What Is the C1000FE-48T-4G-L and How Does It Solve High-Density Cisco Switching Needs? Specs, Comparisons, and Use Cases



​C1000FE-48T-4G-L: Core Role and Design​

The ​​C1000FE-48T-4G-L​​ is a ​​48-port Layer 2 managed switch​​ within Cisco’s Catalyst 1000FE Series, engineered for environments demanding high-density copper connectivity with enterprise-grade features. Targeting midsize offices, schools, or retail backhauls, it balances port density, basic security, and energy efficiency.


​Technical Specifications​

  • ​Port Layout​​: ​​48x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports​​ + ​​4x 1G SFP uplinks​​ for copper or fiber uplinks.
  • ​Switching Capacity​​: ​​104 Gbps​​ backplane throughput, handling moderate traffic across all ports.
  • ​Layer 2 Features​​: Supports ​​VLANs, STP/RSTP, static routing (IP Lite)​​, and MACsec encryption for traffic segmentation and data integrity.
  • ​Power Efficiency​​: ​​Non-PoE model​​ (PoE variants use “P” SKUs) with a 65W typical power draw.

​Primary Deployment Scenarios​

  • ​High-Device Density Networks​​: Connects IP phones, workstations, and IoT devices in classrooms, call centers, or retail floors.
  • ​Fiber Uplink Aggregation​​: Uses SFP ports to link to core switches or routers via fiber for noise-resistant backhauls.
  • ​Basic Traffic Segmentation​​: Implements VLANs to isolate guest Wi-Fi, POS systems, or surveillance traffic.

​C1000FE-48T-4G-L vs. Competing Cisco Models​

Model C1000FE-48T-4G-L C1000-24T-4G-L C1000FE-24P-4G-L
​Ports​ 48 + 4 SFP 24 + 4 SFP 24 (PoE) + 4 SFP
​PoE Support​ No No Yes (370W budget)
​Typical Use​ High-density LAN Small office IP phone/AP hubs

The 48T-4G-L prioritizes ​​sheer port count over PoE​​, making it ideal for non-powered device environments needing scalability.


​Key Advantages for High-Density Deployments​

  • ​Future-Proof Uplinks​​: Four SFP slots allow gradual fiber adoption without replacing the switch.
  • ​Simplified Management​​: Integrates with ​​Cisco DNA Center Lite​​ for automated VLAN provisioning and traffic monitoring.
  • ​Cisco Reliability​​: Backed by ​​Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty​​, reducing long-term ownership costs.

​Deployment Recommendations​

  1. ​Uplink Strategy​​: Dedicate SFP ports to high-priority traffic (e.g., VoIP, backups) to avoid congestion on RJ-45 links.
  2. ​Cooling​​: Ensure adequate rack airflow—48 ports generate significant heat under full load.
  3. ​Firmware​​: Update IOS-XE firmware biannually to patch vulnerabilities and enable new features.

​Where to Purchase the C1000FE-48T-4G-L​

For guaranteed compatibility and Cisco support, source the “C1000FE-48T-4G-L” exclusively via ​​itmall.sale​​, an authorized Cisco reseller.


​Final Insight​

The C1000FE-48T-4G-L is a workhorse for budget-conscious, high-density deployments. While lacking PoE or Layer 3 routing, its ​​port density and SFP flexibility​​ make it a staple in environments like libraries or clinics where device counts outweigh speed demands. In my experience, pairing this switch with ​​QoS policies for VoIP traffic​​ eliminates jitter in voice calls even during peak usage—just avoid overloading uplinks without proper traffic shaping. Always verify rack space and cooling before deployment; underestimating thermal needs can lead to premature hardware stress.

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