Cisco C9600-LC-48TX – High-Density Enterprise Line Card for Catalyst 9600 Series Switches

Introduction

The Cisco C9600-LC-48TX is a 48-port high-performance line card in the Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series modular switch family, designed for large-scale enterprise networks, data centers, industrial environments, and mission-critical infrastructure.

As organizations increasingly adopt IoT, cloud services, AI-driven applications, and digital collaboration, their networks require scalable, secure, and high-performance infrastructure. The C9600-LC-48TX meets these requirements with:

• 48 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports for high-density endpoint connectivity

• PoE and PoE+ support for powering devices directly over Ethernet

• Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities for enterprise traffic management

• Seamless integration with Catalyst 9600 modular chassis for flexible expansion

• Redundancy and high availability support for mission-critical networks

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Cisco C9600-LC-48TX, including its technical features, deployment scenarios, performance optimization, energy efficiency, monitoring, troubleshooting, lifecycle management, and real-world applications.

Hardware Overview

The Cisco C9600-LC-48TX is engineered for enterprise-class performance, allowing organizations to expand the port capacity of Catalyst 9600 modular switches. Key hardware attributes include:

• 48 x RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports, supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds

• Integrated PoE/PoE+ support, with power allocation per port for devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones

• Hot-swappable design, allowing insertion and replacement without powering down the switch

• High throughput capability, supporting large-scale data transfer across enterprise networks

• Integration compatibility with Catalyst 9600 chassis supervisors, uplink modules, and redundant components

The high-density design allows organizations to minimize the number of line cards needed while maximizing network port availability, simplifying both cabling and overall network architecture.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking Capabilities

The Cisco C9600-LC-48TX is built for complex enterprise networking and supports full Layer 2 and Layer 3 features:

Layer 2 Capabilities:

• VLAN segmentation, enabling separation of traffic by department, function, or device type

• 802.1Q trunking, allowing VLAN information to pass through uplink links

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP/RSTP/MSTP) for redundancy and loop prevention

• Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritization of critical applications such as voice, video, and IoT data

Layer 3 Capabilities:

• Static and dynamic routing protocols, including OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP

• Policy-based routing, enabling advanced traffic management based on application type or source/destination

• Multicast routing support, essential for video streaming, IPTV, and large-scale surveillance networks

• Inter-VLAN routing, enabling efficient communication between segmented network areas

These capabilities ensure enterprise-grade traffic management, reliability, and low latency, which are critical for large campuses, industrial facilities, and data centers.

PoE and Device Power Management

One of the defining features of the C9600-LC-48TX is PoE and PoE+ support, which allows the line card to deliver both data and power over a single Ethernet cable.

• Supports IEEE 802.3af/802.3at standards

• Provides sufficient power to devices such as:

  • Wireless Access Points (WAPs)

  • IP Surveillance Cameras

  • VoIP phones

  • Access control and automation devices

Benefits of PoE integration include:

• Reduced cabling complexity

• Elimination of separate power sources for endpoints

• Faster deployment of network-connected devices

• Simplified power and network monitoring

Cisco’s PoE power allocation management allows administrators to monitor power usage per port, ensuring critical devices receive sufficient energy even under peak loads.

Cisco C9600-LC-48TX – High-Density Enterprise Line Card for Catalyst 9600 Series Switches

Performance and Throughput

The C9600-LC-48TX line card is designed to maximize throughput and minimize latency, which is crucial for high-traffic enterprise networks.

• High switching capacity, supporting simultaneous full-duplex operations on all 48 ports

• Low latency forwarding, ensuring fast data delivery for voice, video, and time-sensitive IoT applications

• Support for jumbo frames, enabling efficient transmission of large packets for storage and virtualization environments

• Load balancing across uplink modules to ensure consistent performance

By providing consistent high-speed data transfer, this line card ensures that enterprise applications, cloud services, and industrial automation operate reliably.

Cisco C9600-LC-48TX – High-Density Enterprise Line Card for Catalyst 9600 Series Switches

Integration with Catalyst 9600 Series

The C9600-LC-48TX is specifically designed for Catalyst 9600 modular switches, offering:

• Seamless installation, with automatic recognition by the chassis supervisor

• Hot-swappable capability, allowing maintenance without network downtime

• Compatibility with redundant supervisors and uplink modules, providing high availability

• Stacking and Virtual Switching System (VSS) support, enabling network scalability across multiple chassis

• Unified management through Cisco DNA Center, providing automation, analytics, and policy-based control

This integration ensures that enterprises can scale and manage networks efficiently while maintaining high reliability and operational continuity.

Cisco C9600-LC-48TX – High-Density Enterprise Line Card for Catalyst 9600 Series Switches

High Availability and Redundancy

The C9600-LC-48TX supports enterprise-class reliability:

• Works seamlessly with redundant chassis supervisors and power supplies

• Supports hot-swappable modules, minimizing network downtime during maintenance or upgrades

• Enables failover protocols, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity in case of line card or port failure

• Supports link aggregation and port-channel redundancy for critical links

These features are particularly critical for mission-critical networks in financial institutions, hospitals, data centers, and industrial facilities.

Security Features

Security is a key consideration for modern enterprise networks. The C9600-LC-48TX supports advanced security measures:

• 802.1X authentication for controlling network access at the port level

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to segregate administrative privileges

• Dynamic ARP inspection and IP source guard, preventing spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks

• Access Control Lists (ACLs) for filtering traffic based on source, destination, or application

• Secure boot and verified firmware, ensuring the device runs only authenticated software

These security capabilities protect networks from cyber threats, unauthorized access, and malicious attacks, while maintaining high performance.

Energy Efficiency

Cisco has designed the C9600-LC-48TX for energy-efficient operation:

• Supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) for reduced power consumption during low traffic periods

• PoE power management allows dynamic allocation of energy to devices based on demand

• High-density, compact design reduces the need for multiple line cards, saving space and energy

These features make it suitable for sustainable enterprise deployments and green data centers.

Monitoring, Analytics, and Troubleshooting

Administrators can monitor and troubleshoot networks with the C9600-LC-48TX using:

• Cisco DNA Center for centralized monitoring, analytics, and policy management

• Real-time traffic monitoring per port for congestion management

• Automated alerts and logs for power, link status, and device health

• Packet capture and diagnostics for rapid troubleshooting

• Historical performance metrics for trend analysis and proactive maintenance

This level of visibility ensures optimal network performance and reduces downtime.

Deployment Scenarios

Enterprise Campus Networks

• Acts as a distribution or core line card in large campus switches

• Connects hundreds of devices with secure VLAN segmentation

• Prioritizes traffic for voice, video, and IoT applications

Data Centers

• High-density connectivity for servers and storage devices

• Integration with uplinks and redundant supervisors for failover

• Supports converged traffic for storage, virtualization, and cloud services

Industrial Networks

• Connects automation controllers, sensors, and IoT devices

• Provides PoE power to industrial endpoints

• Integrates with monitoring systems for facility management

Smart Cities

• Powers surveillance cameras and wireless APs across city networks

• Provides backbone connectivity for public Wi-Fi and IoT devices

• Supports mission-critical monitoring systems with redundancy

Government & Critical Infrastructure

• High-speed, secure connections for offices and operational facilities

• Redundant architecture for uninterrupted service

• Segmentation for secure departments and applications

Installation and Configuration

Physical Deployment

• Compatible with Catalyst 9600 modular chassis

• Hot-swappable installation for zero downtime

• Supports redundant power and cooling integration

• Rack-mounted installation with standard 19-inch racks

Configuration

• Web-based interface for easy setup

• Cisco DNA Center integration for policy-based automation

• Optional CLI for advanced configuration

These features make deployment fast and manageable, even in large-scale networks.

Reliability and Longevity

• Designed for 24/7 operation with industrial-grade components

• High mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) for enterprise-grade reliability

• Hot-swappable modules reduce downtime during maintenance

• Lifecycle support with Cisco firmware updates, patches, and hardware replacement

With proper maintenance, the C9600-LC-48TX can operate reliably for 7–10+ years, offering long-term ROI for enterprise networks.

Return on Investment (ROI)

• High-density ports reduce the need for multiple switches

• PoE/PoE+ reduces separate power infrastructure

• Redundancy reduces downtime costs

• Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses

• Scalable design protects investment against future growth

The C9600-LC-48TX provides cost-effective, high-performance enterprise networking with long-term operational savings.

🛒 Get It From Choicecycle (SGCCTV Singapore)

For authentic Cisco products, expert guidance, and competitive pricing, purchase the Cisco C9600-LC-48TX line card from Choicecycle (SGCCTV Singapore).

🌐 Website: https://sgcctv.com.sg
✉️ Email: enquiry@choicecycle.com.sg
📞 WhatsApp: +65 9853 4404
📍 Store Location: Sim Lim Square #02-81, Singapore
🕚 Operating Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM

Choicecycle (SGCCTV Singapore) is your trusted partner for Cisco enterprise and industrial networking solutions.

Cisco C9600-LC-48TX – High-Density Enterprise Line Card for Catalyst 9600 Series Switches

Introduction

The Cisco C9600-LC-48TX is a 48-port high-performance line card in the Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series modular switch family, designed for large-scale enterprise networks, data centers, industrial environments, and mission-critical infrastructure.

As organizations increasingly adopt IoT, cloud services, AI-driven applications, and digital collaboration, their networks require scalable, secure, and high-performance infrastructure. The C9600-LC-48TX meets these requirements with:

• 48 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports for high-density endpoint connectivity

• PoE and PoE+ support for powering devices directly over Ethernet

• Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities for enterprise traffic management

• Seamless integration with Catalyst 9600 modular chassis for flexible expansion

• Redundancy and high availability support for mission-critical networks

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Cisco C9600-LC-48TX, including its technical features, deployment scenarios, performance optimization, energy efficiency, monitoring, troubleshooting, lifecycle management, and real-world applications.

Hardware Overview

The Cisco C9600-LC-48TX is engineered for enterprise-class performance, allowing organizations to expand the port capacity of Catalyst 9600 modular switches. Key hardware attributes include:

• 48 x RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports, supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds

• Integrated PoE/PoE+ support, with power allocation per port for devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones

• Hot-swappable design, allowing insertion and replacement without powering down the switch

• High throughput capability, supporting large-scale data transfer across enterprise networks

• Integration compatibility with Catalyst 9600 chassis supervisors, uplink modules, and redundant components

The high-density design allows organizations to minimize the number of line cards needed while maximizing network port availability, simplifying both cabling and overall network architecture.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking Capabilities

The Cisco C9600-LC-48TX is built for complex enterprise networking and supports full Layer 2 and Layer 3 features:

Layer 2 Capabilities:

• VLAN segmentation, enabling separation of traffic by department, function, or device type

• 802.1Q trunking, allowing VLAN information to pass through uplink links

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP/RSTP/MSTP) for redundancy and loop prevention

• Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritization of critical applications such as voice, video, and IoT data

Layer 3 Capabilities:

• Static and dynamic routing protocols, including OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP

• Policy-based routing, enabling advanced traffic management based on application type or source/destination

• Multicast routing support, essential for video streaming, IPTV, and large-scale surveillance networks

• Inter-VLAN routing, enabling efficient communication between segmented network areas

These capabilities ensure enterprise-grade traffic management, reliability, and low latency, which are critical for large campuses, industrial facilities, and data centers.

PoE and Device Power Management

One of the defining features of the C9600-LC-48TX is PoE and PoE+ support, which allows the line card to deliver both data and power over a single Ethernet cable.

• Supports IEEE 802.3af/802.3at standards

• Provides sufficient power to devices such as:

  • Wireless Access Points (WAPs)

  • IP Surveillance Cameras

  • VoIP phones

  • Access control and automation devices

Benefits of PoE integration include:

• Reduced cabling complexity

• Elimination of separate power sources for endpoints

• Faster deployment of network-connected devices

• Simplified power and network monitoring

Cisco’s PoE power allocation management allows administrators to monitor power usage per port, ensuring critical devices receive sufficient energy even under peak loads.

Performance and Throughput

The C9600-LC-48TX line card is designed to maximize throughput and minimize latency, which is crucial for high-traffic enterprise networks.

• High switching capacity, supporting simultaneous full-duplex operations on all 48 ports

• Low latency forwarding, ensuring fast data delivery for voice, video, and time-sensitive IoT applications

• Support for jumbo frames, enabling efficient transmission of large packets for storage and virtualization environments

• Load balancing across uplink modules to ensure consistent performance

By providing consistent high-speed data transfer, this line card ensures that enterprise applications, cloud services, and industrial automation operate reliably.

Integration with Catalyst 9600 Series

The C9600-LC-48TX is specifically designed for Catalyst 9600 modular switches, offering:

• Seamless installation, with automatic recognition by the chassis supervisor

• Hot-swappable capability, allowing maintenance without network downtime

• Compatibility with redundant supervisors and uplink modules, providing high availability

• Stacking and Virtual Switching System (VSS) support, enabling network scalability across multiple chassis

• Unified management through Cisco DNA Center, providing automation, analytics, and policy-based control

This integration ensures that enterprises can scale and manage networks efficiently while maintaining high reliability and operational continuity.

High Availability and Redundancy

The C9600-LC-48TX supports enterprise-class reliability:

• Works seamlessly with redundant chassis supervisors and power supplies

• Supports hot-swappable modules, minimizing network downtime during maintenance or upgrades

• Enables failover protocols, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity in case of line card or port failure

• Supports link aggregation and port-channel redundancy for critical links

These features are particularly critical for mission-critical networks in financial institutions, hospitals, data centers, and industrial facilities.

Security Features

Security is a key consideration for modern enterprise networks. The C9600-LC-48TX supports advanced security measures:

• 802.1X authentication for controlling network access at the port level

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to segregate administrative privileges

• Dynamic ARP inspection and IP source guard, preventing spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks

• Access Control Lists (ACLs) for filtering traffic based on source, destination, or application

• Secure boot and verified firmware, ensuring the device runs only authenticated software

These security capabilities protect networks from cyber threats, unauthorized access, and malicious attacks, while maintaining high performance.

Energy Efficiency

Cisco has designed the C9600-LC-48TX for energy-efficient operation:

• Supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) for reduced power consumption during low traffic periods

• PoE power management allows dynamic allocation of energy to devices based on demand

• High-density, compact design reduces the need for multiple line cards, saving space and energy

These features make it suitable for sustainable enterprise deployments and green data centers.

Monitoring, Analytics, and Troubleshooting

Administrators can monitor and troubleshoot networks with the C9600-LC-48TX using:

• Cisco DNA Center for centralized monitoring, analytics, and policy management

• Real-time traffic monitoring per port for congestion management

• Automated alerts and logs for power, link status, and device health

• Packet capture and diagnostics for rapid troubleshooting

• Historical performance metrics for trend analysis and proactive maintenance

This level of visibility ensures optimal network performance and reduces downtime.

Deployment Scenarios

Enterprise Campus Networks

• Acts as a distribution or core line card in large campus switches

• Connects hundreds of devices with secure VLAN segmentation

• Prioritizes traffic for voice, video, and IoT applications

Data Centers

• High-density connectivity for servers and storage devices

• Integration with uplinks and redundant supervisors for failover

• Supports converged traffic for storage, virtualization, and cloud services

Industrial Networks

• Connects automation controllers, sensors, and IoT devices

• Provides PoE power to industrial endpoints

• Integrates with monitoring systems for facility management

Smart Cities

• Powers surveillance cameras and wireless APs across city networks

• Provides backbone connectivity for public Wi-Fi and IoT devices

• Supports mission-critical monitoring systems with redundancy

Government & Critical Infrastructure

• High-speed, secure connections for offices and operational facilities

• Redundant architecture for uninterrupted service

• Segmentation for secure departments and applications

Installation and Configuration

Physical Deployment

• Compatible with Catalyst 9600 modular chassis

• Hot-swappable installation for zero downtime

• Supports redundant power and cooling integration

• Rack-mounted installation with standard 19-inch racks

Configuration

• Web-based interface for easy setup

• Cisco DNA Center integration for policy-based automation

• Optional CLI for advanced configuration

These features make deployment fast and manageable, even in large-scale networks.

Cisco C9600-LC-48TX – High-Density Enterprise Line Card for Catalyst 9600 Series Switches

Reliability and Longevity

• Designed for 24/7 operation with industrial-grade components

• High mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) for enterprise-grade reliability

• Hot-swappable modules reduce downtime during maintenance

• Lifecycle support with Cisco firmware updates, patches, and hardware replacement

With proper maintenance, the C9600-LC-48TX can operate reliably for 7–10+ years, offering long-term ROI for enterprise networks.

Return on Investment (ROI)

• High-density ports reduce the need for multiple switches

• PoE/PoE+ reduces separate power infrastructure

• Redundancy reduces downtime costs

• Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses

• Scalable design protects investment against future growth

The C9600-LC-48TX provides cost-effective, high-performance enterprise networking with long-term operational savings.

🛒 Get It From Choicecycle (SGCCTV Singapore)

For authentic Cisco products, expert guidance, and competitive pricing, purchase the Cisco C9600-LC-48TX line card from Choicecycle (SGCCTV Singapore).

🌐 Website: https://sgcctv.com.sg
✉️ Email: enquiry@choicecycle.com.sg
📞 WhatsApp: +65 9853 4404
📍 Store Location: Sim Lim Square #02-81, Singapore
🕚 Operating Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM

Choicecycle (SGCCTV Singapore) is your trusted partner for Cisco enterprise and industrial networking solutions.