The Cisco Catalyst 4900 Series switches are ideal for space-constrained environments, featuring compact 1U or 2U form factors without compromising on performance. Designed to deliver high throughput and low latency, these switches offer excellent networking capabilities in a small footprint, making them perfect for data centers, branch offices, and server aggregation points. Discover the robust features of the Cisco Catalyst 4900 Switches series to enhance your network infrastructure.
Cisco Catalyst 4900 Switch Overview
The Cisco Catalyst 4900 Series switches provide high-performance, low-latency networking with wire-speed Layer 2 and Layer 3 services. Available in 1U or 2U rack configurations, these switches are optimally designed for environments where space is limited but performance cannot be compromised.
Key Features and Benefits
Flexible Deployment: The Catalyst 4900 supports both Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities, allowing it to manage complex network architectures efficiently. This flexibility is especially beneficial for data centers and branch offices that require robust, scalable solutions.
High-Speed Connectivity: Seamlessly transition from 10/100/1000 Mbps to 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks, enabling high-throughput connections that support data-intensive applications, including video, compute, and storage.
Advanced Network Support: With wire-speed IP forwarding, IPv6 compatibility, and dynamic routing protocol support, these switches enhance network performance and future-proof your infrastructure.
Enhanced Reliability and Manageability: Integrated features like redundant power supplies, hot-swappable fans, and support for Cisco IOS Software ensure high availability and simplified network management.
The Cisco Catalyst 4900 switches are a versatile and cost-effective choice for organizations seeking powerful, compact networking solutions.
Ideal Use Cases
- Data Center Server Aggregation: Offers high-density 10/100/1000 and 10GbE connectivity to consolidate servers efficiently.
- Branch Office Deployment: Provides distributed aggregation with multi-layer support including IPv6 and major routing protocols.
- Collapsed Core LAN: Enables high-speed, high-availability core network functions with modular flexibility.
Detailed Cisco Catalyst 4900 Series Model Review
The Cisco Catalyst 4900 Series consists of several models tailored to meet different networking needs. Below is a breakdown of each model’s specifications and advantages:
Cisco Catalyst 4948 Switch
A compact, fixed-configuration switch offering 48 10/100/1000 BASE-T ports and 4 optional 1000BASE-X SFP ports. It delivers low-latency Layer 2 to Layer 4 switching in a single rack unit, ideal for server aggregation. The 4948 supports hot-swappable power supplies and fans with 1+1 redundancy for enhanced reliability.
Cisco Catalyst 4948 10GB Ethernet Switch
This variant adds 2 X2 SFP+ 10GbE uplink ports while retaining 48 10/100/1000 BASE-T ports. It sustains low latency and robust multilayer aggregation capabilities, making it suitable for environments requiring 10GbE uplinks alongside Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Cisco Catalyst 4948E and 4948E-F Switches
These enhanced models provide doubled uplink capacity with 4 10GbE ports and direct IPv6 hardware support, available in front-to-back or back-to-front airflow options. Both maintain 48 Gigabit ports, 4 SFP/SFP+ ports, and redundancy features, supporting high-density and high-speed deployments with improved thermal management.
Cisco Catalyst 4928 10GB Ethernet Switch
Designed as a mid-sized LAN aggregation switch for branches, it includes 28 SFP fiber ports and 2 10GbE X2 ports. It boasts advanced Quality of Service (QoS), security features, and a packet forwarding rate of 71 million packets per second with 48 Gbps switching capacity. This model also supports hot-swappable fans and redundant AC/DC power supplies.
Cisco Catalyst 4900M Switch
The most advanced switch in the 4900 family, the 4900M is ideal for space-limited deployments requiring modularity and high availability. It offers 2RU form factor, low-latency 10GbE connectivity, and top-tier Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching performance. This model suits core distribution or collapsed LAN architectures needing maximum speed and flexibility.
For a more detailed exploration of each model’s specifications and network applications, read more here: 10 Things You Can Do for Your Career in 2020
Cisco Catalyst 4900 Series Pricing and Availability
Planning to purchase Cisco Catalyst 4900 Series switches? At Allhdd, we offer high-quality, tested, and guaranteed used Cisco Catalyst 4900 switches at substantial discounts compared to new manufacturer pricing. Our inventory fluctuates with market demand and stock levels, allowing you to access competitive pricing on these powerful switches.
Looking for additional Cisco networking products? Explore our VOD vs. OTT: The Difference Explained section in the Technology category for more options and equipment tailored to your networking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What environments are best suited for Cisco Catalyst 4900 switches?
The Cisco Catalyst 4900 series is optimal for data centers, branch offices, and collapsed core LAN environments where space is limited but high performance and scalability are required.
Do the Cisco 4900 switches support IPv6?
Yes, especially the newer 4948E and 4948E-F models include direct hardware support for IPv6, ensuring compatibility with modern network protocols.
Can Cisco Catalyst 4900 switches integrate both 1GbE and 10GbE connections?
Absolutely. The series supports a mix of 10/100/1000BASE-T ports and 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks, allowing seamless integration of different network speeds.
Are redundant power supplies and fans available for high availability?
Most models in the 4900 series support hot-swappable, redundant power supplies and fans with 1+1 redundancy configurations, enhancing reliability and uptime.
Is the Cisco Catalyst 4900 series suitable for future network upgrades?
Yes, due to its modular design, advanced protocol support, and 10GbE capability, the series is well-suited to accommodate future network growth and technology advancements.
