Cisco Catalyst C9200-48PXG-A vs C9200-48PXG-E: Unveiling the Ultimate Campus Switch Showdown

Jul 15 , 2025 7

Cisco Catalyst C9200-48PXG-A vs C9200-48PXG-E: Unveiling the Ultimate Campus Switch Showdown

In the competitive landscape of campus networking, Cisco’s Catalyst series continues to set the benchmark for performance and versatility. Today, we dive into a detailed comparison of two powerhouse switches: the C9200-48PXG-A and C9200-48PXG-E. Whether you’re designing a high-density enterprise network or future-proofing a campus backbone, this analysis will help you make an informed decision.

1. Product Overview

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• Ports: 48x 802.3at PoE+/PoE++ + 4x 10G SFP+

• Switching Capacity: 176Gbps

• Forwarding Rate: 130.95Mpps

• ASIC: Cisco Trio ASIC

• Buffer: 1MB per port

• Key Features: Advanced routing (OSPF/BGP), IPv6 first-hop security, and redundant power supply support.

• Best For: High-density campus access, unified communications, and mixed-media environments.

• C9200-48PXG-E:

• Ports: 48x 10G SFP+ + 4x 10G SFP+ (expandable with optional modules)

• Switching Capacity: 176Gbps

• Forwarding Rate: 130.95Mpps

• ASIC: Cisco Trio ASIC

• Buffer: 1MB per port

• Key Features: EnergyWise power management, Cisco DNA Center integration, and compact 1RU design.

• Best For: IoT deployments, wireless access points, and offices with dense PoE-powered devices.

2. Performance Showdown

3. Functionality Breakdown

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• No built-in stacking capabilities.

• Advanced routing protocols (OSPF, BGP) for complex networks.

• Redundant power supplies ensure 24/7 uptime.

• Core Strengths:

• Limitations:

• C9200-48PXG-E:

• Relies on external power injectors for PoE+ devices.

• StackWise-480 technology for unified management of up to 8 switches.

• EnergyWise enables granular power allocation for IoT devices.

• Game-Changing Features:

• Limitations:

4. Design & Aesthetics

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• Rugged 1RU metal chassis with redundant fan trays.

• Front-to-back airflow for efficient cooling in high-density environments.

• C9200-48PXG-E:

• Sleek 1RU design optimized for PoE deployments.

• LED indicators for real-time PoE status and port activity.

5. User Experience

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• Suited for teams managing large-scale campus networks.

• Supports comprehensive CLI and REST API automation.

• C9200-48PXG-E:

• Intuitive web-based GUI for quick configuration.

• Tight integration with Cisco DNA Center for zero-touch provisioning.

6. Pricing Strategy

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• Premium price (~8,000–10,000 USD), justified by advanced routing and redundancy.

• C9200-48PXG-E:

• Cost-effective entry point (~6,000–8,000 USD), ideal for budget-conscious deployments.

7. Compatibility & Expansion

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• Stacks with other Catalyst 9200/9300 switches for unified management.

• Supports third-party SFP+ transceivers for fiber uplinks.

• C9200-48PXG-E:

• Limited to 48 PoE ports but expandable via optional 10G SFP+ modules.

• Compatible with Cisco EnergyWise-enabled devices.

8. Software Ecosystem

• Both switches run NX-OS, but the C9200-48PXG-A receives priority updates for:

• Advanced security features (e.g., MACsec).

• Integration with Cisco Stealthwatch for network visibility.

• AI-driven anomaly detection.

9. Battery Consumption

Neither switch requires internal batteries. The C9200-48PXG-A’s redundant power supplies ensure consistent operation during outages.

10. Real-World Scenarios

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• Deployed in university campuses for high-density classroom connectivity.

• C9200-48PXG-E:

• Deployed in smart buildings for IoT sensor networks and Wi-Fi 6 APs.

11. Final Recommendations

Choose the C9200-48PXG-A if:
✓ You require advanced routing protocols (OSPF/BGP).
✓ Redundancy and uptime are critical for mission-critical networks.
✓ Scalability for future 10G upgrades is non-negotiable.

Opt for the C9200-48PXG-E if:
✓ You need integrated PoE+/PoE++ for IoT/Wi-Fi 6.
✓ Space constraints demand a compact footprint.
✓ Simplified management with Cisco DNA Center is a priority.