As you browse options for your next switch, you have several features and capabilities to consider, including the number of ports.
Most switches come with 24 or 48 ethernet ports; each one gives your internet-enabled devices a path to connect to other devices within your network.
In some cases, picking how many ports you want is straightforward. Perhaps, you have more than 24 network devices or are replacing your current 48-port switch.
But the answer isn’t always that clear, and you may still be scratching your head trying to figure out which option is right for you. Maybe you can still connect all of your devices on a single 24-port switch, but you anticipate outgrowing it soon.
Before making any recommendation, IT consulting companies, such as The KR Group, look at your organization’s overall IT environment, your goals, and your needs. The goal is to suggest a solution that fits seamlessly into your network and makes your job simpler.
So when it comes to finding a suitable switch for your business, here are a few factors you should consider regarding the differences between 24-port and 48-port options:
- 48-port switches require more power and thus the proper infrastructure.
- Some modules are only available on 48-port switches.
- There are cost differences between 24- and 48-port switches.
Ultimately, the switch you purchase needs to be a fit for more than just the number of network devices you plan to connect, and taking the time to find the best option beforehand ensures your new solution will meet your expectations.
Power and Infrastructure
The most apparent difference between 24-port and 48-port switches is the number of ethernet ports.
With a 48-port switch, you’re doubling the ports and the power consumption of the solution.
As you’re designing your IT stack, you’ll want to keep in mind the additional ports need extra power capacity, so check that you won’t over-extend your power supply when implementing this option.
The increased power consumption also plays a role in what solutions support your IT infrastructure. For example, you’ll likely want to support your switch with an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to prevent power variations from affecting your network. Depending on what UPS you’re using and what devices you’ve connected to it, you may need to purchase a solution with more capacity.
Essentially, if you choose a 48-port switch over a 24-port switch, you need to do the math to ensure it is compatible with the rest of your IT infrastructure.
Compatible Modules for Switches
Before you commit to a 24-port or 48-port switch, you should also check if the modules you want are available on the product you purchase.
Take the Cisco Catalyst series of switches, for example.
Many of the older series of switches had several modules that weren’t supported on 24-port switches. While Cisco has done a good job reducing this issue with its newest Catalyst 9000 family of switches, it’s still not entirely resolved.
For example, you can only implement the 100-gigabit uplinks module on a Catalyst 9300X, 48-port switch; it’s not an option on a 24-port alternative.
Part of the reason your options are so limited is that much throughput requires higher-capacity backplanes of the switch.
In a nutshell, the port count may correlate with the number of ports, and it’s something you’ll want to double-check before purchasing a solution that doesn’t meet your needs.
Cost of 48-Port vs. 24-Port Switches
As you likely guessed, a 48-port switch is more expensive than a 24-port alternative. And if you’re making a decision based on price alone,
this might be enough to guide your final decision.
If you’re reading this and still don’t have a strong inclination one way or another, take a closer look at the price differences. If you’re in the gray area of not needing 48-port switches yet, you might find it worthwhile to consider just how much more a 48-port switch costs – especially if you’re thinking about purchasing two 24-port switches instead of a single 48-port switch.
Take Cisco’s Catalyst C9300-24T-4G-E and a C9300-48T-4G-E for example. Both options include four 1 gigabit uplinks, and generally speaking, the only difference is the number of ports.
The C9300-24T-4G-E (the 24-port device) retails for around $6,600, including the mandatory 3-year Cisco DNA Center license. Meanwhile, the C9300-48T-4G-E (has 48-ports) retails for around $8,500 with a 3-year DNA Center license.
Remember you’ll also want to budget for additional switch-related costs, including support contracts, extra power supplies, power over ethernet (PoE) capabilities, etc.
Finding the Right Switch for You
Still not sure if a 24-port switch or 48-port switch fits the best into your IT environment? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Would my current IT infrastructure support a 48-port switch, or would moving up from a 24-port switch require me to update other components of my IT environment?
- What modules do I want on my switch, and are they available on the solution I’m considering?
- How does the cost of a 48-port switch (and any additional costs I chose to implement) fit into my IT budget?
If you’re continuing to struggle to make a definitive choice between a 24-port or 48-port switch (and other networking features), you can download our comparison chart to learn more about the differences between Catalyst 9200 and 9300 switching options.
