Cisco C9400-LC-48XS++= Line Card: How Does It Elevate High-Density 25G/100G Deployments? Features, Performance, and ROI


The Cisco C9400-LC-48XS++= is a cutting-edge line card for the Catalyst 9400 Series chassis, designed to address the surge in high-speed, high-density network demands. Combining ​​Cisco.com​​ technical specifications and ​​ITMall.Sale​​ procurement insights, this article dissects its capabilities and strategic value.


​Core Specifications​

Engineered for hyperscale and enterprise data centers, the 48XS++= offers:

  • ​48x 25G SFP28 Ports​​: Supports 1/10/25Gbps speeds, with breakout capability to 4x 10/25G via QSFP28-to-SFP28 cables.
  • ​6x 100G QSFP28 Uplinks​​: Enables spine-leaf architectures or high-bandwidth cloud connectivity.
  • ​Cisco UADP 3.0 ASIC​​: Delivers ​​line-rate 100G throughput​​ with MACsec encryption and deep buffering (9MB per port).
  • ​Hot-Swappable Design​​: Minimizes downtime during upgrades or replacements.

​Technical Advantages Over Previous Models​


​1. Hyperscale Performance​
The UADP 3.0 ASIC processes ​​40Mpps per slot​​, ensuring consistent performance for AI/ML workloads, NVMe storage, or real-time analytics. Cisco.com notes a ​​50% reduction in latency​​ (sub-700ns) compared to UADP 2.0-based line cards.


​2. Energy Efficiency​

  • ​Cisco EnergyWise​​: Reduces power consumption by up to 30% through dynamic clock scaling and idle port shutdown.
  • ​Front-to-Back Airflow​​: Optimizes cooling efficiency in standard racks, lowering thermal management costs.

​3. Security at Scale​

  • ​MACsec-256 Encryption​​: Secures data in transit without compromising throughput.
  • ​Cisco Trustworthy Systems​​: Validates firmware integrity to prevent tampering.

​Ideal Use Cases​


​AI/ML Clusters​​: Handles east-west traffic between GPU/TPU nodes with microsecond-level latency.
​Cloud-Scale Storage​​: Supports NVMe-oF (NVMe over Fabrics) for high-throughput, low-latency storage networks.
​5G Mobile Core Networks​​: Manages backhaul traffic from thousands of small cells with deep buffers to prevent packet loss.


​Purchasing and Scalability Insights​

For enterprises balancing performance and budget, the ​​[“C9400-LC-48XS++=” is available here (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/)​​, offering:

  • ​Refurbished Units​​: Cisco-certified options with 1-year warranties, cutting costs by 35–45% vs. new.
  • ​QSFP28 Breakout Cables​​: Maximize port density by splitting 100G uplinks into 4x 25G links.
  • ​Future-Proofing​​: Ready for 400G upgrades with Cisco’s next-gen optics.

​Addressing Critical User Questions​


​Q: Is it compatible with older Catalyst 9400 chassis (e.g., C9404R)?​
Yes, but requires ​​IOS XE 17.9.1 or later​​ for full feature support.


​Q: How does it handle traffic bursts in storage networks?​
The ​​9MB per-port buffer​​ absorbs traffic spikes, critical for all-flash arrays or backup workloads.


​Q: What’s the power draw under full load?​
At maximum 25G/100G utilization, expect ~400W per line card, though EnergyWise typically reduces this by 20–25%.


Final Perspective

The C9400-LC-48XS++= redefines what’s possible in modular switching, blending hyperscale performance with enterprise-grade security. While Cisco.com outlines its technical pedigree, ITMall.Sale’s refurbished options make it accessible for organizations outside the hyperscale bubble. In an era where data velocity dictates competitiveness, this line card isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a necessity for anyone serious about future-proofing their network backbone.

Related Post

Cisco ONS-SC-2G-30.3= Single-Mode Optical Tra

​​Technical Overview and Functional Purpose​​ T...

C9105AXW-C: How Does This Cisco Catalyst AP S

Introducing the C9105AXW-C The ​​C9105AXW-C​​ i...

What is the Cisco A900-IMA-8CS1Z-CC= and How

​​Defining the A900-IMA-8CS1Z-CC=​​ The ​​C...