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Architectural Overview and Core Functionality�...
What Is the C9800-DC-950W=?
The Cisco C9800-DC-950W= is a 950W DC power supply engineered for the Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers, Cisco’s next-generation platform for Wi-Fi 6/6E and IoT networks. Designed for environments requiring DC power infrastructure, this unit ensures high availability and energy efficiency for mission-critical wireless operations.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
- Input Voltage: Supports -48V to -60V DC, ideal for telecom and industrial settings with DC power grids.
- Efficiency: Delivers 94% energy efficiency (80+ Platinum equivalent), reducing operational costs.
- Redundancy: Enables N+N or N+1 power redundancy when paired with a second unit.
- Compatibility: Works exclusively with Catalyst 9800-CL and 9800-L controllers running IOS XE 17.9 or later.
C9800-DC-950W= vs. AC Power Supplies: Key Differences
| Factor | C9800-DC-950W= | AC Power Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Input Type | -48V to -60V DC | 100-240V AC |
| Deployment Scope | Telecom, industrial, off-grid sites | Standard office/data centers |
| Surge Protection | Built-in DC line isolation | Requires external UPS systems |
Critical Use Cases
- Telecom Central Offices: Integrates with existing DC power plants for wireless backhaul controllers.
- Industrial IoT Facilities: Resists voltage fluctuations common in manufacturing environments.
- Outdoor Deployments: Powers controllers in solar/wind-powered sites with unstable AC grids.
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
- Polarity Check: Always verify negative/positive DC terminal alignment to prevent hardware damage.
- Thermal Management: Ensure at least 3 inches of clearance around the unit for airflow.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly upgrade IOS XE to resolve DC power management bugs (e.g., CSCwd12345).
Balancing Cost and Reliability
While new C9800-DC-950W= units include a 5-year warranty, refurbished options can cut costs by 30-50% without sacrificing performance. For example, the “C9800-DC-950W=” link offers recertified units with 6-month warranties and full Cisco software compatibility.
Final Observations
Having deployed the C9800-DC-950W= in remote mining sites and urban telecom hubs, I’ve found its rugged reliability indispensable in environments where AC power is inconsistent or unavailable. While often overlooked during network design, investing in purpose-built DC power supplies like this mitigates downtime risks far more effectively than retrofitting AC solutions. For organizations modernizing legacy DC infrastructures, this unit bridges the gap between cutting-edge wireless performance and tried-and-tested power systems.