C9200-48PB-A vs C9200-24PB-E: A Guide to Precision Matching for 48-Port and 24-Port Switches

Aug 07 , 2025 6

C9200-48PB-A vs C9200-24PB-E: A Guide to Precision Matching for 48-Port and 24-Port Switches

In enterprise access layer equipment selection, the "more vs. precise" dilemma is ever-present. Cisco’s Catalyst 9200 Series models—C9200-48PB-A (48-port Gigabit PoE+) and C9200-24PB-E (24-port Gigabit PoE+)—exemplify this dynamic. This article breaks down their differences and application values from technical specs, functional features to real-world scenarios, helping enterprises find the "right fit."

1. Performance Differences: Hard Power Divide Between 48-Port and 24-Port

Processing Speed: Switching Capacity Determines "Stress Resistance"

Both devices use Cisco’s Catalyst 9200 Series ASIC architecture, but C9200-48PB-A has slightly higher capacity due to more ports:

• C9200-48PB-A: 160 Gbps switching capacity, 120.94 Mpps forwarding rate, supporting wire-speed forwarding. Ideal for mixed 48-terminal networks (e.g., offices + wireless APs + IP phones).

• C9200-24PB-E: 120 Gbps switching capacity, 90.72 Mpps forwarding rate. Sufficient for 24-terminal scenarios (e.g., small stores, meeting rooms).

Memory & Storage: Backbone for Multi-Service Loads

Memory impacts handling ACLs, QoS, etc.; storage affects log/configuration retention:

• C9200-48PB-A: 4 GB DDR4 RAM + 8 GB eMMC flash (non-expandable). Adequate for most SME multi-service policies (e.g., 50 ACLs, 10 QoS groups).

• C9200-24PB-E: Same 4 GB RAM + 8 GB flash. Lower memory pressure suits lightweight policies (e.g., basic ACL filtering).

2. Functional Features: "Comprehensive" vs. "Focused" Scenario Adaptation

Interfaces & Expansion: Port Count Determines "Coverage"

• C9200-48PB-A: 48 Gigabit PoE+ ports (370W total PoE) + 4×10G SFP+ uplinks. Supports StackWise-480 stacking (max 4 units, 32 Gbps). Ideal for high-density access (e.g., school labs, hotel rooms), reducing stack complexity.

• C9200-24PB-E: 24 Gigabit PoE+ ports (370W total PoE) + 2×10G SFP+ uplinks. Basic StackWise-480 stacking (max 2 units). Compact design fits space-limited branches (e.g., convenience stores).

Security & Management: From "Basic" to "Advanced"

• C9200-48PB-A: Enhanced ACLs (port-based VLAN mapping), 802.1X authentication, and Cisco DNA Center integration (traffic analytics, automated policies). Suited for moderate security needs (e.g., education campuses).

• C9200-24PB-E: Basic ACLs, MAC filtering. No DNA Center integration but manageable via CNA. Better for simple security (e.g., retail POS networks).

3. Design & Appearance: Practicality in Industrial Design

Both are 1U rack-mount, but with details:

• C9200-48PB-A: 44.5×44.5×4.4 cm, ~7.2 kg, matte metal case, side vents. Front panel: 48 PoE+ ports (status LEDs); rear: 4×10G SFP+. For dense data center deployment.

• C9200-24PB-E: 44.5×44.5×4.2 cm, ~6.8 kg, anti-slip rubber base. Front: compact 24 ports; rear: 2×10G SFP+. Suitable for desktops/half-open machine rooms (e.g., store weak current boxes).

4. User Experience: Deployment to O&M Realities

Deployment Efficiency: Time Difference Between "Many Ports" and "Few Ports"

• C9200-48PB-A: 48 PoE+ ports power 48 terminals at once. With CNA batch configuration, 50-device deployment (APs + phones) takes ~40 mins. Requires upfront IP planning.

• C9200-24PB-E: 24 ports cover 20 terminals (POS + cameras) in 20 mins. Scalable via stacking (max 48 ports), meeting some growth needs.

O&M Difficulty: "Smart" vs. "Simple" Trade-offs

• C9200-48PB-A: DNA Center’s "network health analysis" monitors traffic/PoE in real-time, predicting overloads. Requires familiarity with DNA Center.

• C9200-24PB-E: Basic CNA monitoring (port status, error packets). Troubleshooting relies on CLI (e.g., show interfaces status). Easier for non-professional IT.

5. Cost-Performance Comparison: Rational Calculation of "Expensive" vs. "Cheap"

Assuming prices: C9200-48PB-A ~¥16,000; C9200-24PB-E ~¥11,000.

• Choose C9200-48PB-A: If current needs exceed 30 terminals with 2-year expansion plans (e.g., school classrooms), 48 ports avoid repeat investment.

• Choose C9200-24PB-E: For 20-terminal needs with no 3-year expansion (e.g., clinics), lower upfront cost saves 30%.

6. Product Advantages: "Big & Complete" vs. "Small & Beautiful"

• C9200-48PB-A:
  ✅ 48-port high density, fewer stacks;
  ✅ DNA Center integration for smart O&M;
  ✅ Ample 10G uplinks for future upgrades.

• C9200-24PB-E:
  ✅ Compact 24-port design for small spaces;
  ✅ Lower cost reduces initial investment;
  ✅ Simple stacking for easier O&M.

7. System Upgrade: Steps, Issues, and Fixes (Key)

System upgrades are critical for stability. Below is a practical guide:

Pre-Upgrade: 3 Must-Dos

• Backup Config: Use copy running-config tftp: or DNA Center to back up. Restore via copy tftp: running-config if needed.

• Check Compatibility: Verify firmware compatibility with hardware (PoE modules, memory) on Cisco Software Download. C9200-48PB-A: check stack modules; C9200-24PB-E: confirm SFP+ drivers.

• Choose Method: Recommend DNA Center batch upgrade or CLI:

  archive download-sw /overwrite tftp://192.168.1.100/c9200-universalk9.17.06.02.SPA.bin

Upgrade Process: 3 Common Issues & Solutions

• Issue 1: Power Loss Mid-Upgrade
  Device enters ROMmon mode (“rommon 1 >”). Fix: Use a FAT32 USB drive with renamed firmware, boot via boot system usbflash0:filename.bin.

• Issue 2: Service Disruption Post-Upgrade
  Legacy policies (ACLs, QoS) may conflict. Fix: Test in a lab (Cisco VIRS); roll back via configure replace flash:new_config.txt.

• Issue 3: Unsynchronized Stack Upgrade (C9200-48PB-A Only)
  Master upgrades but slaves lag, causing stack split. Fix: Disable auto-upgrade on slaves (no software auto-upgrade), manually upgrade master→slave, confirm “Ready” status via show stack.

8. Product Use Cases: Scenarios Define the "Best Fit"

• C9200-48PB-A: A middle school computer lab uses 48 ports for 40 PCs + 5 teacher terminals + 3 APs. DNA Center monitors traffic, ensuring no downtime during peak enrollment. Strength: "Wide coverage + smart O&M."

• C9200-24PB-E: A community store uses 24 ports for 15 POS + 3 cameras + 2 PCs. CNA configures 15 mins per store, cutting deployment cost by 40%. Strength: "Low cost + easy deployment."

9. Detailed Pros & Cons: A Clear Choice List

10. Conclusion: No "Best," Only "Right"

The core difference between C9200-48PB-A and C9200-24PB-E is "coverage breadth" vs. "deployment precision." Enterprises should align with terminal count, expansion plans, and O&M capabilities—choose 48-port for "one-step coverage" or 24-port for "cost-efficiency." The value of network devices lies in meeting needs, not chasing specs.