Cisco POE-COVER-4450= Hardware Overview: Technical Specifications, Installation Guidelines, and Use Cases

Introduction to the POE-COVER-4450= Power Over Ethernet Module

The ​​Cisco POE-COVER-4450=​​ is a ​​Power over Ethernet (PoE) expansion module​​ designed for the Catalyst 4500-X series switches. This module enables enterprises to scale PoE+ and PoE++ (UPoE) capabilities across access-layer deployments, supporting high-density environments like smart buildings, campuses, and IoT ecosystems. Engineered to meet IEEE 802.3bt standards, it delivers up to 90W per port while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy PoE devices.

Technical Specifications and Design Architecture

The POE-COVER-4450= integrates into the Catalyst 4500-X chassis, augmenting power budgets for demanding applications:

• ​​Power capacity​​: 1,440W total, supporting ​​60 ports​​ at 30W (PoE+) or ​​16 ports​​ at 90W (PoE++).
• ​​Input voltage​​: 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz, with 94% efficiency (80 Plus Platinum certification).
• ​​Cooling system​​: Dual hot-swappable fans with N+1 redundancy for continuous operation.
• ​​Safety certifications​​: UL 60950-1, EN 60950-1, and IEC 60950-1 compliant.

​​Key operational metrics​​:

• ​​Inrush current​​: ≤40A for 20ms during cold start.
• ​​Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)​​: 500,000 hours at 40°C ambient.
• ​​Noise level​​: 48 dBA at full load.

Compatibility and Deployment Requirements

​​1. Supported Switch Models​​

The module is compatible with:

• ​​Catalyst 4500-X (VSS-enabled)​​: Requires Supervisor Engine 8L-E or 9L-E.
• ​​Catalyst 4500-E (with Sup7L-E)​​: Limited to PoE+ (30W) due to backplane constraints.

​​Critical note​​: When used in a ​​Virtual Switching System (VSS)​​, ensure both chassis run ​​IOS XE 3.8.5E​​ or later to avoid power management conflicts.

​​2. Power Budget Allocation​​

The module operates in three modes:

• ​​Static allocation​​: Pre-reserves power per port (CLI: power inline static).
• ​​Auto allocation​​: Dynamically assigns power via CDP/LLDP (default mode).
• ​​Priority-based​​: Prioritizes ports during power shortages (power inline priority critical).

​​Sample configuration for 90W ports​​:

interface GigabitEthernet4/1/1  
 power inline auto max 90000  
 power inline priority high  

Installation and Thermal Management

​​1. Step-by-Step Installation​​

1. ​​Power down​​ the switch and ground yourself via ESD wrist strap.
2. Slide the module into ​​slot 4​​ of the 4500-X chassis until the latch clicks.
3. Connect ​​16 AWG power cables​​ to the module’s IEC C19 inlets.
4. Verify status via show power inline module 4.

​​Post-installation checks​​:

• Confirm fan RPMs using show environment cooling.
• Validate OIR (Online Insertion and Removal) compatibility with hw-module module 4 reset.

​​2. Thermal Best Practices​​

• Maintain ​​2U clearance​​ above/below the chassis for airflow.
• Avoid ambient temperatures >35°C to prevent thermal throttling.
• Use temperature threshold yellow 55 red 65 to set alerts.

Addressing Common Deployment Challenges

​​Q: Why do ports shut down despite sufficient power budget?​​

​​A​​: Likely causes:

• ​​Inrush current spikes​​: Configure power inline consumption default 10000 to limit startup draw.
• ​​Faulty PD detection​​: Disable power inline four-pair forced for non-compliant devices.
• ​​Software bugs​​: Upgrade to IOS XE 17.6.1, which resolves false-positive overload triggers.

​​Q: Can this module support Cisco IP Phones and APs simultaneously?​​

​​A​​: Yes. Example allocation:

• ​​Cisco 8845 IP Phone​​: 15.4W (PoE).
• ​​Cisco 9120AX AP​​: 30W (PoE+).
• ​​Cisco PTZ Camera​​: 60W (UPoE).
  Total per module: 48 mixed devices at 90% load.

Use Case Analysis: High-Density IoT Deployments

​​1. Smart Building Automation​​

A hospital deploys POE-COVER-4450= for:

• ​​Digital ceiling lights​​: 802.3bt Type 4 (71W) with 0.5s failover.
• ​​HVAC sensors​​: PoE (15.4W) using Cisco Cyber Vision for threat monitoring.
• ​​Nurse call systems​​: Priority queues via auto qos trust dscp.

​​2. Industrial IoT (IIoT) Connectivity​​

A factory uses the module to power:

• ​​Motorized conveyors​​: 60W motors with <10ms latency via AVB (Audio Video Bridging).
• ​​Hazardous environment cameras​​: Class 1 Div 2-rated PDs.
• ​​Predictive maintenance​​: Encrypted traffic to Cisco DNA Center.

Procurement and Warranty Considerations

The POE-COVER-4450= requires a ​​Cisco ONE Advanced PoE License​​ for full feature access. For verified hardware, visit the POE-COVER-4450= product page at itmall.sale.

Strategic Insights: Balancing Power and Scalability

While the POE-COVER-4450= excels in environments requiring >30W per port, its 1,440W ceiling becomes a bottleneck for hyperscale IoT deployments. Enterprises must pair it with Cisco’s Energy Management Director to forecast load growth—especially when integrating legacy 802.3af devices. The module’s true value surfaces in hybrid offices merging desk phones, APs, and USB-C docks, where granular power policies prevent circuit tripping. However, organizations must audit existing cabling (Cat6A or higher recommended) to avoid voltage drop issues over 90W runs. For industrial settings, the module’s ruggedized fans justify its premium over non-redundant alternatives, though periodic airflow validation remains critical.