What is CP-8861-3PCC-K9=? High-Density PoE+, Compatibility, and Use Cases for Cisco Networks

Overview of the CP-8861-3PCC-K9= Module

The ​​CP-8861-3PCC-K9=​​ is a Cisco Catalyst 8800 Series ​​61-port Gigabit Ethernet module​​ engineered for environments requiring extreme Power over Ethernet (PoE+) density. Designed for large-scale enterprise and campus deployments, this module combines ​​high port counts​​ with robust power delivery, supporting advanced IoT, wireless, and unified communication systems. Cisco’s documentation emphasizes its role in simplifying infrastructure for converged data and power needs.

Core Technical Specifications

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 61 x 10/100/1000BASE-T ports with ​​PoE+ (30W per port)​​, plus 4 x 10G SFP+ uplinks for high-speed aggregation.
• ​​Total PoE Budget​​: ​​1,830W​​ total power, dynamically managed via ​​Cisco UPOE+ (Universal Power over Ethernet)​​ for prioritized device allocation.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Exclusively certified for ​​Catalyst 9400/9500 Series switches​​ with ​​Network Advantage licensing​​ and IOS-XE 17.9.1 or newer.
• ​​Cooling Design​​: Front-to-back airflow, optimized for standard enterprise rack configurations.

Key Deployment Scenarios

This module is ideal for environments demanding ​​scalable power and connectivity​​:

• ​​Smart Cities​​: Powers traffic sensors, smart lighting, and public Wi-Fi hotspots.
• ​​Hospitality Networks​​: Supports IP-based room controls, digital signage, and guest Wi-Fi systems.
• ​​Industrial IoT​​: Connects and powers automated machinery, environmental sensors, and safety devices.

Addressing Critical User Questions

“How does the CP-8861-3PCC-K9= handle power redundancy?”

It relies on the chassis’s power supply redundancy. For failover, ensure the Catalyst 9400/9500 switch has ​​dual hot-swappable power supplies​​ configured.

“What’s the maximum PoE+ distance supported?”

Using ​​Cat6a cabling​​, full PoE+ is delivered at ​​100 meters​​. For Cat5e, limit runs to ​​60 meters​​ to maintain voltage integrity.

“Is it compatible with Cisco’s SD-Access framework?”

Yes. The module integrates with ​​Cisco DNA Center​​ for automated policy enforcement, segmentation, and monitoring.

Sourcing and Configuration Best Practices

For verified hardware and licensing support, purchase through Cisco-authorized partners. The CP-8861-3PCC-K9= is available here, including PoE planning tools and stack configuration guides.

Final Assessment

The CP-8861-3PCC-K9= is a strategic asset for organizations scaling PoE-heavy deployments. While its ​​61-port density​​ reduces hardware sprawl, the 1,830W power budget demands careful load balancing to avoid oversubscription. In my experience, pairing this module with Cisco’s Digital Building Architecture ensures seamless IoT integration—but always validate chassis power capacity and licensing prerequisites before deployment.