Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48P-4X-A 48 Ports, PoE+ Switch 9300L Series Single PWR

Overview

1. Physical and Port Specifications

Form Factor and Design

• Form Factor: The C9300L-48P-4X-A is designed as a 1U (one rack unit) switch. It fits standard 19-inch racks, making it suitable for rack-mounted environments such as data centers, server rooms, and network closets. The 1U form factor allows for efficient use of rack space, which is crucial for optimizing physical space in network setups.
• Build Quality: The switch features a robust and durable chassis designed for reliable operation under continuous use. It is engineered to handle high network traffic loads, ensuring stable performance in demanding environments. The chassis is constructed to withstand the rigors of high-traffic network conditions and maintain long-term operational stability.

Port Configuration

• 48 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports: The C9300L-48P-4X-A comes with 48 fixed 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports, using RJ-45 connectors. These ports provide standard Ethernet connectivity for a variety of network devices, including computers, printers, and IP phones. The Gigabit Ethernet speed supports a wide range of applications and user requirements, offering sufficient bandwidth for typical enterprise needs.
• 4 x 10G SFP+ Uplink Ports: The switch includes 4 fixed 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports for uplink connectivity. These high-speed uplink ports allow for fast and reliable connections to other switches, routers, or core network infrastructure. The SFP+ transceivers provide flexibility in network design and scalability, supporting high-bandwidth data transfer rates.

2. Performance and Scalability

Switching Capacity and Throughput

• Switching Capacity: The C9300L-48P-4X-A is built with a high switching capacity, ensuring it can handle substantial volumes of network traffic efficiently. This capacity supports the processing and routing of large amounts of data without performance degradation, making it suitable for high-traffic network environments.
• Forwarding Rate: The switch offers a high forwarding rate, which is essential for quick packet processing and forwarding. This feature helps maintain low latency and supports high-throughput applications, such as video streaming and large file transfers, ensuring smooth and reliable network performance.

Stacking Technology

• StackWise-480 Technology: The C9300L-48P-4X-A supports Cisco’s StackWise-480 technology, which allows for the stacking of up to eight switches. Stacking creates a single logical unit, simplifying network management and configuration. This technology enhances scalability, reliability, and redundancy by distributing traffic across the stacked units and providing failover capabilities in case of switch failures.

3. Advanced Networking Features

Security Features

• Comprehensive Security Suite: The C9300L-48P-4X-A includes a range of advanced security features designed to protect the network and ensure data integrity. Key security capabilities include:
  • 802.1X Authentication: Provides port-based network access control, ensuring that only authenticated devices can connect to the network. This helps prevent unauthorized access and enhances network security.
  • Cisco TrustSec: Offers role-based access control and segmentation to enforce security policies based on user roles and device types. Cisco TrustSec helps in creating a segmented network environment with granular security policies.
  • MACsec Encryption: Provides encryption for data transmitted across the network, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure during transit. This encryption helps protect against data breaches and unauthorized data access.
• Policy-Based Access Control: The switch supports detailed policy and access control mechanisms, allowing administrators to define and enforce security policies based on user roles, devices, or applications. This capability aids in creating a secure network environment and ensuring compliance with organizational security requirements.

Quality of Service (QoS)

• Advanced QoS Capabilities: The C9300L-48P-4X-A features sophisticated Quality of Service (QoS) functionalities to prioritize and manage network traffic effectively. QoS mechanisms ensure that critical applications, such as voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing, receive the necessary bandwidth and minimal latency. This functionality is crucial for maintaining high service quality and optimizing network performance.

4. Management and Automation

Cisco DNA Center Integration

• Centralized Network Management: The C9300L-48P-4X-A 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, streamlining network management and reducing administrative overhead.
• Automation and Analytics: Cisco DNA Center supports automation features such as zero-touch provisioning and policy-based configuration. It also provides real-time network analytics and insights, enabling IT teams to proactively manage network performance, identify potential issues, and optimize network resources.

Cisco IOS XE

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

5. Reliability and Redundancy

Power Supplies and Cooling

• Power Supply Options: The C9300L-48P-4X-A 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 System: The switch includes internal cooling fans designed to maintain optimal operating temperatures. The cooling system ensures that the switch remains within safe temperature limits, preventing overheating and maintaining stable performance.

6. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

EnergyWise Technology

• Power Efficiency: The C9300L-48P-4X-A incorporates Cisco EnergyWise technology to manage and reduce power consumption. EnergyWise monitors the energy usage of connected devices and optimizes power efficiency, contributing to lower operational costs and supporting environmental sustainability goals.

7. Use Cases and Applications

Enterprise Networks

• Access Layer Deployment: The C9300L-48P-4X-A is well-suited for deployment in the access layer of enterprise networks. It provides reliable and high-speed connectivity for end-user devices and supports high-speed uplinks to core network infrastructure. Its performance and scalability make it ideal for environments with high network demands.

Branch Offices

• Branch Office Connectivity: The switch is also suitable for branch office environments, offering reliable network access and high-speed uplink capabilities. Its support for high-performance features and scalability through stacking makes it a valuable choice for expanding branch networks.

Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)

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