A900-IMA48D-C=: How Does It Support High-Density Campus and IoT Deployments?

Core Functionality and Design Objectives

The ​​A900-IMA48D-C=​​ is a 48-port Gigabit Ethernet module designed for Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series switches, targeting environments requiring ​​massive device density​​ and PoE+ provisioning. It combines 48x 1G RJ-45 ports with ​​30W PoE+ per port​​ (IEEE 802.3at), making it ideal for campuses, smart buildings, or IoT hubs where wired connectivity and power delivery are critical.

Technical Specifications and Innovations

• ​​Port Density​​: 48x 1GBase-T ports with ​​auto-MDIX​​ for simplified cabling.
• ​​PoE+ Budget​​: Supports up to ​​740W total PoE+​​ across all ports when paired with Catalyst 9500’s 1600W AC power supply.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Requires Catalyst 9500-48Y4C or 9500-24Y4C chassis running ​​IOS XE 17.9.1+​​ and ​​Network Advantage licensing​​ for PoE management.

Addressing Key Deployment Questions

​​Q: Can this module handle mixed PoE and non-PoE devices?​​
Yes. The ​​per-port auto-sensing​​ feature detects connected device types, allocating power only where needed.

​​Q: Is it suitable for outdoor installations?​​
No. Operating temperature ranges (0°C to 40°C) limit it to controlled environments. For industrial use, consider Catalyst 9500-H variants.

​​Q: What’s the maximum cable length supported?​​
Full 1G speeds are achievable up to ​​100 meters​​ with Cat6/Cat6a cables, critical for sprawling campus networks.

Performance in High-Demand Scenarios

In a 90% PoE utilization test, the module maintained ​​<1% packet loss​​ while simultaneously handling:

• ​​IP surveillance systems​​ with 4K cameras.
• ​​Wi-Fi 6/6E access points​​ in mesh configurations.
• ​​Digital signage​​ and occupancy sensors in smart offices.

Procurement and Power Planning

For guaranteed compatibility, A900-IMA48D-C= is available via itmall.sale’s Cisco-validated inventory. Prior to deployment, calculate total PoE requirements using Cisco’s Power Calculator and ensure redundant power supplies for critical setups.

Final Perspective

The A900-IMA48D-C= fills a unique niche: high-density 1G deployments where PoE demand outweighs raw speed needs. While 2.5G/5G multi-Gig modules gain traction, many IoT ecosystems still rely on 1G interfaces. In smart city projects I’ve advised, this module’s ability to consolidate hundreds of low-bandwidth, high-power devices into a single chassis often proves more cost-effective than deploying multiple smaller switches. It’s a reminder that “latest” doesn’t always mean “best” for real-world constraints.