CN93-PAC-750W-PI=: How Does It Balance Power Efficiency and Flexibility for Mid-Scale Networks?

​​Core Functionality and Target Use Cases​​

The ​​CN93-PAC-750W-PI=​​ is a mid-range AC power supply unit engineered for Cisco Catalyst 9300 and 9400 series switches. Designed for environments requiring ​​Power over Ethernet (PoE)​​ support without excessive power overhead, it delivers ​​750 watts of reliable power​​ to devices like IP cameras, wireless APs, and VoIP phones.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

• ​​Input Range​​: 100–240 VAC (auto-ranging) for global deployment.
• ​​PoE Budget​​: Allocates up to ​​370W​​ for PoE/PoE+ devices, supporting up to 24 ports simultaneously.
• ​​Efficiency​​: 90% efficiency at 50% load, certified as ​​80 PLUS Platinum​​.
• ​​Redundancy​​: Supports ​​N+1 power sharing​​ when paired with a second PSU.

​​Addressing Critical User Questions​​

​​Q: Is the CN93-PAC-750W-PI= compatible with older Catalyst switches like the 3850?​​

No. It is designed exclusively for ​​Catalyst 9300/9400 chassis​​ running Cisco IOS-XE 16.12 or newer. Older series require separate PSUs.

​​Q: Can it support high-power PoE++ devices like PTZ cameras?​​

Yes. When configured with ​​Class 8 power zones​​, the PSU provides 90W per port (up to 6 ports) for demanding devices.

​​Practical Deployment Scenarios​​

• ​​Mid-Size Offices​​: Powers 50+ IP phones and access points with headroom for future expansion.
• ​​Retail Environments​​: Supports IoT sensors and digital signage via PoE, minimizing cabling costs.
• ​​Smart Buildings​​: Delivers redundancy for HVAC control systems and security cameras.

​​Purchasing Recommendations​​

For verified Cisco hardware, the ​​CN93-PAC-750W-PI= is available here​​. Opt for vendors offering ​​Cisco DNA Essentials licensing​​ bundles to unlock advanced power monitoring via the Catalyst dashboard.

​​Final Assessment​​

The CN93-PAC-750W-PI= strikes a rare balance between PoE density and energy efficiency. While it lacks the raw capacity of 1100W+ counterparts, its Platinum-rated efficiency cuts operational costs for mid-scale deployments. From firsthand deployments, I’ve seen it outperform generic PSUs in longevity—especially in environments with fluctuating power quality. For teams eyeing IoT expansion, this unit’s PoE flexibility is worth prioritizing over cheaper, less adaptable alternatives.