Cisco Catalyst 9400-LC-48HN: High-Density 48-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Module

Jun 19 , 2025 83

Cisco Catalyst 9400-LC-48HN: High-Density 48-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Module

Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst 9400-LC-48HN is a 48-port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet line card designed for the Catalyst 9400 Series modular switches. It provides flexible, high-speed access connectivity for modern enterprise networks, supporting Multi-Gig (2.5G/5G/10G) and standard Gigabit Ethernet over RJ-45 connectors, making it ideal for Wi-Fi 6/7, IoT, and high-bandwidth wired access deployments.

Key Features & Specifications

✔ 48 x 100/1000/2.5G/5G/10GBASE-T ports (auto-sensing, PoE+ support)
✔ 480Gbps switching capacity (non-blocking architecture)
✔ Up to 30W per port PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) for powering devices
✔ Cisco UADP 3.0 ASIC for advanced QoS and security
✔ MACsec encryption (256-bit AES) for secure traffic
✔ Sub-10µs latency for real-time applications
✔ Energy-efficient design with per-port power monitoring

Deployment Scenarios

• High-density Wi-Fi 6/7 access points

• IoT and smart building deployments

• Hybrid work environments (desktop/phone connectivity)

• Converged campus networks (wired + wireless backhaul)

Next-Generation Evolution: Catalyst 9400-LC-96HN (Projected 2026)

Major Enhancements

96 x Multi-Gig ports (100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G) with PoE++ (90W per port)
1.92Tbps switching capacity (2x bandwidth)
AI-driven traffic optimization (predictive QoS & congestion control)
Post-quantum cryptography-ready MACsec
Sub-5µs latency for ultra-low-latency applications
40% lower power consumption per port

Why Upgrade?

Double the port density in the same form factor
Future-ready for Wi-Fi 7, AR/VR, and AI-powered IoT
Higher PoE budget (90W per port) for advanced endpoints
Seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center & AI Networking

Conclusion

The Catalyst 9400-LC-48HN is a versatile, high-density access module, while the Catalyst 9400-LC-96HN pushes boundaries with twice the ports, AI-driven intelligence, and next-gen PoE capabilities. Designed for next-generation campus and IoT networks, the new module ensures scalability, security, and automation for future-ready deployments.