Cisco C1200-48T-4G: High-Density Switch? Ports, Performance, and Deployment Insights

​​Core Specifications of the C1200-48T-4G​​

The Cisco C1200-48T-4G is a ​​48-port Gigabit Ethernet switch​​ designed for high-density network environments requiring scalable connectivity. Based on Cisco’s documentation, this model features ​​48 x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 ports​​ and ​​4 x 1G SFP uplinks​​ for fiber connectivity. It supports ​​802.3at PoE+​​ with a ​​total power budget of 740W​​, enabling simultaneous power delivery to devices like IP cameras, wireless APs, and VoIP phones.

​​Technical Capabilities and Features​​

• ​​High Port Density​​: The ​​48 copper ports​​ cater to environments with extensive wired device requirements, such as offices, schools, or retail spaces.
• ​​PoE+ Flexibility​​: Delivers ​​up to 30W per port​​, ideal for powering high-demand devices like PTZ cameras or dual-band access points.
• ​​Layer 3 Lite Features​​: Supports static routing, inter-VLAN routing, and ACLs for basic network segmentation and security.
• ​​Energy Efficiency​​: Integrates ​​Cisco’s EnergyWise​​ technology, dynamically adjusting power usage based on connected device activity.

​​Ideal Deployment Scenarios​​

This switch is optimized for networks prioritizing ​​high port density and PoE scalability​​:

• ​​Enterprise Offices​​: Connects workstations, printers, and conferencing systems while powering IP phones and APs.
• ​​Education Campuses​​: Supports computer labs, libraries, and administrative buildings with mixed PoE and non-PoE devices.
• ​​Healthcare Facilities​​: Powers medical IoT devices, nurse stations, and surveillance systems without separate power supplies.

​​Addressing Key User Questions​​

​​Q: Can the C1200-48T-4G handle Layer 3 routing for small subnets?​​
A: Yes. It offers ​​basic Layer 3 functionality​​, including static routing and inter-VLAN routing, suitable for small to medium networks.

​​Q: Is this switch stackable for expanded port capacity?​​
A: No. The C1200-48T-4G operates as a standalone unit. For stackable solutions, consider Cisco’s Catalyst 9200 or 9300 series.

​​Q: What is the maximum PoE budget allocation per port?​​
A: While the total budget is ​​740W​​, individual ports cap at ​​30W (PoE+)​​. Ensure connected devices do not exceed this threshold.

​​Purchasing the C1200-48T-4G​​

For organizations seeking reliable, high-density switching with PoE+ capabilities, the “C1200-48T-4G” is available here. Verify power requirements and uplink compatibility before deployment.

​​Final Perspective​​

The C1200-48T-4G is a ​​workhorse for dense, mixed-device environments​​, offering ample ports and PoE budget for mid-sized deployments. Its Layer 3 Lite features add flexibility for segmented networks, though advanced users may find the lack of stacking or full Layer 3 capabilities limiting. For businesses needing a balance of affordability and scalability in a fixed-configuration switch, this model delivers—but growing networks should evaluate modular alternatives to future-proof investments.