In today’s fast-paced digital world, a reliable network infrastructure is the backbone of every business. Selecting the right switch for your network plays a pivotal role in ensuring scalability, efficiency, and seamless operations. Two of the most common switch configurations, the 24-port and 48-port switches, are designed to meet varying business needs, from small offices to sprawling enterprise networks.

In this blog, we will explore the features, use cases, and advantages of 24-port and 48-port switches, along with an analysis of which one suits your network requirements for 2025 and beyond.

Why Choosing the Right Switch Matters

Switches are essential networking devices that facilitate communication between devices within a local area network (LAN). With the increasing adoption of IoT, edge computing, and high-bandwidth applications, choosing the right switch ensures your network can handle current demands while being future-ready.

Key considerations include port capacity, power capabilities, scalability, and advanced features like Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Multi-Gigabit Ethernet. Whether you’re managing a small office or a high-density data center, understanding the differences between 24-port and 48-port switches can help you make an informed decision.

Key Features of 24-Port and 48-Port Switches

Both 24-port and 48-port switches serve unique purposes. Below is a comparison of their key features:

Feature	24-Port Switch	48-Port Switch
Target Audience	SMBs, startups, branch offices.	Medium to large enterprises, high-density environments.
Port Capacity	24 ports, suitable for smaller setups.	48 ports, ideal for larger networks with more devices.
Scalability	Moderate scalability, suitable for growing networks.	High scalability, designed for enterprise-level growth.
PoE Support	PoE or PoE+ for powering connected devices like IP phones and cameras.	PoE++, capable of supporting high-power devices like IoT hubs and advanced wireless access points.
Switching Capacity	Typically ranges from 28 Gbps to 176 Gbps, depending on the model.	Ranges from 52 Gbps to 480 Gbps, ensuring high performance for dense environments.
Energy Efficiency	Energy-efficient options for smaller setups.	Enhanced energy-saving features for large-scale deployments.
Price Range	Affordable and budget-friendly.	Higher cost but offers advanced features and better ROI for larger networks.

24-Port Switches: Compact and Reliable

A 24-port switch is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) or branch offices. These switches provide essential networking features at an affordable price point, making them ideal for setups with limited devices.

Advantages of 24-Port Switches

Cost-Effective for SMBs
Designed to deliver essential networking features without a hefty price tag, 24-port switches are ideal for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
Example: C9200L-24P-4G-E.
Compact Design
With a smaller footprint, these switches fit well in tight office spaces, making them a practical choice for branch offices or small-scale setups.
Moderate Scalability
While not as robust as 48-port switches, 24-port models provide enough scalability to accommodate growing network needs.
Energy Efficiency
Most 24-port switches are designed with power-saving technologies, reducing operational costs for SMBs.
Simple Management
Managing fewer ports means easier configuration and maintenance, saving time for IT teams.
Affordable PoE Support
Many 24-port switches, like the S5720-28X-LI-24S-AC, include PoE or PoE+ capabilities for powering devices like IP cameras and phones.

Popular 24-Port Switch Models

C9200L-24P-4G-E – Reliable and affordable, with PoE+ support for powering devices.
S5320-32X-EI-24S-DC – A versatile option with high switching capacity.
S5701-28X-LI-24S-AC – Designed for SMBs needing dependable performance.
S5720-28X-LI-24S-AC – Energy-efficient and suitable for growing networks.

Explore more options for 24-port switches:

48-Port Switches: High-Density and Scalable

A 48-port switch is ideal for medium to large enterprises requiring high-density connectivity. These switches are equipped with advanced features like Multi-Gigabit Ethernet and PoE++, making them perfect for high-performance environments such as data centers and campuses.

Advantages of 48-Port Switches

High Scalability
A 48-port switch connects up to 48 devices, making it perfect for high-density environments such as data centers or large offices.
Example: C9200L-48T-4G-A.
Future-Ready
Built with advanced features like Multi-Gigabit Ethernet and PoE++, 48-port switches can handle future networking demands.
Advanced PoE++ Capabilities
Supporting up to 90W per port, these switches power high-performance devices like IoT hubs and advanced wireless access points.
High Performance for Heavy Loads
With switching capacities reaching 480 Gbps, these switches excel in environments with heavy data traffic.
Supports IoT Applications
Ideal for IoT-heavy deployments, enabling seamless integration of IoT devices.
Enhanced Security Features
Models like the S5300-52X-LI-48CS-AC come with enterprise-grade security, ensuring data integrity.

Popular 48-Port Switch Models

C9200L-48T-4G-A – Reliable for larger setups, combining affordability and performance.
S5300-52X-LI-48CS-AC – Built for dense device configurations in enterprise networks.
S5720-52X-PWR-LI-AC – Supports PoE++ and is designed for high-demand environments.
AR3200 Series Routers – Powerful routers for managing complex networks.

Explore additional options for 48-port switches:

Performance Comparison: 24-Port vs. 48-Port Switches

Category	24-Port Switch	48-Port Switch
Use Cases	SMBs, startups, branch offices, and small-scale deployments.	Enterprises, data centers, campuses, and IoT-heavy environments.
Device Connectivity	Connects up to 24 devices directly.	Connects up to 48 devices, suitable for dense networks.
Performance	Moderate performance for limited users.	High performance for large-scale operations with advanced networking features.
PoE Budget	Limited to PoE+ (30W per port), suitable for IP phones and basic IoT devices.	Supports PoE++ (up to 90W per port), ideal for high-power devices like wireless access points and IoT hubs.
Price	Lower initial investment, ranging from $500 to $1,500.	Higher upfront cost, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on features.

Merging Networking Trends in 2025

IoT Expansion: Businesses increasingly integrate IoT devices, necessitating switches with advanced PoE capabilities, such as the Cisco 9300 Series.
Edge Computing: Distributed computing models require high-speed switches with enhanced stacking and switching capacities.
Sustainability: Energy-efficient switches like the S5720-28P-PWR-LI-AC are gaining popularity as businesses prioritize green initiatives.
Enhanced Security: Advanced security protocols like Cisco TrustSec and equivalent systems are critical for protecting enterprise networks.

Which Switch Is Right for You?

Choose a 24-Port Switch If:

You manage a small to medium-sized business or branch office.
Your network requirements are moderate.
You prioritize affordability and space-saving features.

Choose a 48-Port Switch If:

You need a scalable solution for a large enterprise or high-density environment.
Your network demands advanced features like PoE++, Multi-Gigabit Ethernet, and robust security.
Future-proofing and performance are your top priorities.

Conclusion

Selecting the right switch is essential for building a network that meets your current and future needs. For SMBs and branch offices, 24-port switches provide a cost-effective solution with reliable performance. On the other hand, enterprises and data centers benefit from the scalability, advanced features, and high-density performance of 48-port switches.

Contact Us

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FAQs

Q1. Which series is better for small businesses?
A. The Cisco 9200 Series is better for SMBs due to its affordability and simple Layer 3 routing.

Q2. Does the Cisco 9300 Series support IoT applications?
A. Yes, it is designed for IoT-heavy deployments with Multi-Gigabit Ethernet and PoE++.

Q3. What are the primary security differences?
A. The Cisco 9300 includes Cisco TrustSec for advanced protection, while the Cisco 9200 offers MACsec for basic encryption.

Q4. Can the Cisco 9200 handle high-density environments?
A. No, it is designed for moderate scalability. The Cisco 9300 is ideal for high-density environments.