C1161-8P++: How Does It Solve High-Power PoE Demands for Cisco Deployments?



Core Functionality and Design

The ​​C1161-8P++​​ is a Cisco Catalyst 1100 Series switch optimized for high-density Power over Ethernet (PoE) deployments. Designed for small to mid-sized enterprise networks, it delivers ​​90W UPOE+ per port​​ across 8 ports, making it ideal for powering devices like IP cameras, Wi-Fi 6 access points, and IoT sensors without requiring separate power supplies.


Key Technical Capabilities

  • ​PoE Budget​​: ​​720W total PoE++ capacity​​ (90W x 8 ports), supporting IEEE 802.3bt (Type 4) for high-demand endpoints.
  • ​Layer 2 Features​​: Supports ​​Cisco StackWise Virtual​​ for simplified management of up to 8 switches as a single entity.
  • ​Resilience​​: Dual redundant power supplies (optional) and ​​non-blocking 176 Gbps switching capacity​​ for mission-critical uptime.
  • ​Security​​: Embedded with ​​Cisco TrustSec​​ for automated policy enforcement and MACsec encryption on all ports.

Addressing Critical Deployment Concerns

​Q: Can the C1161-8P++ handle modern high-power devices like PTZ cameras or APs?​

Absolutely. With ​​90W per port​​, it powers devices like Cisco’s 9115AX Wi-Fi 6E APs (which require 60W) or PTZ cameras with heaters, leaving headroom for simultaneous data transmission.


​Q: How does it differ from the C1161-8P model?​

The “++” variant doubles the per-port PoE output (from 45W to 90W) and increases total PoE capacity by ​​120%​​, addressing gaps in earlier models for IoT-heavy or industrial environments.


​Q: Is Layer 3 routing supported?​

No. The C1161-8P++ operates as a ​​Layer 2 switch​​, making it best suited for aggregation roles in access layers. For dynamic routing, pair it with Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series Layer 3 switches.


Deployment Scenarios and Best Practices

  • ​Smart Buildings​​: Power and manage lighting systems, occupancy sensors, and security devices from a single switch.
  • ​Retail Environments​​: Support IP cameras, digital signage, and POS systems without power cabling complexity.
  • ​Industrial IoT​​: Use ​​-40°C to 70°C operating range​​ (with industrial variant) for harsh settings like factories.

Procurement and Support

For enterprises prioritizing verified Cisco hardware, the “C1161-8P++” is available exclusively through itmall.sale, which offers lifetime warranty options and pre-sales configuration support to ensure seamless integration.


Why This Switch Still Fits Modern Networks

While newer Catalyst 9200/9300 switches dominate headlines, the C1161-8P++ fills a niche for cost-sensitive yet power-hungry deployments. Its unmatched ​​90W per-port PoE++​​ and backward compatibility with older Cisco ecosystems make it a pragmatic pick for organizations scaling IoT or smart infrastructure without overhauling existing networks. In an era where power efficiency and density matter more than ever, this model proves that targeted, high-value solutions still have a seat at the table.

Related Post

Cisco C9300L-48PF-4G-EDU: What Are Its Capabi

​​Technical Specifications and Core Features​​ ...

SFP-10G-ZR-I= 10G Extended Long-Reach Optical

The ​​SFP-10G-ZR-I=​​ is a Cisco-certified 10 G...

EIGRP Distribute List Fails to Filter Routes

EIGRP Distribute List Fails to Filter Routes with Speci...