Cisco C9300L-48P-4G-E Catalyst 9300L-48P-4G-E 48 Port Switch

1. Physical and Port Specifications

Form Factor and Design

• Form Factor: The C9300L-48P-4G-E is a 1U (one rack unit) switch, which is standard for enterprise networking equipment. Its compact design enables it to be easily mounted in standard 19-inch racks, making it suitable for data centers, network closets, and other rack-mounted environments.
• Build Quality: The switch features a robust and durable chassis designed to withstand continuous operation in demanding environments. Its construction is engineered for long-term reliability, providing consistent performance even under heavy network loads.

Port Configuration

• 48 x Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Ports: The C9300L-48P-4G-E is equipped with 48 fixed Gigabit Ethernet ports that support Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+). These ports can provide power to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras, in addition to data connectivity. PoE+ allows for higher power delivery compared to standard PoE, accommodating devices with greater power requirements.
• 4 x 1G/10G Uplink Ports: The switch includes 4 fixed uplink ports that support both 1 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds. These uplinks provide high-speed connectivity to other switches, routers, or core network infrastructure, facilitating fast data transfer and reducing potential bottlenecks.

2. Performance and Scalability

Switching Capacity and Throughput

• Switching Capacity: The C9300L-48P-4G-E is designed with a high switching capacity, capable of handling substantial volumes of data traffic efficiently. This high capacity ensures smooth and reliable network performance, even with large numbers of connected devices and high data throughput requirements.
• Forwarding Rate: The switch offers a high forwarding rate, which is crucial for processing and forwarding data packets quickly. This performance is essential for maintaining low latency and ensuring that high-throughput applications, such as video streaming and large file transfers, run smoothly.

Stacking Technology

• StackWise-480 Technology: The C9300L-48P-4G-E supports Cisco’s StackWise-480 technology, allowing up to eight switches to be stacked together. This stacking capability simplifies network management by providing a single logical unit for configuration and monitoring. It also enhances scalability, reliability, and redundancy by distributing network traffic and providing failover capabilities across the stacked switches.

3. Advanced Networking Features

Security Features

• Advanced Security Suite: The switch includes a comprehensive set of security features to protect the network from unauthorized access and ensure data integrity. Key features include:
  • 802.1X Authentication: Provides port-based network access control, ensuring that only authorized devices can connect to the network.
  • Cisco TrustSec: Offers role-based access control and segmentation, helping to enforce security policies based on user roles and device types.
  • MACsec Encryption: Provides encryption for data transmitted over the network, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure during transit.
• Policy-Based Access Control: The switch supports detailed policy and access control mechanisms, allowing administrators to enforce security policies based on user roles, devices, or applications. This capability helps in creating a secure network environment and ensuring compliance with organizational security requirements.

Quality of Service (QoS)

• Advanced QoS Capabilities: The C9300L-48P-4G-E features advanced Quality of Service (QoS) functionalities to prioritize network traffic effectively. QoS mechanisms ensure that critical applications, such as voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing, receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency, enhancing overall service quality and user experience.

4. Management and Automation

Cisco DNA Center Integration

• Centralized Management: The C9300L-48P-4G-E integrates with Cisco DNA Center, providing a centralized platform for managing, monitoring, and automating network operations. Cisco DNA Center offers tools for simplified configuration, policy management, and troubleshooting, making network management more efficient and reducing administrative overhead.
• Automation and Analytics: Cisco DNA Center enables automation features such as zero-touch provisioning, policy-based configuration, and real-time network analytics. These capabilities help IT teams streamline network operations, quickly resolve issues, and proactively manage network resources.

Cisco IOS XE

• Operating System: The switch runs on Cisco IOS XE, a modular and programmable operating system. IOS XE supports a range of APIs and automation tools, allowing for flexible network configuration and integration with third-party applications. This enhances the switch’s adaptability and simplifies network management.

5. Reliability and Redundancy

Power Supplies and Cooling

• Power Supply Options: The C9300L-48P-4G-E features a fixed power supply design. While it does not support redundant power supplies in this model, it provides reliable power to the switch and connected devices. For higher redundancy and availability, other models or configurations with redundant power options may be considered.
• Cooling: The switch is equipped with cooling fans designed to maintain optimal operating temperatures. The cooling system efficiently dissipates heat generated by the switch’s components, ensuring stable performance and preventing overheating.

6. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

EnergyWise Technology

• Power Efficiency: The C9300L-48P-4G-E incorporates Cisco EnergyWise technology to monitor and reduce power consumption. EnergyWise helps in managing the energy usage of connected devices, optimizing power efficiency, and supporting organizational sustainability goals by lowering the network’s overall energy footprint.

7. Use Cases and Applications

Enterprise Networks

• Access Layer Deployment: The C9300L-48P-4G-E is ideal for use in the access layer of enterprise networks, where it connects end-user devices and provides PoE+ capabilities for powering network devices. Its high-speed uplink ports support fast connectivity to core network infrastructure.
• Branch Offices: The switch is also suitable for branch office environments, offering reliable connectivity and PoE+ support for branch network devices. Its scalability through stacking and high-performance features make it a valuable asset for growing branch networks.

Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)

• Cost-Effective Solution: For small to medium-sized businesses, the C9300L-48P-4G-E provides a cost-effective solution that combines essential networking features with high performance. Its extensive port configuration and advanced capabilities make it a versatile choice for SMBs looking to enhance their network infrastructure.