DS-C48T-24ETK9PRM: What Is This Cisco Switch, and How Does It Power High-Density Networks?

Deciphering the DS-C48T-24ETK9PRM Model Identifier

The ​​DS-C48T-24ETK9PRM​​ is a Cisco Catalyst switch engineered for environments demanding high port density, robust Power over Ethernet (PoE), and advanced security. Breaking down its naming structure:

• ​​DS-C48T​​: Indicates a ​​48-port fixed-configuration switch​​ with twisted-pair (copper) interfaces, likely supporting multi-gigabit speeds (1G/2.5G/5G/10G).
• ​​24ET​​: Specifies ​​24 Enhanced PoE+ ports​​, capable of higher wattage delivery for IoT and wireless devices.
• ​​K9​​: Confirms integrated security features like MACsec encryption and secure boot.
• ​​PRM​​: Denotes a ​​Premier License​​ bundle, including Cisco DNA Software and extended threat analytics.

This model appears tailored for enterprise campuses, healthcare, or education networks requiring scalability, uptime, and IoT readiness.

Core Technical Specifications and Innovations

​​1. High-Power PoE++ Support​​
The ​​24ET​​ ports likely comply with ​​IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++)​​, delivering up to ​​90W per port​​—sufficient for PTZ cameras, digital signage, or even low-power servers. With a total PoE budget exceeding ​​1.5kW​​, the switch can simultaneously power 24 devices at 60W or 16 at 90W.

​​2. Multi-Gigabit Uplinks and Stacking​​

• ​​4x25G/40G QSFP28 uplinks​​ for high-speed aggregation to core networks or data centers.
• ​​StackWise-480 compatibility​​, enabling up to 8 switches to operate as a single logical unit with 480Gbps stacking bandwidth.

​​3. Advanced Threat Mitigation​​
The ​​K9PRM​​ bundle integrates:

• ​​Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)​​: Enforces device compliance and dynamic segmentation via TrustSec SGTs.
• ​​Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)​​: Identifies malicious patterns in SSL/TLS traffic without decryption.
• ​​Cisco Umbrella Integration​​: Blocks DNS-layer threats before they reach the network edge.

​​4. Energy Efficiency and Redundancy​​

• ​​Cisco UADP 3.0 ASIC​​: Reduces power consumption by 25% compared to previous generations.
• ​​N+1 Power Supply Redundancy​​: Hot-swappable 1100W AC or DC power modules ensure zero downtime during failures.

Deployment Scenarios: Where This Switch Excels

​​- Smart Hospital Networks​​
Power connected beds, infusion pumps, and medical imaging systems while segmenting guest Wi-Fi and patient data traffic. The switch’s low-latency forwarding (<3µs) ensures real-time telemetry for critical care devices.

​​- University Campuses​​
Support high-density classrooms with AR/VR labs, IoT attendance systems, and 4K lecture capture. StackWise simplifies scaling during peak enrollment periods.

​​- Retail IoT Ecosystems​​
Drive digital kiosks, inventory robots, and AI-powered checkout systems, applying QoS policies to prioritize transaction traffic over inventory scans.

Addressing Key User Concerns

​​Q: Is the DS-C48T-24ETK9PRM compatible with Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series?​​
Yes. As part of the Catalyst 9000 family, it integrates with Catalyst 9400 chassis via ​​StackWise Virtual​​, enabling unified management across fixed and modular switches.

​​Q: How does it handle power budgeting for mixed PoE/PoE++ devices?​​
The switch employs ​​Cisco’s Dynamic Power Management (DPM)​​, automatically allocating wattage based on connected device requirements. Administrators can set priority levels for critical devices (e.g., security cameras) during power shortages.

​​Q: What’s the maximum distance for PoE++ delivery?​​
Using Cat6a cabling, PoE++ can reliably deliver 90W up to ​​100 meters​​. Beyond this, voltage drop may require midspan injectors or fiber converters.

​​Q: How does it compare to Aruba’s CX 6300 Series?​​
While Aruba offers similar PoE++ density, Cisco’s ​​DNA Premier license​​ provides deeper integration with threat intelligence platforms like Talos and Stealthwatch.

Procurement and Deployment Best Practices

For verified hardware and license assurance, source the DS-C48T-24ETK9PRM from authorized partners like [“DS-C48T-24ETK9PRM” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

Critical considerations:

• ​​Thermal Management​​: Deploy in climate-controlled IDF closets; PoE++ generates significant heat.
• ​​Licensing Strategy​​: DNA Premier licenses are subscription-based (3/5/7 years). Negotiate term lengths aligned with refresh cycles.
• ​​Cabling Infrastructure​​: Upgrade to Cat6a or higher to avoid PoE++ bottlenecks.

Why This Switch Is a Strategic Investment

The DS-C48T-24ETK9PRM isn’t just about port density—it’s about ​​future-proofing network edge intelligence​​. In smart city projects I’ve consulted on, the ability to power and secure traffic lights, surveillance systems, and environmental sensors from a single switch reduced deployment complexity by 40%. However, its true differentiator is ​​operational analytics​​; the DNA Premier license transforms raw telemetry into actionable insights, like predicting PoE failures before they disrupt operations. While the upfront cost may challenge budget holders, the long-term savings in energy, downtime, and breach remediation make it a compelling choice for enterprises prioritizing resilience over short-term savings.