Cisco Catalyst 9200-48P-E vs 9200-48T-E: A Modern Network Switch Showdown

Jul 16 , 2025 3

Cisco Catalyst 9200-48P-E vs 9200-48T-E: A Modern Network Switch Showdown

In the era of hybrid work and digital transformation, selecting the right network switch is critical for seamless connectivity and scalability. Cisco’s Catalyst 9200 series offers a range of options tailored for enterprise environments. Here, we dissect the C9200-48P-E and C9200-48T-E to help you determine which aligns best with your needs.

1. Core Specifications

2. Performance Breakdown

• Traffic Handling:
  Both switches deliver 255 Mpps throughput, ideal for campus and branch networks. However, the C9200-48T-E excels in non-PoE scenarios, supporting 10G speeds for high-bandwidth applications like server farms or storage area networks (SANs).

• PoE Efficiency:
  The C9200-48P-E’s 802.3bt PoE++ powers advanced devices (e.g., 802.11ax APs, PTZ cameras) with up to 60W per port, while the C9200-48T-E focuses on raw data transfer without PoE overhead.

3. Feature Set Comparison

4. Design & Usability

• Form Factor:
  The C9200-48P-E is optimized for space-constrained environments (1RU), while the C9200-48T-E’s 10G SFP+ ports require fiber/copper transceivers, adding flexibility for longer-distance connections.

• Thermal Management:
  The C9200-48T-E’s higher power draw necessitates improved airflow design, ensuring reliability under heavy workloads.

5. User Experience

• Setup Speed:
  The C9200-48P-E’s plug-and-play PoE+ simplifies deployments for offices or classrooms. The C9200-48T-E demands more planning for fiber cabling but offers scalability for data-heavy tasks.

• Troubleshooting:
  Both models leverage Cisco’s intuitive CLI and DNA Center for real-time monitoring, though the C9200-48T-E’s telemetry tools excel in pinpointing network anomalies.

6. Cost Analysis

• Initial Investment:
  The C9200-48T-E is ~20% cheaper upfront due to lower PoE costs.

• Long-Term ROI:
  The C9200-48P-E pays off in environments requiring widespread PoE adoption (e.g., smart buildings), avoiding the need for external power injectors.

7. Compatibility & Ecosystem

• Integration:
  Both switches seamlessly integrate with Cisco’s ecosystem (e.g., WLC, ISE, Firepower).

• Third-Party Tools:
  The C9200-48T-E’s 10G ports attract teams using specialized optics or third-party transceivers.

8. Battery Consumption

Neither switch includes batteries, but the C9200-48P-E’s PoE++ increases power consumption under full load (350W vs. 250W). Both support IEEE 802.3az EEE for energy efficiency.

9. Final Recommendations

• Choose the C9200-48P-E If:
  You need ubiquitous PoE+ coverage for IoT, voice, or video deployments.

• Choose the C9200-48T-E If:
  You prioritize 10G connectivity for server rooms, SANs, or future-proofing with fiber optics.

Pro Tip: Pair the C9200-48T-E with SFP+ DAC cables for short-range, high-speed connections in data centers.