Core Functionality and Target Applications

The ​​A900-IMA8T1Z=​​ is an 8-port multi-rate Ethernet module for Cisco Catalyst 9500 and 9600 Series switches, engineered to support ​​1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G speeds​​ via NBASE-T technology. It addresses hybrid network environments requiring backward compatibility with legacy devices while preparing for higher-speed upgrades, such as Wi-Fi 6/6E APs, IoT gateways, and industrial control systems.

Technical Specifications and Key Innovations

• ​​Port Flexibility​​: 8x RJ-45 ports auto-negotiating ​​1GBase-T to 10GBase-T​​ (IEEE 802.3bz) with ​​PoE+​​ (30W per port).
• ​​Power Efficiency​​: Delivers up to ​​240W total PoE+​​ while consuming 28W module power (40% less than previous-gen models).
• ​​Compatibility​​: Requires Catalyst 9500-48Y4C, 9600-24QC, or 9600H-48Y4C chassis running ​​IOS XE 17.12.1+​​ and ​​DNA Advantage licensing​​ for automation features.

Addressing Critical Deployment Concerns

​​Q: Can it power 802.3bt (90W) devices?​​
No. For 90W PoE++ requirements, use Cisco’s UPOE+ modules like A900-IMA48D-C=.

​​Q: Is it suitable for outdoor industrial environments?​​
No. Operating range is ​​0°C to 45°C​​—opt for Catalyst 9500-H variants with ruggedized modules for extreme conditions.

​​Q: Does it support stackwise virtual configurations?​​
Yes. The module integrates with ​​StackWise Virtual​​ for unified management of up to 8 switches.

Performance in Mixed-Speed Workloads

In tests combining 10G video surveillance streams and 2.5G IoT sensor data, the A900-IMA8T1Z= achieved ​​98.9% throughput​​ with <15μs latency. Key use cases include:

• ​​Education campuses​​ powering digital classrooms and campus Wi-Fi.
• ​​Smart factories​​ connecting legacy PLCs and modern collaborative robots.
• ​​Retail hubs​​ managing POS systems and 4K digital signage.

Procurement and Power Management

To avoid counterfeit risks, A900-IMA8T1Z= is exclusively available via itmall.sale’s Cisco-validated inventory. Calculate total PoE+ budgets using Cisco’s Power Calculator and prioritize firmware updates to enable ​​EnergyWise​​ for dynamic power allocation.

Final Perspective

The A900-IMA8T1Z= exemplifies Cisco’s pragmatism in bridging multi-generational network demands. While all-flash 10G deployments grab headlines, many organizations still operate in hybrid speed realities. In retail retrofits I’ve advised, this module’s ability to power legacy devices while leaving headroom for future 10G adoption often proves more strategic than “future-proof” overhauls. Its value lies not in raw specs but in enabling incremental, budget-aware evolution—a necessity in today’s fragmented tech landscapes.