The Cisco C9400-LC-48S= is a high-density fiber line card designed for the Catalyst 9400 Series modular chassis, targeting enterprises requiring scalable, low-latency connectivity. Leveraging technical insights from ​​Cisco.com​​ and procurement options via ​​ITMall.Sale​​, this article examines its capabilities and operational impact.


​Core Specifications​

The C9400-LC-48S= is engineered for fiber-dominant environments:

  • ​48x SFP28 Ports​​: Supports 1/10/25Gbps speeds, with optional 40Gbps via breakout cables.
  • ​Cisco UADP 2.0 ASIC​​: Delivers line-rate throughput for ​​MACsec-encrypted traffic​​ and deep buffer management.
  • ​StackWise-1T Compatibility​​: Enables 1Tbps stacking bandwidth across Catalyst 9400 chassis.
  • ​Hot-Swappable Design​​: Reduces downtime during maintenance or upgrades.

​Technical Advantages Over Competing Line Cards​


​1. Latency-Sensitive Performance​
The UADP 2.0 ASIC ensures ​​sub-µs latency​​ for financial trading, AI/ML workloads, or real-time analytics. Cisco.com highlights its ability to handle ​​40Gbps encrypted traffic​​ without packet loss.


​2. Scalability for Growing Demands​

  • ​Breakout Capabilities​​: Use QSFP28-to-4xSFP28 cables to convert 40G ports into four 10G links, maximizing port utilization.
  • ​Cisco DNA Center Integration​​: Automates fiber link provisioning and performance monitoring.

​3. Power Efficiency​
Consumes 30% less power per port than previous-gen fiber line cards, thanks to ​​Cisco’s EnergyWise technology​​ and optimized airflow.


​Ideal Use Cases​


​Data Center Spine-Leaf Architectures​​: 25G/40G ports provide low-latency interconnects between server racks or storage nodes.
​High-Frequency Trading (HFT) Networks​​: Sub-µs latency ensures competitive edge in algorithmic trading.
​Media and Broadcasting​​: Supports 4K/8K video streaming with jitter-free QoS prioritization.


​Purchasing and ROI Considerations​

For cost-conscious deployments, the ​​[“C9400-LC-48S=” is available here (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/)​​, offering:

  • ​Refurbished Units​​: Cisco-certified options with 90-day warranties, reducing upfront costs by 35–50%.
  • ​Compatibility Bundles​​: Pair with C9400-PWR-3KW-AC power supplies for optimal energy distribution.
  • ​Future-Proofing​​: Ready for 100G upgrades via QSFP28 transceivers.

​Addressing Key User Concerns​


​Q: Is it compatible with third-party SFP28 modules?​
Cisco.com states compatibility only with ​​Cisco-validated optics​​, though some third-party modules may work with limitations.


​Q: How does it handle buffer congestion?​
The ​​12MB packet buffer per port​​ prevents drops during traffic bursts, critical for storage or backup workloads.


​Q: What’s the maximum power draw?​
At full load, expect ~250W per line card, but EnergyWise can reduce this by 15–20% during idle periods.


Final Insight

The C9400-LC-48S= isn’t just about fiber density—it’s a strategic tool for enterprises where latency and encryption are non-negotiable. While Cisco.com defines its technical boundaries, ITMall.Sale’s refurbished models lower the barrier to entry for mid-market firms. In a world increasingly reliant on real-time data, this line card proves that modular chassis aren’t obsolete; they’re evolving to meet tomorrow’s speed and security demands.

Related Post

C9300-24P-A Datasheet and Price

Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series C9300-24P-A Datasheet and Pr...

Cisco UCS-CPU-I4510C= High-Performance Proces

Core Hardware Architecture The Cisco UCS-CPU-I4510C= is...

Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-EDU: What Does It Offer?

​​Technical Breakdown of the C9300L-48T-4G-EDU​�...