office buildings. This eliminates the need for external power injectors, reducing cabling complexity and costs.

​​2. Scalable Port Density​​
The ​​48 copper ports​​ consolidate connectivity for hundreds of endpoints, reducing the need for additional access switches. This is particularly advantageous in spaces like classrooms, hospitals, or retail floors where device density is high.

​​3. Seamless Integration with Catalyst 9400 Chassis​​
The line card slots into any Catalyst 9400 Series modular switch, supporting ​​hot-swappable installation​​ and coexistence with other modules (e.g., 40G uplink cards). This modularity allows IT teams to scale ports and uplinks independently.

​​4. Enhanced Security and Manageability​​
Leveraging ​​Cisco TrustSec​​ and ​​MACsec encryption​​, the card ensures secure data transmission for sensitive applications. Integration with ​​Cisco DNA Center​​ enables automated policy enforcement and centralized monitoring of connected devices.

Addressing Key Deployment Questions

​​Q: How many PoE+ devices can it support simultaneously?​​
The card’s ​​1.44kW total PoE budget​​ can power up to ​​48 devices at 30W each​​, though actual capacity depends on the chassis’s power supply configuration.

​​Q: Does it support uplink connectivity?​​
While the C9400-LC-48T= focuses on access-layer ports, uplinks are managed via separate Catalyst 9400 modules (e.g., 40G/100G line cards), ensuring flexible backbone design.

​​Q: Is it compatible with older Cisco switches?​​
No. This line card works ​​exclusively with Catalyst 9400 Series chassis​​, requiring Cisco IOS XE 16.12.1 or later for full feature functionality.

​​Q: How does it handle energy efficiency?​​
​​Cisco EnergyWise​​ dynamically adjusts power based on device demand, reducing idle-port consumption by up to ​​50%​​ compared to static PoE switches.

Where to Purchase the C9400-LC-48T=

For verified pricing and inventory, visit the [“C9400-LC-48T=” link (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Ensure your Catalyst 9400 chassis has adequate power supplies (e.g., 3.5kW) to maximize PoE capacity.

Final Perspective

Having overseen campus network upgrades, the ​​C9400-LC-48T=​​ strikes me as a workhorse for organizations prioritizing simplicity and cost efficiency. Its ability to deliver high-density PoE without sacrificing security or scalability makes it a pragmatic choice for IT teams managing device-heavy environments. While it lacks built-in multi-gig or uplink ports, its role in the Catalyst 9400 ecosystem is clear: a reliable, no-frills foundation for access-layer connectivity. For schools, hospitals, or enterprises drowning in cables and power adapters, this line card is a silent enabler of cleaner, smarter networks.