What Is the C9K-PWR-650WACL-R=?
The C9K-PWR-650WACL-R= is a 650W AC redundant power supply designed for Cisco Catalyst 9500 and 9400 Series switches. It provides hot-swappable, dual-input power redundancy for mission-critical environments, ensuring uninterrupted operation during grid fluctuations or primary PSU failures.
Key Technical Specifications
- Input: 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz, with active current sharing for load balancing.
- Efficiency: 94% efficiency (80 PLUS Platinum equivalent), reducing energy waste and operational costs.
- Compatibility: Works with Catalyst 9500-40X, 9500-32C, 9400-16X, and other fixed or modular chassis.
- Redundancy: Supports N+1 or N+N configurations when paired with identical PSUs.
Why Prioritize Redundant Power in Enterprise Networks?
Single power supplies create a single point of failure—a risk for data centers, hospitals, or financial networks. The C9K-PWR-650WACL-R= mitigates downtime by:
- Automatic Failover: Seamlessly switches to the secondary PSU if the primary fails.
- Load Sharing: Distributes power draw evenly across PSUs to extend hardware lifespan.
- Compliance: Meets NEBS Level 3 standards for reliability in telecom or industrial deployments.
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
- Chassis Slotting: Install in the rear PSU slots of compatible Catalyst 9500/9400 switches.
- Input Diversity: Connect each PSU to separate power grids or UPS systems for true redundancy.
- Monitoring: Use Cisco’s Embedded Event Manager (EEM) to track voltage, temperature, and load metrics.
Use Cases Beyond Data Centers
- Edge Computing: Powers Catalyst switches in remote locations prone to unstable power grids.
- IoT Gateways: Ensures continuous operation for industrial IoT aggregation points.
- Hybrid Cloud: Supports high-density 25/100G uplinks in spine-leaf architectures.
Where to Source the C9K-PWR-650WACL-R=
While Cisco.com details technical specs, third-party suppliers like “itmall.sale” offer certified refurbished or surplus units at competitive prices. Verify the PSU’s firmware version (e.g., supports IOS XE 17.9+) and check for physical wear on connectors before purchasing.
The Overlooked ROI of Redundant Power
The C9K-PWR-650WACL-R= isn’t just a backup component—it’s insurance against six-figure downtime costs. For enterprises scaling AI workloads or real-time analytics, even a 5-minute outage can disrupt revenue streams. Investing in robust power infrastructure ensures that Catalyst 9000 switches deliver on their performance promises, making this PSU a cornerstone of modern network resilience.