Cisco Catalyst 4948 vs Catalyst 9300 (C9300-48T-A)
The WS-C4948-S is an end-of-life, end-of-support data center top-of-rack switch with no current TAC coverage; the C9300-48T-A is its modern, stackable IOS XE replacement with 4x the per-port speed, UADP ASICs, and DNA-ready security. For any active environment, migrate to the 9300.
Cisco Catalyst 4948
A legacy 48-port Gigabit Layer 3 top-of-rack switch built for high-density data center server access, now fully end of support.
- 48 x 10/100/1000 RJ-45 plus 4 SFP uplinks (shared)
- Wire-rate Layer 2/3 switching with 96 Gbps backplane
- Front-to-back airflow for data center racks
- End of Sale and End of Support: no software or TAC coverage
Cisco Catalyst 9300 (C9300-48T-A)
A modern stackable enterprise access switch on IOS XE with UADP 2.0 ASICs, StackWise-480, and full DNA/security feature support.
- 48 x 1G data ports with modular uplink module slot
- StackWise-480 stacking up to 480 Gbps across 8 units
- UADP 2.0 programmable ASIC, IOS XE, DNA Advantage capable
- TAA-compliant options and limited lifetime hardware warranty
Cisco Catalyst 4948 vs Cisco Catalyst 9300 (C9300-48T-A): spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco Catalyst 4948 | Cisco Catalyst 9300 (C9300-48T-A) |
|---|---|---|
| Downlink ports | 48 x 10/100/1000 RJ-45 | 48 x 10/100/1000 RJ-45 |
| Uplinks | 4 x SFP (1G, shared with 4 RJ-45) | Modular: up to 8x10G, 2x25G, or 2x40G via network module |
| Switching capacity | 96 Gbps | Up to 208 Gbps |
| Stacking | Not supported (standalone) | StackWise-480 (480 Gbps), up to 8 switches |
| ASIC | Legacy fixed silicon | Cisco UADP 2.0 (programmable) |
| PoE | None | None on -T model (data only; PoE on -P/-U SKUs) |
| Operating system | Cisco IOS (classic) | Cisco IOS XE |
| Management | CLI / SNMP | DNA Center, model-driven (NETCONF/YANG), CLI |
| Stack power | Not supported | StackPower (up to 4 switches) |
| Lifecycle status | End of Sale and End of Support | Current shipping product |
| Warranty | Expired | Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty |
Choose Cisco Catalyst 4948 if
Only keep the 4948 if it is in an isolated, non-production lab and you accept zero vendor support, no security patches, and no RMA path.
Choose Cisco Catalyst 9300 (C9300-48T-A) if
Choose the C9300-48T-A for any production access or data center top-of-rack role where you need current IOS XE, stacking, programmable ASICs, and a supported security and warranty posture.
Verdict
The WS-C4948-S is past End of Support, so it carries real security and operational risk with no TAC, no patches, and no RMA coverage. Migrate to the C9300-48T-A, which delivers stacking, UADP ASICs, IOS XE automation, and a supported lifecycle. The only reason to keep a 4948 short-term is an air-gapped lab you plan to retire.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cisco Catalyst 4948 end of life?
Yes. The WS-C4948-S has passed both End of Sale and End of Support, meaning Cisco no longer provides software updates, security fixes, or TAC support. It should be replaced in any production environment.
What is the replacement for the Catalyst 4948?
The closest modern replacement for a 48-port Gigabit access role is the Catalyst 9300, such as the C9300-48T-A, which adds stacking, UADP ASICs, IOS XE, and uplink options up to 40G.
Does the C9300-48T-A support PoE?
No. The -T variant is data-only. If you need Power over Ethernet for phones, APs, or cameras, choose a PoE+ model like the C9300-48P-A or UPOE C9300-48U-A.
Can the Catalyst 9300 be stacked like the 4948 could not?
Yes. The 4948 was standalone, while the Catalyst 9300 supports StackWise-480 (480 Gbps) across up to 8 switches plus StackPower, which simplifies access-layer designs.
More Catalyst comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.