Cisco Catalyst C9200L-48T-4X-E vs C9200L-24PXG-4X-A: Unveiling the Ultimate Campus Switch Dilemma

Jul 15 , 2025 4

Cisco Catalyst C9200L-48T-4X-E vs C9200L-24PXG-4X-A: Unveiling the Ultimate Campus Switch Dilemma

In modern enterprise networks, selecting the right switch is critical for balancing performance, scalability, and cost. Cisco’s Catalyst C9200L series offers versatile solutions tailored for mid-sized campuses and branch offices. Today, we compare two popular models: the C9200L-48T-4X-E and C9200L-24PXG-4X-A. Whether you prioritize PoE flexibility or high-density stacking, this breakdown will guide your decision.

1. Product Overview

• C9200L-48T-4X-E:

• Ports: 48x 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet + 4x 10G SFP+

• Switching Capacity: 176Gbps

• Forwarding Rate: 130.95Mpps

• ASIC: Cisco Trio ASIC

• Buffer: 1MB per port

• Key Features: StackWise-480 stacking, IPv6 first-hop security, and advanced QoS.

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

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-A:

• 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.

2. Performance Showdown

3. Functionality Breakdown

• C9200L-48T-4X-E:

• No built-in PoE capabilities.

• Highest port density for 10/100/1000BASE-T connections.

• Supports advanced routing protocols (OSPF, BGP).

• Core Strengths:

• Limitations:

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-A:

• Reduced switching capacity compared to the 48-port model.

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

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

• Game-Changing Features:

• Limitations:

4. Design & Aesthetics

• C9200L-48T-4X-E:

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

• Front-to-back airflow for efficient cooling in stacked deployments.

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-A:

• Sleek 1RU design optimized for PoE deployments.

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

5. User Experience

• C9200L-48T-4X-E:

• Suited for teams managing large-scale campus networks.

• Supports comprehensive CLI and REST API automation.

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-A:

• Intuitive web-based GUI for quick configuration.

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

6. Pricing Strategy

• C9200L-48T-4X-E:

• Mid-range price (~4,000–6,000 USD), balancing cost and scalability.

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-A:

• Premium PoE-focused model (~5,000–7,000 USD), justified by integrated power delivery.

7. Compatibility & Expansion

• C9200L-48T-4X-E:

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

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

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-A:

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

• Expandable via optional 10G SFP+ modules.

8. Software Ecosystem

• Both switches run NX-OS, but the C9200L-24PXG-4X-A receives priority updates for:

• Enhanced PoE+ management tools.

• Integration with Cisco Stealthwatch for network visibility.

• AI-driven anomaly detection.

9. Battery Consumption

Neither switch requires internal batteries. The C9200L-24PXG-4X-A’s PoE+ efficiency optimizes power distribution across connected devices.

10. Real-World Scenarios

• C9200L-48T-4X-E:

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

• C9200L-24PXG-4X-A:

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

11. Final Recommendations

Choose the C9200L-48T-4X-E if:
✓ You need maximum 10/100/1000BASE-T port density.
✓ Your network lacks PoE requirements.
✓ Scalability for future 10G upgrades is critical.

Opt for the C9200L-24PXG-4X-A if:
✓ You require integrated PoE+/PoE++ for IoT/Wi-Fi 6.
✓ Space constraints demand a compact footprint.
✓ Simplified management with Cisco DNA Center is a priority.