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

Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst 9400-LC-48U is a 48-port Gigabit Ethernet line card designed for the Catalyst 9400 Series modular switches. It provides high-density, cost-effective connectivity for enterprise access and distribution layers, supporting 1Gbps speeds with RJ-45 copper interfaces. This module is ideal for wired access deployments, VoIP, and legacy network upgrades, offering reliable performance with advanced QoS and security features.

Key Features & Specifications

✔ 48 x 10/100/1000BASE-T ports (auto-negotiating, full-duplex)
✔ 96Gbps switching capacity (non-blocking architecture)
✔ Optional PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) support (up to 30W per port)
✔ Cisco UADP 2.0 ASIC for intelligent traffic handling
✔ MACsec encryption (256-bit AES) for secure communications
✔ Sub-10µs latency for real-time applications
✔ Energy-efficient design with per-port power monitoring

Deployment Scenarios

• Enterprise wired access (desktops, IP phones, printers)

• Legacy network upgrades (replacing Fast Ethernet switches)

• Converged campus networks (data + PoE devices)

• Small to medium-sized business (SMB) aggregation

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

Major Enhancements

96 x Gigabit Ethernet ports (10/100/1000BASE-T) in the same form factor
192Gbps switching capacity (2x bandwidth)
PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) support (up to 60W per port)
AI-driven traffic optimization (predictive QoS & congestion control)
Post-quantum cryptography-ready MACsec
Sub-5µs latency for ultra-low-latency applications
30% lower power consumption per port

Why Upgrade?

Double the port density for high-density access deployments
Higher PoE budget (60W per port) for advanced endpoints (PTZ cameras, digital signage)
AI-powered network insights for proactive issue resolution
Seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center & AI Networking

Conclusion

The Catalyst 9400-LC-48U is a cost-effective, high-density Gigabit Ethernet module, while the Catalyst 9400-LC-96U represents the next evolution with twice the ports, higher PoE capacity, and AI-driven intelligence. Designed for future-ready enterprise and IoT networks, the new module ensures scalability, security, and automation for next-generation deployments.