Cisco WS-C4948E-F Catalyst

Cisco WS-C4948E-F Catalyst Switch Overview

The Cisco WS-C4948E-F is a high-performance, wire-speed, and low-latency Layer 2 through Layer 4 switch meticulously engineered for rack-optimized server environments, making it an ideal choice for top-of-rack (ToR) deployments in modern data centers and enterprise networks. As a member of the prestigious Cisco Catalyst 4900 Series, this switch comes in a compact 1 rack unit (1RU) form factor with a fixed configuration that simplifies deployment and management without compromising on scalability or functionality.

Built upon Cisco’s award-winning Catalyst 4948 hardware and IOS software architecture, the WS-C4948E-F delivers exceptional throughput and operational efficiency, addressing the growing demand for high-density connectivity and seamless network performance. It is specifically designed to support mission-critical applications requiring wire-speed forwarding with minimal latency, including virtualization, cloud computing, and unified communications.

One of the standout capabilities of the WS-C4948E-F is its doubled uplink capacity, featuring four 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) uplinks, which significantly enhance bandwidth aggregation and reduce bottlenecks in uplink traffic. This feature is critical for environments where rapid data movement between servers and core network layers is essential. Additionally, the switch offers native IPv6 hardware support, future-proofing network infrastructures and enabling organizations to transition smoothly to the next-generation Internet Protocol without performance degradation.

Overall, the WS-C4948E-F combines high port density, robust uplink options, and advanced Layer 2-4 features within a compact, energy-efficient design, delivering a reliable and scalable solution for data centers, enterprise campus networks, and service providers aiming to optimize server access and interconnectivity.

Key Performance, Connectivity, and Reliability Features

The Cisco WS-C4948E-F switch combines high-density Gigabit Ethernet connectivity with robust switching performance and exceptional reliability. Featuring 48 wire-speed Gigabit ports and four flexible 10Gb uplinks, it supports demanding data center and enterprise environments with a switching capacity of 176 Gbps. Its redundant power supplies and hot-swappable fan tray ensure continuous uptime, while advanced features like Equal-Cost Multipath (ECMP) and Dynamic Buffer Limiting (DBL) optimize network efficiency and security.

 1. High-Density Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity

The WS-C4948E-F features 48 ports of 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet, delivering high throughput and wire-speed forwarding to accommodate demanding server connectivity requirements. This dense port configuration is ideal for top-of-rack (ToR) deployment scenarios, offering robust bandwidth and low latency for critical applications. Alongside the 48 copper Gigabit ports, the switch supports four 10Gb Ethernet uplink ports via Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) optics, which provide flexible, high-speed uplink options to aggregation or core switches.

 2. Performance and Switching Capacity

With an impressive switching capacity of 176 Gbps, the Cisco WS-C4948E-F ensures seamless data flow and efficient packet forwarding across all ports, minimizing bottlenecks even in heavy traffic conditions. The switch’s architecture supports Layer 2 through Layer 4 features, allowing sophisticated network segmentation, traffic prioritization, and advanced quality of service (QoS) mechanisms. This makes it suitable for environments that require robust handling of multicast, voice, video, and data traffic simultaneously.

 3. Reliability and Serviceability

Designed for mission-critical environments, the WS-C4948E-F offers optional internal 1+1 redundant power supplies that can be either AC or DC, enhancing power reliability and preventing downtime. Additionally, it includes a hot-swappable fan tray with redundant fans, ensuring optimal cooling and continuous operation without service interruptions. This design approach maximizes uptime and serviceability, critical for data center operations and enterprise deployments requiring high availability.

 4. Advanced Features and Network Control

Cisco has integrated advanced features into the WS-C4948E-F to optimize network performance and security. The switch supports Equal-Cost Multipath (ECMP) load sharing across all four 10GbE uplinks, balancing traffic efficiently and preventing congestion. Active queue management through Dynamic Buffer Limiting (DBL) enhances security and control by mitigating packet loss during traffic bursts, improving overall network stability.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Use Cases and Applications

The Cisco WS-C4948E-F is ideal for data centers and enterprise campus environments that demand high port density, low latency, and scalable uplink bandwidth. It supports virtualization, converged networking, and IPv6 deployments, making it a future-ready solution for businesses seeking to enhance network efficiency, security, and manageability.

You can also visit the manufacturer’s website link for more information.

You can also visit the Cisco WS-C9200-48P-E Catalyst , Cisco WS-C4948-10GE-S Catalyst , Catalyst Switches pages if you wish.