C9200L-24P-4G-E vs C9200-48T-A: Which Switch Better Fits Your Network Needs?

May 16 , 2025 9

When building or upgrading enterprise networks, choosing the right switch is critical. The Cisco Catalyst 9200 series offers two distinct models - C9200L-24P-4G-E and C9200-48T-A - each with unique advantages. But which one truly meets your specific requirements? Let's examine these switches side by side to find the optimal solution.

 Core Specifications Comparison

 Performance Analysis

The processing power comparison reveals C9200-48T-A's slight edge with 1.6Tbps switching capacity versus 1.4Tbps in C9200L-24P-4G-E. This 14% advantage enables better handling of high-density traffic environments, particularly when all 48 ports operate simultaneously.

Regarding memory and storage, C9200-48T-A doubles the capacity with 8GB DDR4 RAM and 8GB eMMC storage compared to its counterpart. This expanded resource allocation supports more complex network policies and concurrent sessions while providing ample space for future software updates and logging.

 Feature Set Evaluation

PoE capability represents the most significant differentiation. The C9200L-24P-4G-E delivers 24 PoE+ ports (30W per port maximum), ideal for powering IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras. The C9200-48T-A lacks PoE functionality entirely, requiring additional power injectors or switches for PoE-dependent devices.

Uplink options show C9200L-24P-4G-E's integrated advantage with four built-in 1G SFP fiber ports for flexible backbone connectivity. The C9200-48T-A necessitates expansion modules for fiber connectivity, adding cost and implementation complexity.

 Design Considerations

Both switches share identical rack-mountable form factors (440×240×43.6mm), ensuring compatibility with standard 19-inch cabinets. The C9200L-24P-4G-E's PoE circuitry contributes to its slightly heavier weight (5.2kg vs 4.6kg).

Thermal management differs due to PoE requirements. The C9200L-24P-4G-E incorporates more robust cooling to handle PoE-generated heat, potentially producing marginally higher noise levels at full load. The C9200-48T-A operates more quietly in typical office environments.

 User Experience Assessment

Management interfaces remain consistent across both models, featuring Cisco IOS-XE operating system with multiple control options including Web GUI, CLI, and Cisco DNA Center. However, C9200-48T-A's superior hardware resources deliver faster response times during complex configuration changes.

Deployment simplicity favors C9200L-24P-4G-E for PoE applications by eliminating separate power arrangements for endpoint devices. The C9200-48T-A proves more economical when connecting numerous non-PoE devices like workstations and servers.

 Cost Analysis

Market pricing typically shows C9200-48T-A's base cost 15-20% lower than C9200L-24P-4G-E. However, total cost of ownership requires broader consideration:

- PoE requirements with C9200-48T-A necessitate additional power injectors/midspans, potentially exceeding C9200L-24P-4G-E's total cost

- C9200L-24P-4G-E's integrated uplink ports save expansion module expenses

- Power consumption (detailed below) becomes significantly higher for C9200L-24P-4G-E under heavy PoE loads

 Power Efficiency

Under no PoE load conditions, C9200L-24P-4G-E consumes approximately 45W versus C9200-48T-A's 40W - a negligible difference. However, at maximum PoE load, C9200L-24P-4G-E's power draw can reach 370W (including up to 240W for PoE), dwarfing C9200-48T-A's 85W ceiling.

The energy efficiency ratio favors C9200-48T-A, processing about 18.8Gbps per watt compared to C9200L-24P-4G-E's 15.6Gbps per watt (excluding PoE power allocation).

 Compatibility and Expandability

Both switches demonstrate identical protocol compliance, supporting IEEE 802.1Q VLAN, 802.1p QoS, 802.3x flow control and other standard protocols. Third-party device interoperability has been thoroughly verified, including compatibility with various IP phones, cameras, and wireless APs.

Regarding future readiness, C9200-48T-A's superior baseline performance and memory capacity may extend its viable service life when adopting new protocols and features. Conversely, C9200L-24P-4G-E's PoE capability provides better IoT device expansion potential.

 Software Support

Cisco maintains identical software maintenance policies for both switches:

- Regular security updates and vulnerability patches

- Feature enhancement releases

- Anticipated end-of-support dates beyond 2030

However, certain memory-intensive new features might only achieve full functionality on C9200-48T-A. Meanwhile, C9200L-24P-4G-E may receive more PoE-specific management enhancements.

 Decision Guide: Matching Switch to Application

The optimal choice between C9200L-24P-4G-E and C9200-48T-A depends on your specific use case:

Choose C9200L-24P-4G-E when:

- Deploying numerous PoE devices (IP phones, APs, cameras)

- Requiring ready-to-use fiber uplinks

- Anticipating future PoE device expansion

- Willing to pay premium for PoE convenience

Choose C9200-48T-A when:

- Connecting primarily non-PoE devices (computers, servers)

- Needing maximum traffic handling capacity

- Operating with constrained budgets sans PoE requirements

- Running sophisticated network services or policies

Before finalizing your decision, evaluate your 3-5 year network roadmap and consider hybrid deployments - using PoE switches in some areas and non-PoE models elsewhere to optimize cost-efficiency.