Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switch Showdown: C9200-48PB-E vs C9200L-48PXG-2Y

Jul 04 , 2025 2

Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switch Showdown: C9200-48PB-E vs C9200L-48PXG-2Y

When upgrading your campus or branch network, selecting the right Catalyst 9200 switch can future-proof your infrastructure while balancing cost and performance. Here’s a breakdown of two popular models—C9200-48PB-E and C9200L-48PXG-2Y—to help you decide which fits your needs.

1. Performance Benchmarks

• C9200-48PB-E:

• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps

• Forwarding Rate: 130.95 Mpps

• RAM: 4 GB

• Storage: 16 GB Flash

• Latency: ~3 μs (typical)

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y:

• Switching Capacity: 336 Gbps

• Forwarding Rate: 252 Mpps

• RAM: 8 GB

• Storage: 32 GB Flash

• Latency: ~1.5 μs (optimized for low-latency apps)

Why it matters: The C9200L doubles the switching capacity and memory, making it ideal for demanding environments like IoT or unified communications.

2. Core Features

• C9200-48PB-E:

• Supports VLANs, STP, and basic QoS.

• Legacy PoE+ (up to 30 W per port).

• Limited IPv6 and multicast routing.

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y:

• Advanced features like VXLAN, EVPN, and Segment Routing.

• PoE++ (90 W per port) for powering AR/VR headsets or high-density IoT.

• Native IPv6 and multicast optimization for campus-wide SDN deployments.

Why it matters: The C9200L is built for modern, programmable networks, while the C9200-48PB-E suits simpler setups.

3. Design & Form Factor

• C9200-48PB-E:

• Traditional 1RU rack-mount design.

• Fixed 48x 1G/10G SFP+ ports + 4x 40G QSFP+ uplinks.

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y:

• Compact 1RU form factor with 48x 25G SFP28 ports (breakout to 4x 100G QSFP28).

• Fanless operation for quieter data centers.

Why it matters: The C9200L’s modular ports future-proof your network for 25G/100G upgrades.

4. User Experience

• C9200-48PB-E:

• CLI-driven management; limited automation.

• Older web interface with basic analytics.

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y:

• Tight integration with Cisco DNA Center for intent-based networking.

• Built-in telemetry and NetFlow for real-time monitoring.

Why it matters: The C9200L streamlines operations through automation and AI-driven insights.

5. Pricing & TCO

• C9200-48PB-E:

• Lower upfront cost (~5,000–7,000).

• Higher long-term costs due to inefficient power consumption (~80W).

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y:

• Premium price (~10,000–12,000).

• Energy efficiency (~45W) reduces operational expenses over time.

ROI Tip: The C9200L pays off in 2–3 years via lower power bills and scalability.

6. Battery Life (PoE Considerations)

• C9200-48PB-E:

• Supports PoE+ but lacks battery backup redundancy.

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y:

• Includes redundant DC power supplies and supports inline power for mission-critical devices.

Why it matters: The C9200L ensures uptime for VoIP phones and security cameras during outages.

7. Compatibility & Expansion

• C9200-48PB-E:

• Works with older Cisco Nexus modules but lacks modern ASIC flexibility.

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y:

• Modular design allows adding 400G uplinks via expansion modules.

• Backward-compatible with Cisco ACI and Meraki clouds.

Why it matters: The C9200L adapts to evolving network demands without replacement.

8. Software Support

• C9200-48PB-E:

• Runs older IOS-XE versions (e.g., 16.x), nearing end-of-life.

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y:

• Certified for IOS-XE 17.x+, ensuring long-term security patches and feature updates.

Security Alert: The C9200L receives extended lifecycle support, critical for compliance.

9. Translation (English Version)

Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switch Comparison: C9200-48PB-E vs. C9200L-48PXG-2Y

When upgrading your campus or branch network, selecting the right Catalyst 9200 switch balances cost, performance, and future-readiness. Here’s a detailed comparison:

1. Performance Metrics

• C9200-48PB-E: 176 Gbps switching capacity, 130 Mpps forwarding rate.

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y: 336 Gbps capacity, 252 Mpps rate.

2. Advanced Features

• C9200L adds VXLAN, EVPN, and IPv6 multicast, ideal for SDN.

• C9200-48PB-E focuses on basic Layer 2/3 functionality.

3. Design Efficiency

• C9200L’s fanless 25G ports save space and power compared to C9200-48PB-E’s 1G/10G design.

4. Total Cost of Ownership

• C9200L’s energy efficiency and scalability reduce long-term expenses despite higher upfront costs.

Key Takeaway: The C9200L is built for modern, AI-driven networks, while the C9200-48PB-E suits budget-constrained legacy environments.

10. Final Recommendation

Choose the C9200-48PB-E if:

• You need a low-cost, simple switch for basic office networks.

• Your existing infrastructure relies on older Cisco protocols.

Opt for the C9200L-48PXG-2Y if:

• You’re deploying IoT, AI/ML, or 5G edge applications.

• Scalability and long-term support are priorities.