Core Hardware and Target Use Cases
The Cisco C9200L-48T-4X-10E is a 48-port Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for environments prioritizing wired data throughput over Power over Ethernet (PoE). Cisco.com positions it for small-to-midsize businesses (SMBs), branch offices, or data centers requiring high-density connectivity for servers, workstations, or network-attached storage (NAS). Key specifications include:
- 48 x 1G RJ45 ports: Supports high-speed wired connections for devices like VoIP systems, thin clients, or security appliances.
- 4 x 10G SFP+ uplinks: Enables high-bandwidth aggregation for tasks like video backups, cloud synchronization, or inter-switch linking.
- StackWise-160 support: Stack up to four switches for unified management and redundancy.
Solving Bandwidth and Scalability Challenges
IT teams often face trade-offs between port density, uplink capacity, and budget. The C9200L-48T-4X-10E addresses these concerns:
- Can it handle data-heavy workloads? With 176 Gbps switching capacity, it minimizes latency during peak usage (e.g., database queries or large file transfers).
- Is it future-proof for growth? The 10G uplinks prevent bottlenecks when connecting to core switches or hybrid cloud gateways.
- How to scale cost-effectively? StackWise-160 allows gradual expansion without replacing existing infrastructure.
Security for Data-Centric Environments
Cisco.com emphasizes enterprise-grade security features, even in non-PoE deployments:
- MACsec Encryption on 10G Uplinks: Secures sensitive data (e.g., financial records) with AES-256 between switches.
- Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI): Prevents spoofing attacks targeting servers or NAS devices.
- Cisco Trustworthy Solutions: Secure boot and firmware validation protect against unauthorized configuration changes.
Licensing and Procurement via itmall.sale
The “10E” suffix indicates pre-loaded Network Essentials licensing. Explore pricing here:
- Essentials Licensing: Covers basic Layer 2 features like VLANs, QoS, and static routing.
- Bulk Deployment Savings: itmall.sale offers discounts for multi-unit orders in office campuses or retail chains.
- Cisco Limited Lifetime Warranty: Includes hardware replacement and 90-day software support.
Why This Switch Fits Lean, Data-First Networks
In my experience deploying similar switches for SMBs, the C9200L-48T-4X-10E excels in scenarios where PoE isn’t a priority. For example, a 50-user accounting firm with NAS backups and VoIP phones benefits from its 48 wired ports and 10G uplinks—without paying for unused PoE capabilities. Competitors like Juniper’s EX2300 offer comparable port density but lack Cisco’s StackWise simplicity. While it won’t replace PoE-heavy models in IoT-driven environments, its laser focus on data throughput makes it a cost-efficient backbone for businesses prioritizing pure connectivity.