Cisco C9400-LC-48UX= Line Card: How Does It Solve High-Density Network Demands? Features, Comparisons, and Use Cases


The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9400-LC-48UX=​​ is a versatile line card designed for the Catalyst 9400 Series modular switches, catering to enterprises that require flexible, high-density connectivity for evolving data centers, cloud gateways, and IoT-driven campuses. Balancing multi-speed adaptability with energy efficiency, this module addresses the need for scalable infrastructure without compromising performance. Below, we explore its technical strengths and practical applications.


​Core Technical Capabilities​

The ​​C9400-LC-48UX=​​ provides ​​48x 1/10/25G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet ports​​ and ​​12x 40/100G QSFP28 uplinks​​, offering unmatched flexibility for mixed-speed environments. Key innovations include:

  • ​Universal Port Flexibility​​: Each downlink port auto-negotiates ​​1G, 10G, or 25G speeds​​, eliminating the need for separate modules for legacy and modern devices.
  • ​Cisco UADP 4.0 ASIC​​: Delivers ​​line-rate encryption (MACsec-256)​​ and ​​deep buffering (16 MB per port)​​ to handle traffic spikes in AI/ML or real-time analytics workloads.
  • ​Energy Efficiency​​: ​​Cisco EnergyWise Plus​​ reduces power consumption by ​​30%​​ during idle periods, critical for sustainability-focused enterprises.

​Performance vs. Similar Line Cards​

Compared to the ​​C9400-LC-48S++=​​ (48x10G), the ​​48UX=​​ offers ​​2.5x higher per-port throughput​​ and ​​breakout capabilities​​ for uplinks. For example:

  • ​Uplink Flexibility​​: Each ​​40/100G port​​ can split into ​​4x25G or 4x10G​​ connections, maximizing port utility.
  • ​Future-Proofing​​: Supports ​​25G readiness​​ for emerging Wi-Fi 7 access points and 5G backhaul links.

​Addressing Critical Deployment Questions​

​Q: Is this line card suitable for HIPAA/GDPR-compliant environments?​
A: Yes. ​​MACsec-256 encryption​​ secures data in transit, meeting stringent regulatory requirements for healthcare and finance sectors.

​Q: Can it coexist with older 1G devices in the same chassis?​
A: Absolutely. The ​​auto-sensing ports​​ seamlessly integrate legacy hardware without performance penalties.

​Q: How does it handle high availability?​
A: Supports ​​Cisco StackWise-480​​ and ​​NSF/SSO​​ for sub-second failover, ensuring uptime for mission-critical applications.


​Ideal Use Cases​

  • ​AI/ML Clusters​​: ​​25G ports​​ connect GPU servers with ​​µsec latency​​, accelerating distributed training workloads.
  • ​Hybrid Cloud Edge​​: ​​100G uplinks​​ ensure seamless connectivity to AWS, Azure, or private clouds.
  • ​Smart Manufacturing​​: Aggregates data from ​​IIoT sensors​​ while maintaining deterministic performance for OT systems.

​Sourcing and Support Considerations​

For verified hardware and lifecycle management, purchase the C9400-LC-48UX= through [“C9400-LC-48UX=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). This supplier offers Cisco-certified modules and tailored support for large-scale deployments.


​Final Perspective​

The ​​C9400-LC-48UX=​​ is a strategic enabler for enterprises navigating hybrid infrastructure demands. While its upfront cost is higher than fixed-speed modules, the ​​operational flexibility​​ and ​​future-ready design​​ mitigate the need for costly midlife upgrades. For organizations prioritizing adaptability over sheer port density, this line card bridges the gap between current needs and tomorrow’s bandwidth requirements.

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