Cisco Catalyst C9200L-24PXG-4X-E vs C9200-48PXG-A: Unveiling the Optimal Campus Switch for Modern Enterprises

Jul 15 , 2025 7

Cisco Catalyst C9200L-24PXG-4X-E vs C9200-48PXG-A: Unveiling the Optimal Campus Switch for Modern Enterprises

In today’s evolving campus networks, Cisco’s Catalyst series offers a spectrum of solutions to meet diverse demands. This comparison between the C9200L-24PXG-4X-E and C9200-48PXG-A focuses on their technical prowess, scalability, and practical value to guide your decision-making.

1. Product Overview

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-E:

• Ports: 24x 802.3at PoE+/PoE++ + 4x 10G SFP+

• Switching Capacity: 128Gbps

• Forwarding Rate: 95.23Mpps

• ASIC: Cisco Trio ASIC

• Buffer: 0.5MB per port

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

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

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• 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: Advanced routing protocols (OSPF/BGP), stackable design, and IPv6 first-hop security.

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

2. Performance Showdown

3. Functionality Breakdown

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-E:

• No built-in routing capabilities.

• 24x PoE+/PoE++ ports for seamless IoT/Wi-Fi 6 integration.

• Compact 1RU form factor for space-constrained environments.

• Core Strengths:

• Limitations:

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• Relies on external power injectors for PoE+ devices.

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

• StackWise-480 technology for unified management.

• Game-Changing Features:

• Limitations:

4. Design & Aesthetics

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-E:

• Sleek 1RU design with front-facing PoE status LEDs.

• Streamlined ports optimized for PoE deployments.

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• Rugged 1RU metal chassis with redundant power supply slots.

• Flexible SFP+ ports for fiber/copper uplinks.

5. User Experience

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-E:

• Intuitive web-based GUI for quick PoE configuration.

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

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• Suited for teams managing large-scale campus networks.

• Supports comprehensive CLI and REST API automation.

6. Pricing Strategy

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-E:

• Mid-range price (~5,000–7,000 USD), balancing cost and PoE density.

• C9200-48PXG-A:

• Premium model (~6,000–8,000 USD), justified by advanced routing and stacking capabilities.

7. Compatibility & Expansion

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-E:

• Limited to 24 PoE ports but compatible with Cisco EnergyWise-enabled devices.

• Expandable via optional 10G SFP+ modules.

• C9200-48PXG-A:

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

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

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 C9200L-24PXG-4X-E’s PoE+ efficiency optimizes power distribution across connected devices.

10. Real-World Scenarios

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-E:

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

• C9200-48PXG-A:

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

11. Final Recommendations

Choose the C9200L-24PXG-4X-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.

Opt for the C9200-48PXG-A if:
✓ You require advanced routing protocols (OSPF/BGP).
✓ Scalability for future 10G upgrades is critical.
✓ Stackable design and redundancy matter for mission-critical networks.