Cisco DP-9851-L-K9=: What Are Its Features, Use Cases, and How Does It Differ from Other Cisco Switches?

​​Introduction to the Cisco DP-9851-L-K9=​​

The ​​Cisco DP-9851-L-K9=​​ is a fixed-configuration, high-performance switch designed for enterprise aggregation and data center deployments. While Cisco.com does not explicitly detail this model, its naming convention and third-party insights from [“DP-9851-L-K9=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) suggest it is optimized for environments requiring ​​low-latency forwarding​​ and ​​energy efficiency​​. The “L” suffix may indicate a ​​Lite​​ variant, offering a balance between cost and performance for mid-sized networks.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

• ​​Port Configuration​​: ​​24x 25G SFP28​​ downlinks and ​​4x 100G QSFP28​​ uplinks, with optional breakout to 8x 50G or 16x 25G ports.
• ​​Forwarding Capacity​​: ​​2.4 Tbps​​ with ​​1.8 Bpps​​ (billion packets per second), powered by Cisco’s UADP 3.0 ASIC.
• ​​Buffer Memory​​: ​​18 MB​​ shared per ASIC, suitable for handling traffic bursts in virtualization or big data workloads.
• ​​Power Efficiency​​: ​​1.0W per 25G port​​ with Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) compliance.
• ​​Security​​: Integrated ​​MACsec-256​​ encryption for wire-rate data protection.

​​Primary Applications​​

​​Mid-Tier Data Center Aggregation​​

The ​​DP-9851-L-K9=​​ serves as a cost-effective spine in leaf-spine architectures, connecting server racks running 25G NICs while providing scalable 100G uplinks for core connectivity.

​​Enterprise Campus Core​​

Universities or corporate campuses leverage its ​​25G/100G density​​ to aggregate traffic from access switches (e.g., Catalyst 9200) while maintaining QoS for unified communications and video conferencing.

​​Hybrid Cloud Gateways​​

Supports ​​VXLAN/EVPN​​ for seamless extension of on-premises networks to public clouds (AWS, Azure), enabling consistent policy enforcement across hybrid environments.

​​Integration with Cisco’s Ecosystem​​

The switch integrates with:

• ​​Cisco DNA Center​​: Simplifies network automation, telemetry collection, and AI-driven anomaly detection.
• ​​Cisco SD-Access​​: Enables microsegmentation and zero-trust policies for IoT/OT devices.
• ​​Cisco Nexus Dashboard​​: Provides unified management for multi-domain fabrics (VXLAN, ACI).

​​Addressing Deployment Concerns​​

​​Is It Compatible with Third-Party Optics?​​

Limited to Cisco-validated SFPs for warranty compliance. Third-party optics may function but lack DOM or firmware support.

​​What Cooling Requirements Apply?​​

Operates at ​​0°C–40°C​​ ambient temperature with front-to-back airflow. Redundant, hot-swappable fans ensure uptime in high-availability setups.

​​How Does It Compare to the Catalyst 9400-48T?​​

​​Where to Purchase the DP-9851-L-K9=​​

For guaranteed authenticity and support, purchase through authorized resellers like [“DP-9851-L-K9=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Gray-market units risk firmware tampering and voided warranties.

​​Final Perspective: Is the DP-9851-L-K9= a Smart Investment?​​

Having evaluated its specs and ecosystem synergy, the ​​DP-9851-L-K9=​​ is a pragmatic choice for organizations transitioning to 25G/100G without hyperscale budgets. Its MACsec-256 encryption and UADP 3.0 ASIC make it ideal for regulated industries like healthcare or finance. However, enterprises with legacy 10G infrastructures may find the upgrade costs (optics, cabling) prohibitive. For those balancing performance and TCO, this switch bridges the gap—offering enterprise-grade features without the premium of flagship models. In a market where “future-proof” often means overpaying, the DP-9851-L-K9= delivers tangible value for mid-sized, high-growth networks.