Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Showdown: C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A vs C9200-48T-A

Jul 16 , 2025 48

Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Showdown: C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A vs C9200-48T-A

Are you torn between the C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A and C9200-48T-A for your campus or branch network? These two Cisco Catalyst 9200 switches share the same form factor but cater to distinct needs. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide.

1. Performance Benchmarks

Why it matters: The C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A prioritizes fiber connectivity and future scalability, while the C9200-48T-A focuses on cost-effective 10G deployment.

2. Core Functionality

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A:

• PoE++ Flexibility: Supports up to 48×802.3bt (630W max) for dense IoT, VoIP, and Wi-Fi 6 deployments.

• High-Density Fiber: 40G QSFP+ ports for backbone or data center interconnects.

• C9200-48T-A:

• Fixed 10G SFP+ Ports: Simplified cabling for standard LAN environments.

• Stacking Capabilities: Up to 8 switches in a stack for unified management.

Why it matters: The C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A is built for hybrid environments; the C9200-48T-A excels in simplicity.

3. Design & Aesthetics

• Form Factor: Both are 1RU rack-mountable and fanless for quiet operation.

• Ports:

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A: 48 RJ-45 ports (front) + 4 combo QSFP+ ports (rear).

• C9200-48T-A: 48 SFP+ ports (fiber/copper) + 4 combo ports.

• Durability: MIL-SPEC-810H certified for rugged deployments.

Why it matters: The C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A simplifies fiber management; the C9200-48T-A reduces cable clutter.

4. User Experience

• Management: Both integrate with Cisco DNA Center and CLI.

• Ease of Use:

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A: Steeper learning curve for modular configurations.

• C9200-48T-A: Plug-and-play simplicity for SMBs.

• Troubleshooting: LED diagnostics and Cisco Prime Infrastructure support.

Why it matters: The C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A rewards customization; the C9200-48T-A is ideal for hands-off admins.

5. Price & Value

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A: ~8,000–10,000 (street price).

• C9200-48T-A: ~6,000–7,500.

• ROI: The C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A pays off in high-growth networks; the C9200-48T-A balances cost with immediate scalability.

Why it matters: Enterprises lean toward the C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A; budget-conscious buyers opt for the C9200-48T-A.

6. Power Efficiency

• Idle Power: ~35W (both).

• Under Load: ~350W (C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A) vs. ~250W (C9200-48T-A).

• Efficiency Rating: ENERGY STAR compliant, but the C9200-48T-A uses less power under light workloads.

Why it matters: Greener deployments may favor the C9200-48T-A.

7. Compatibility & Expansion

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A:

• Supports 40G QSFP+ modules for backbone upgrades.

• Stacking with Catalyst 9200/9300 switches.

• C9200-48T-A:

• Limited to 48 fixed ports (no expansion slots).

• Works with Cisco ISR/ASR routers and third-party devices.

Why it matters: The C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A future-proofs your network; the C9200-48T-A is plug-and-play.

8. Software Enablement

• Shared Features:

• SD-WAN (Viptela integration), TrustSec segmentation, Meraki cloud management.

• C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A Exclusive:

• VXLAN/EVPN overlays with advanced licensing.

Why it matters: The C9200L-48PXG-2Y-A is ideal for cloud-native architectures.