How to Read a Cisco Switch Model Number (And What It Really Means)
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If you’ve ever stared at a Cisco switch model like C9300L-48P-4X-E and wondered, “What does all that mean?” you’re not alone. Unlike consumer electronics with simple names, Cisco uses a precise but complex naming system that packs critical information into a single string.
Each letter and number tells you something important: how many ports it has, whether it supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), what kind of uplinks it uses, which software features are enabled, and even whether it’s new, remanufactured, or refurbished.
IT professionals, resellers, and procurement teams need to thoroughly grasp this naming convention. It supports you in doing so:
- Be sure not to purchase a switch incapable of supporting your Wi-Fi 6 access points.
- Satisfy yourself that it will integrate seamlessly with Cisco DNA Center.
- Confirm that the device supports 10G uplinks instead of 1G port speeds.
- Assess models that are comparable in functionality when weighing your outlay.
- Verify that it works with your existing network.
This all-inclusive guide unpacks the entire Cisco switch model naming scheme for the Catalyst, Nexus, and earlier series. In the end, you’ll be able to swiftly interpret each model and make purchasing choices with greater assurance.
Why Cisco Model Numbers Are So Complex (And Why It Matters)
Cisco doesn’t use random model names — every character has a purpose. The naming structure is designed to convey technical specifications quickly to engineers and buyers who know how to read it.
However, this system can be confusing for those unfamiliar with it. Consider these two models:
- C9200-48P-A-RF
- C9300L-48P-4X-E
They both have “9xx00,” “48P,” and similar suffixes — but they serve very different roles:
- The C9200 is an access-layer switch for small to medium businesses.
- The C9300L is a compact enterprise-grade switch with 10G uplinks and higher performance.
Purchasing the wrong model may lead to:
- Paying extra for capabilities you don’t actually need.
- Underspecifying and thereby creating a network bottleneck.
- Buying a switch lacking PoE++ support for Wi-Fi 7 access points
- Purchasing a model that doesn’t support DNA Center automation
- Speaking strictly of refurbished or used gear, precise model verification is critical to securing the exact item you were after.
The Standard Structure of a Cisco Switch Model Number
While not 100% uniform across all product lines, most modern Cisco switches follow a consistent naming pattern:
[Series][Model][Ports][PoE Type][Uplink Module][Software License][Special Features/Condition]
Let’s break this down using a real-world example:
C9300L-48P-4X-E
| Segment | Meaning |
| C9300L | Catalyst 9300 series, compact/fanless design |
| 48 | 48 internal 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports |
| P | PoE+ support (802.3at, up to 30W per port) |
| 4X | 4x 10G SFP+ uplink ports |
| E | Network Essentials software license |
Now, let’s explore each component in detail.
1. Series & Model: Understanding the Switch Family
The initial segment in the model number denotes the switch’s series, thereby defining its performance tier, intended use case, and featured capabilities.
Catalyst 9200 Series (C9200)
Engineered for use by small to medium-sized enterprises and branch sites. The Catalyst 9200 delivers performance, security, and manageability in a paid package that remains accessible to budget-concerned organizations.
- C9200: Standard fixed-configuration switch
- C9200L: Slim, fanless form factor, perfectly suited for retail settings, classrooms, or crowded environments.
Although these switches integrate with Cisco DNA Center for rudimentary monitoring and provisioning tasks, they are most optimized for deployment in the access layer.
Catalyst 9300 Series (C9300)
As Cisco’s enterprise-class switch, the Catalyst 9300 was engineered for core and distribution layers in larger networks. It delivers greater throughput, modular uplinks, and a full Cisco DNA Center integration.
- C9300: Full-sized enterprise switch
- C9300L: Compact footprint at a shallower depth equipped for fanless operation
- C9300X: Enhanced performance model that bundles larger buffer memory with greater PoE capacity.
Advanced capabilities, including Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), TrustSec, and SD-Access, are built into the 9300 series, rendering it the perfect choice for secure, scale-ready networks.
Nexus 9000 Series (N9K)
Designed from the ground up for data-center deployments, the Nexus 9000 series offers high-density 10G, 25G, 40G, and 100G connectivity. It runs NX-OS and is compatible with ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure).
- N9K-C93180YC-FX: 18 ports of 100 Gbps capacity, fixed switch
- N9K-C9508: modular chassis offering up to 32 line cards
Far from run-of-the-mill enterprise switches, these are built for high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, and virtualized data centers.
Legacy Series (3850, 3650, 2960)
On occasion, you might still run into earlier models available in the marketplace:
- Catalyst 3850: Forerunner to the 9300, compatible with DNA Center in reduced capacity
- Catalyst 3650: Earlier sibling of the 9200
- Catalyst 2960-X: Core Layer 2 switching, no DNA Center support
Although they still operate, many vendors treat them as end-of-sale or end-of-support products.
2. Port Count: What the Numbers Mean
The series’ adjacent figure denotes the number of Ethernet ports available internally.
- 12: 12-port switch (e.g., C9200L-12P-4G)
- 24: 24-port switch (common in offices)
- 48: 48-port switch (high-density environments)
Note: The figure denotes only the internal RJ-45 ports; SFP/SFP+ uplink ports are counted separately in the model-specific specifications.
Several models append a “T” or “U” to indicate their special configuration:
- UXM: MultiGig uplink ports equipped with PoE+ (e.g., C9300-48UXM)
- YF: 40G uplinks (e.g., C9300X-48YF)
3. Power & PoE Type: P, HP, T — What’s the Difference?
This is one of the model’s defining elements, indicating whether the switch provides PoE or PoE+ power, and thereby, what devices it can supply power to.
| Code | Meaning | Standard | Max Power per Port | Typical Use Cases |
| (none) | No PoE or limited | — | — | Basic data switching |
| P | PoE+ | 802.3at | 30W | VoIP phones, Wi-Fi 6 APs, HD cameras |
| HP | PoE++ / UPOE | 802.3bt | 60W–90W | Wi-Fi 6E/7, PTZ cameras, digital signage, thin clients |
| T | Terminal Access | 802.3at | 30W | Legacy or low-power devices |
Example: A C9200-48P can power 48 VoIP phones or Wi-Fi 6 access points. A C9300-48HP can power high-draw devices like the Cisco C9136 access point (which requires 90W).
4. Uplink Module: -4G, -4X, -8X Speed & Connectivity
The uplink suffix tells you how the switch connects to the rest of the network, a critical factor for performance and scalability.
| Code | Meaning | Speed | Port Type | Ideal For |
| -4G | 4x 1G SFP | 1 Gbps | SFP | Small networks, basic uplinks |
| -4X | 4x 10G SFP+ | 10 Gbps | SFP+ | Server links, core switching |
| -8X | 8x 10G SFP+ | 10 Gbps | SFP+ | High-density environments |
| -4GP | 4x MultiGig PoE+ | 2.5/5/10G + PoE | RJ-45/SFP+ | Wi-Fi 6E access points |
| -4Y | 4x 25G SFP28 | 25 Gbps | SFP28 | Future-proofing, Wi-Fi 7 |
| -YF | 4x 40G QSFP+ | 40 Gbps | QSFP+ | Data center uplinks |
A switch with -4X uplinks can handle 10x more traffic than one with -4G — crucial for core switches or high-traffic environments.
5. Software License: -E vs -A — What Features You Get
This final suffix dictates which software features are turned on, particularly for automation, routing, and security functions.
| Suffix | License Tier | Key Features |
| (none) or -E | Network Essentials | Basic switching, CLI, web UI, limited routing |
| -A | Network Advantage | Full DNA Center, SD-Access, multicast, Python scripting, REST APIs |
It’s an important distinction. A C9200-48P-A is capable of complete network automation and policy-based access control. A C9200-48P-E offers no such functionality and is restricted solely to basic switching.
Verify the license whenever you purchase a refurbished item. Every switch tested and offered on ITDBay is labeled with its correct license tier.
6. Condition & Special Features: -R, -RF, -FR, L, X
The suffixes on the end reveal the unit’s condition (new, refurbished, etc.), architecture, and special features.
- -R: Remanufactured (Cisco-factory refurbished)
- -RF: Refurbished (third-party or certified)
- -FR: Field-Replaceable components (modular PSUs/fans)
- L: Compact, fanless design (C9200L, C9300L)
- X: Extended performance (increased PoE capacity, a larger buffer, and more uplinks)
For example, C9300L-48P-4X-E-RF denotes a compact enterprise switch, 48 PoE+ ports, 10G uplinks, an Essentials license, and a refurbished unit.
How to Use This Guide When Buying Refurbished Cisco Switches
Comprehending a switch’s model number becomes even more critical when buying refurbished or used equipment. Should you lack this insight, you could:
- Purchase a switch with one-gig uplinks when your network actually calls for 10G.
- Select a model without PoE+ for deployment of your Wi-Fi 6 access points.
- Buy a switch that won’t support DNA Center, because it’s missing the essential -A license.
- End up with a switch whose label is misapplied or that is outright counterfeit
It’s our priority at ITDBay to confirm that every switch is:
- Verified against Cisco SMARTnet for authenticity
- Fully tested for all ports, power supplies, and uplinks
- Clean OS reloaded (no leftover configs)
- Accurately labeled with full model number and license
- Backed by a 90-day warranty (extendable)
Shop Certified-Refurbished Cisco Switches
- Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-E-RF – Compact enterprise switch with 10G uplinks and PoE+.
- Cisco C9200-48P-A-RF – 48-port PoE+ switch with Network Advantage license.
Quick Reference: Cisco Model Number Decoder Chart
| Segment | Meaning | Examples |
| C9200 / C9300 | Series & tier | 9200 = SMB, 9300 = Enterprise |
| 24 / 48 | Port count | 24 or 48 internal Ethernet ports |
| P / HP | PoE type | P = PoE+, HP = PoE++ |
| -4G / -4X | Uplinks | 4x 1G or 4x 10G SFP+ |
| -A / -E | License | A = Advantage, E = Essentials |
| -RF / -R | Condition | RF = Refurbished |
| L / X | Design | L = Compact, X = Extended |
Conclusion
Far from being arbitrary, Cisco switch model numbers are a concise code that openly details every aspect of the unit’s capabilities. For every character, a distinct purpose quickens your evaluation.
Once you understand how to decode these model numbers, you can sidestep costly errors, compare switches with precision, and make informed purchases. Whether you’re expanding your network or going with economical refurbished hardware.
The next time you encounter a “C9200-48P-A-RF,” you’ll recognize it as a 48-port PoE+ switch fully capable of DNA Center integration, while also delivering enterprise-grade functions at a very reasonable cost.
Knowledge is power, especially in networking. And regarding Cisco hardware, understanding how to interpret the model number is the critical first step to creating an infrastructure that’s reliable, scalable, and future-ready.