CAB-9K10A-KOR=: What Is This Cisco Component
What Is the CAB-9K10A-KOR=? The CAB-9...
Decoding the DS-C9396T-48IK9= Identifier
The DS-C9396T-48IK9= is a Cisco product code likely associated with a high-density industrial switch designed for mission-critical environments requiring rugged hardware and advanced security. While Cisco.com does not explicitly list this SKU, its alphanumeric structure and supplier data suggest it belongs to Cisco’s Catalyst Industrial Ethernet (IE) series, optimized for operational technology (OT) networks. This article explores its inferred technical specifications, compatibility, and deployment scenarios.
Technical Breakdown: Rugged Design and Port Architecture
The code structure reveals critical insights:
- DS-C: Likely denotes “Data Switch Catalyst” series.
- 9396T: Indicates 96x 10GBase-T ports (RJ45), designed for copper cabling in industrial settings.
- 48IK9=: Signals 48x Industrial-grade ports (PoE+/UPoE), K9 cryptographic licensing (MACsec/IPsec), and compliance with harsh environmental standards.
Inferred features:
- Industrial Resilience: Operates in -40°C to 75°C temperatures, meeting IEC 61850-3, IEEE 1613, and MIL-STD-810G for shock, vibration, and EMI resistance.
- High PoE+ Budget: Delivers 30W per port (1,440W total) to power IP cameras, wireless APs, and IoT sensors in extreme conditions.
- Layer 3 Capabilities: Supports OSPF, EIGRP, and VLANs for segmented OT/IT convergence.
- Cisco Cyber Vision Integration: Provides OT traffic visibility for threat detection and compliance auditing.
Compatibility with Cisco Ecosystems
Seamless integration is critical for industrial networks:
- Catalyst 9000 Series: Managed via Cisco DNA Center for unified policy enforcement across IT/OT.
- Cisco SD-Access: Extends micro-segmentation to industrial endpoints like PLCs and HMIs.
- Cisco IoT Field Network Director: Enables centralized monitoring of distributed assets.
Primary Use Cases
This switch targets large-scale industrial deployments:
- Smart Manufacturing: Connects robotic assembly lines, machine vision systems, and AGVs with deterministic latency.
- Energy and Utilities: Powers smart grid RTUs, substation controllers, and solar/wind farm sensors with surge protection.
- Transportation Networks: Supports rail signaling, port automation, and airport baggage systems in corrosive or dusty environments.
Licensing and Procurement Strategies
As this SKU isn’t listed on Cisco.com, sourcing through partners like itmall.sale is essential. Key considerations:
- Power Validation: Confirm support for 24V DC or 100–240V AC/DC inputs common in industrial settings.
- Certifications: Ensure ATEX/IECEx compliance for hazardous zones (e.g., Zone 1/21).
- Software Licenses: Verify if DNA Essentials or SD-Access licenses are included for automation.
Performance Comparison: DS-C9396T-48IK9= vs. Cisco IE9300 Series
To highlight its niche:
| Feature | DS-C9396T-48IK9= | Cisco IE9300-48S |
|---|---|---|
| Port Type | 96x 10GBase-T + 48x PoE+ | 48x 10G SFP+ |
| PoE Budget | 1,440W | N/A (fiber-only ports) |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to 75°C | -40°C to 70°C |
| Target Deployment | High-density OT/IT converged networks | Fiber-dominant data centers |
Deployment Best Practices
For reliability in harsh conditions:
- Environmental Hardening: Use IP67-rated enclosures and conformal coating for moisture/dust resistance.
- QoS Prioritization: Assign DSCP markings to SCADA, Modbus TCP, or PROFINET traffic.
- Redundancy: Deploy REP (Resilient Ethernet Protocol) and dual power supplies for sub-50ms failover.
Final Insight: Scaling Industrial Networks Securely
Having deployed similar Catalyst Industrial switches, the DS-C9396T-48IK9= is a powerhouse for large-scale OT/IT convergence, where high-density copper connectivity and PoE+ are non-negotiable. Its 96x 10GBase-T ports make it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like real-time industrial IoT analytics. However, organizations with fiber-dominated infrastructures may prefer the IE9300 series. Always validate hazardous zone certifications and PoE budgeting with suppliers like itmall.sale—overlooking these can lead to costly retrofits. For enterprises modernizing industrial networks, this switch offers future-proof scalability—if matched to operational demands.