Cisco Catalyst 9300L-48P-4X-E Switch

The Cisco Catalyst 9300L-48P-4X-E is built for modern enterprise networks that demand security, IoT readiness, mobility, and cloud-enabled management. As a member of Cisco’s flagship Catalyst 9300 family, this switch delivers a resilient, scalable, and energy-efficient solution for edge-poor networks and campus deployments. It combines 48 PoE-enabled ports with four high-speed uplinks, enabling organizations to power and connect a broad range of devices—from IP phones and wireless access points to security cameras and embedded sensors—without compromising performance or security. With a focus on simplicity, automation, and policy-driven management, the 9300L-48P-4X-E is designed to accelerate digital transformation while protecting critical enterprise assets.

Designed to support the evolving needs of today’s connected workplace, the 9300L-48P-4X-E blends Cisco IOS XE software with integrated security features, advanced QoS, and seamless cloud integration. This combination makes it an ideal fit for branches, retail sites, schools, and healthcare facilities where reliable access-layer switching, robust device profiling, and easy management are essential. The software stack provides powerful automation capabilities, enabling IT teams to provision, monitor, and secure the network with confidence. By leveraging Cisco DNA Center compatibility, administrators can implement policy-based networking, simplify operations, and gain actionable insights that drive better performance and security across the network.

• Powerful edge access with 48 PoE+ ports: The 9300L-48P-4X-E delivers ample PoE+ capability across 48 fast Ethernet ports, enabling quick deployment of IP phones, wireless APs, cameras, and IoT sensors directly from the switch. This reduces the need for separate power infrastructure and simplifies cabling while ensuring reliable delivery of power to critical edge devices.
• High-performance uplinks for scalable connectivity: Four 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks provide flexible, high-bandwidth paths to uplink to core or distribution layers. This supports bandwidth-intensive applications, real-time collaboration tools, streaming video, and large-scale IoT data flows without compromising user experience.
• Security-first architecture for IoT and mobility: Built with security at the core, this switch supports device profiling, access control policies, and encryption features that help protect endpoint devices at the edge. It enables secure segmentation and policy enforcement to reduce attack surfaces and safeguard sensitive data as devices proliferate across the network.
• Management simplicity with Cisco IOS XE and cloud integration: Running on Cisco IOS XE, the switch offers a familiar CLI, robust automation interfaces, and native integration with Cisco DNA Center for centralized management, policy enforcement, and visibility. This makes day-to-day administration more efficient, repeatable, and scalable across multiple sites.
• Energy efficiency and scalable deployment options: The 9300L-48P-4X-E emphasizes power-conscious design and energy-efficient features, helping organizations lower total cost of ownership while maintaining performance. Its modularity and stackable architecture support gradual, scalable growth as business needs expand.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 9300L-48P-4X-E Switch

• Model: Cisco Catalyst 9300L-48P-4X-E
• Ports: 48 x 1-Gigabit Ethernet with PoE+ (edge access ports)
• Uplink Interfaces: 4 x 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ uplinks for high-speed inter-switch connectivity
• PoE/PoE+ Support: PoE+ enabled across the 48 ports to power IP devices directly from the switch
• Stacking and HA: Stackable with compatible Catalyst 9300L switches to enable scalable, highly available access-layer deployments
• Software: Cisco IOS XE with security features, automation capabilities, and compatibility with Cisco DNA Center
• Security Features: Built-in security mechanisms including device profiling, access control policies, and encryption-ready architecture
• Management: CLI, Web UI, and API access for flexible, policy-driven management and automation
• Power and Form Factor: 1U class switch designed for enterprise edge deployments and rack-mount installations
• Automation and Analytics: Supports automation workflows and analytics through Cisco DNA Center and compatible tooling

How to install Cisco Catalyst 9300L-48P-4X-E Switch

Deploying the 9300L-48P-4X-E smoothly involves planning, physical installation, and initial configuration to establish a solid foundation for campus access-layer networking. Follow these guidelines to ensure a reliable and scalable rollout:

• Plan and prepare: Assess your site’s requirements for PoE power, user density, and edge device deployment. Determine the best rack location to optimize cooling, cabling paths, and access for maintenance.
• Rack placement and mounting: Install the switch in a standard 19-inch rack using the provided mounting brackets. Ensure adequate airflow around the device to prevent thermal throttling and maintain performance.
• Connect uplinks and edge devices: Connect the four 10G SFP+ uplinks to your distribution or core switches. Run Ethernet and PoE cabling from the 48 ports to endpoints such as IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points, grouping devices by policy and security requirements.
• Power considerations: Connect the switch to a reliable power source and verify that PoE devices receive sufficient power. If using redundant power or power-saving features, configure them according to your site’s redundancy strategy.
• Initial access and security hardening: Connect to the console port for the initial configuration. Set a strong hostname and enable secret, configure management access (SSH), and lay down basic VLANs and access policies to secure device onboarding.
• Policy-based configuration and deployment: Leverage Cisco IOS XE features and, if available, Cisco DNA Center to apply consistent policies across devices. Create QoS rules for latency-sensitive applications, apply security profiles, and enable PoE management for edge devices.
• Monitoring and ongoing management: Enable SNMP, NetFlow, and logging to a centralized monitoring system. Schedule firmware updates and security patches to keep the switch current and secure.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Cisco Catalyst 9300L-48P-4X-E Switch used for?
• A: It is an enterprise-grade, stackable access-layer switch designed to power and connect edge devices—PoE-enabled endpoints like IP phones, wireless APs, cameras, and sensors—while providing high-speed uplinks, robust security, and cloud-friendly management options.
• Q: How many PoE ports does it have?
• A: It provides 48 PoE+ capable ports for edge device power delivery, simplifying the deployment of IoT and mobility solutions at the edge.
• Q: What about uplinks and scalability?
• A: The switch includes four 10G uplinks for scalable inter-switch connectivity, enabling efficient aggregation to the core or distribution layer and supporting future growth without a complex rearchitecture.
• Q: Is it compatible with Cisco DNA Center?
• A: Yes, the Catalyst 9300L-48P-4X-E is designed to integrate with Cisco DNA Center for policy-driven management, automation, and centralized analytics across the network.
• Q: What kind of security features does it offer?
• A: It includes device profiling, access control policies, and encryption-ready capabilities to protect edge devices and ensure secure onboarding, segmentation, and traffic protection in IoT-heavy environments.