EX4500-40F vs EX4300-48P: Technical Comparison for Enterprise Networks

May 16 , 2025 229

**1. Core Specifications**  

*EX4500-40F*  

- **Ports**: 40x 10G SFP+ + 4x 40G QSFP+  

- **Throughput**: 480 Gbps | **Latency**: 2.1 μs  

- **Memory**: 8GB DDR4 | **Storage**: 16GB SSD  

- **Power Draw**: 150W (idle) / 320W (max)  

*EX4300-48P*  

- **Ports**: 48x 1G PoE+ + 4x 10G SFP+  

- **Throughput**: 136 Gbps | **Latency**: 5.8 μs  

- **Memory**: 4GB DDR3 | **Storage**: 8GB eMMC  

- **Power Draw**: 75W (idle) / 450W (max w/PoE)  

**2. Performance Breakdown**  

The EX4500’s Broadcom StrataXGS chip outperforms the EX4300’s lower-tier ASIC in packet processing (12 Mpps vs. 4.5 Mpps). Its doubled RAM capacity handles complex ACLs/VLANs better, while the SSD storage enables faster OS updates compared to the 4300’s eMMC module.  

**3. Physical Design**  

EX4500 uses a 2U chassis with front/rear airflow (ideal for hot-aisle containment), while the 1U EX4300 features side-to-side cooling. The 4500’s metal housing supports harsh environments (-5°C to 55°C) vs. the 4300’s limited 0°C-40°C operating range.  

**4. Enterprise Features**  

- *EX4500*: Full EVPN/VXLAN, hardware-based MACsec, hitless ISSU upgrades  

- *EX4300*: Basic Layer 3 routing, PoE budgeting tool, fanless silent mode  

**5. Cost Analysis**  

- **EX4500-40F**: $12,500-$15,000 (base) + $2,800/license for advanced features  

- **EX4300-48P**: $6,200-$7,500 (includes PoE licensing)  

**6. Deployment Scenarios**  

- *EX4500*: Core switch for mid-size data centers | High-frequency trading networks  

- *EX4300*: Campus WiFi AP aggregation | VoIP system backbone  

**7. Compatibility Matrix**  

Both support Junos OS 20.4+, but only the 4500 integrates with Apstra SDN solutions. The 4300’s PoE ports work with 802.3af/at devices, while the 4500’s QSFP+ slots accept 100G adapters via breakout cables.  

**8. Power Efficiency**  

EX4300’s PoE budget (740W total) suits device-heavy deployments but consumes 40% more energy under load. The 4500’s dynamic power scaling saves ~18% in 24/7 operations.  

**9. User Feedback**  

Network engineers report the EX4500’s CLI responsiveness feels "snappier" during config pushes, while the EX4300’s WebUI receives praise for PoE management simplicity.  

**10. Upgrade Path**  

EX4500 supports Juniper’s Virtual Chassis technology (10-switch stacks), whereas EX4300 stacks max out at 4 units. Only the 4500 offers future 25G/100G uplink compatibility.  

**Final Recommendation**  

Choose EX4300-48P for:  

✓ Budget-conscious office networks  

✓ IP phone/WiFi 6 AP deployments  

✓ Entry-level L3 segmentation  

Opt for EX4500-40F when needing:  

✓ Future-proof 10G/40G backbone  

✓ Financial trading/low-latency apps  

✓ Data center edge security