Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A Catalyst Switch 48 Port Gigabit Ethernet

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4G-A is an enterprise-grade, stackable Layer 3 data switch engineered for modern high-performance enterprise edge and aggregation deployments. Equipped with 48 dedicated Gigabit Ethernet data-only ports and 4 fixed 1G SFP uplinks, this switch runs the feature-rich Network Advantage software package. Powered by Cisco’s advanced Unified Access Data Plane (UADP 2.0) ASIC architecture, the C9300L-48T-4G-A seamlessly facilitates advanced routing, full Flexible NetFlow, and automated campus segmentation via Cisco DNA Center, making it a reliable cornerstone for data centers, campus backbones, and server farms.

Figure 1 shows the front panel of C9300L-48T-4G-A.

The Cisco C9300L-48T-4G-A is a specialized fixed-uplink hardware variant (denoted by the "L") within the flagship Catalyst 9300 infrastructure line. Unlike power-delivery models, this unit is engineered purely as a Data-Only switch. It allocates 100% of its internal thermal and power engineering to high-speed packet forwarding across its 48 standard 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports. The "4G" designation represents 4 integrated 1G SFP ports directly on the front face, providing dependable fiber-optic or copper uplink interconnectivity without necessitating external modular expansions.

Unlike entry-level models running the basic Network Essentials package, this switch features the premium Network Advantage software license tier. It unlocks advanced enterprise routing protocols out-of-the-box, including full Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Policy-Based Routing (PBR), and Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF-Lite) for multi-tenant isolation.

The C9300L platform features Cisco StackWise-320 technology, allowing network administrators to stack up to 8 switches into a single logical network node. Delivering an impressive 320 Gbps of stacking bandwidth and supporting Nonstop Routing / Stateful Switchover (NSF/SSO) architecture, the stack maintains seamless data transmission across your campus backend even if an individual switch encounters an unexpected hardware fault.

With full support for Flexible NetFlow (FNF), this switch monitors every network flow to detect anomalies and optimize application traffic. Security is reinforced via MACsec-128 link encryption, preventing unauthorized interception, alongside advanced First Hop Security (FHS) mitigations including DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), and IP Source Guard.

To extract maximum performance from the 4 fixed 1G SFP uplinks, network architects combine the C9300L-48T-4G-A with premium optical accessories:

• For Fiber Connections: Use Cisco-compatible 1000BASE-SX SFP transceivers with OM3/OM4 multimode fiber patch cords for local building distances up to 550 meters, or 1000BASE-LX/LH single-mode transceivers for campus backbones spanning up to 10km.

• Stacking Configuration: Attach an optional StackWise-320 stacking kit to the back panel and insert heavy-duty Cisco stacking cables to combine multiple switches into an automated, highly-resilient node.

Management can be performed locally through an intuitive built-in WebGUI or standard Command Line Interface (CLI). For larger corporate environments, it integrates natively with Cisco DNA Center to support zero-touch provisioning, intent-based network policy creation, and AI-driven predictive health analytics.

To assist enterprise procurement managers in selecting the ideal model for their topology, the comparison matrix below highlights the differences across neighboring Catalyst 9300 variants:

A: Data-only switches are specifically engineered for network areas where local power distribution to endpoints isn't required—such as connecting dedicated server racks, network-attached storage (NAS), desktop workstations, or downstream switches. Because it lacks a heavy PoE transformer, it generates less heat, consumes less power, utilizes highly compact power supplies, and carries a more cost-effective capital expenditure profile.

A: The Network Advantage license included with this model delivers full corporate Layer 3 capabilities. While Network Essentials is limited to basic routing (static, stub OSPF, routed access), Network Advantage unlocks full scale OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, Policy-Based Routing, VRF-Lite, MPLS features, and deep integration options for Cisco SD-Access software topologies.

A: No. The uplink architecture on the C9300L-48T-4G-A is hardware-fixed to standard 1G SFP speeds. If your infrastructure strictly demands 10Gbps optical transport lines directly on the switch chassis, we recommend exploring the C9300L-48T-4X variant which houses four native 10G SFP+ uplink ports.

A: Every switch purchased through our store comes backed by a comprehensive 1-Year Hardware Warranty. If a component failure occurs, our specialized technical department coordinates cross-shipping or expedited replacement handling. Additionally, our certified engineering division provides remote onboarding deployment assistance to help configure initial stacking, custom VLAN setups, and link aggregations.

A: Yes. It features two hot-swappable power supply bays on the rear panel. It ships default with one high-efficiency AC power module (PWR-C1-350WAC-P). For continuous uptime environments, adding a secondary matching power supply provides flawless load-sharing and power supply redundancy, protecting against local circuit failures.

The Cisco Catalyst C9300L-48T-4G-A remains a premier choice for high-volume data aggregation. Combining the extensive enterprise features of the Network Advantage license with the physical reliability of StackWise-320 and dual power supply support, it provides an rock-solid Foundation for corporate networks.