What Is the Cisco C1300-48FP-4X? High-Density PoE, Security, and Scalability Explained



​Overview of the Cisco C1300-48FP-4X​

The Cisco C1300-48FP-4X is a ​​high-port-count Layer 2+ managed switch​​ designed for medium-sized enterprises and campuses requiring extensive Power over Ethernet (PoE) support and granular traffic control. As part of the Catalyst 1300 series, it offers ​​48 Fast Ethernet PoE+ ports​​ and ​​4x 1Gbps uplinks​​, targeting environments like schools, hospitals, and warehouses where dense IoT deployments demand both power and data reliability.


​Core Technical Specifications​

  • ​Port Configuration​​: 48x 10/100 Mbps PoE+ ports (​​740W total PoE budget​​) + 4x 1Gbps uplinks (SFP/RJ45 combo).
  • ​Layer 2+ Features​​: ​​Advanced QoS, MACsec encryption, and dynamic VLAN assignment​​ for traffic prioritization and compliance.
  • ​PoE+ Capacity​​: Supports ​​802.3at (30W per port)​​, enabling simultaneous power delivery to IP cameras, wireless APs, and VoIP systems.
  • ​Scalability​​: ​​Cisco FlexStack-Plus​​ allows stacking up to 8 switches with 80 Gbps stacking bandwidth for simplified management and redundancy.

​Addressing Critical User Questions​

​Q: Can this switch support a large-scale surveillance system?​

Yes. The ​​740W PoE budget​​ powers up to 24 PTZ cameras (30W each) or 48 low-power devices like door sensors. ​​QoS policies​​ prioritize video streams to minimize packet loss.

​Q: How does it ensure data security in regulated industries?​

​MACsec encryption​​ secures data at the port level, while ACLs restrict unauthorized access—critical for HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or GDPR compliance.


​Performance Comparison: C1300-48FP-4X vs. Smaller Catalyst Switches​

​Feature​ ​C1300-48FP-4X​ ​Catalyst 1300-24FP-4X​
PoE Ports 48 ports (740W) 24 ports (395W)
Stacking Bandwidth 80 Gbps 80 Gbps
Uplink Flexibility 4x dual-media (SFP/RJ45) 4x dual-media (SFP/RJ45)
Ideal Use Case High-density IoT/voice environments Mid-sized retail or offices

​Deployment Scenarios and Best Practices​

  • ​Warehouses​​: Power PoE-enabled inventory robots, barcode scanners, and security cameras while segmenting operational traffic.
  • ​University Campuses​​: Connect dormitory VoIP systems and classroom APs, using QoS to prioritize exam proctoring software.
  • ​Hospital Networks​​: Isolate medical IoT devices (e.g., infusion pumps) on encrypted VLANs to meet patient privacy standards.

For organizations needing ​​scalable PoE with enterprise security​​, the C1300-48FP-4X is available here, offering Catalyst-grade reliability at a competitive price point.


​Final Perspective​

The C1300-48FP-4X is a powerhouse for environments where ​​device density trumps raw throughput speed​​. While its 10/100 Mbps ports may seem outdated, they’re cost-effective for PoE-dominated use cases like surveillance or VoIP. The true value lies in its ​​740W power budget and FlexStack-Plus scalability​​, which let IT teams future-proof deployments without overhauling infrastructure. For facilities juggling hundreds of connected devices and strict compliance mandates, this switch is a pragmatic investment—provided uplinks are fortified to handle aggregated traffic.

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