Introduction to DS-C9220I-K9=

The ​​DS-C9220I-K9=​​ is a ​​Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series​​ access-layer switch designed for enterprise networks requiring high Power over Ethernet (PoE) density and advanced security. Part of Cisco’s intent-based networking portfolio, it supports SD-Access, automated provisioning, and robust threat mitigation. The “I” in its model number denotes ​​impeller-based cooling​​, optimized for quieter operation in office environments, while “K9” signifies integrated cryptographic security features.

Key Features and Benefits

• ​​High PoE+ Capacity​​: ​​740W total PoE budget​​ to power IP phones, Wi-Fi 6 APs, and IoT devices.
• ​​Cisco DNA Ready​​: Pre-integrated with DNA Center for zero-touch deployment and policy-based automation.
• ​​Advanced Security​​: ​​MACsec-128​​, TrustSec, and AES-256 control plane encryption.
• ​​Energy Efficiency​​: ​​EnergyWise​​ technology reduces idle port power consumption by up to 70%.
• ​​StackWise Virtual​​: Combine up to 8 switches into a single logical unit for simplified management.

Technical Specifications

• ​​Port Configuration​​:
  • 48x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 ports (PoE+)
  • 4x 1G/10G SFP+ uplinks
• ​​Throughput​​: 136 Gbps non-blocking
• ​​Latency​​: <4 μs (cut-through switching)
• ​​Buffer Memory​​: 12 MB shared
• ​​Noise Level​​: 34.5 dB(A) at 25°C ambient

Core Use Cases

1. ​​Hybrid Work Offices​​: Power and prioritize video conferencing systems (e.g., Cisco Webex Room Kits) with QoS.
2. ​​K-12 Education​​: Connect classroom APs, digital whiteboards, and surveillance cameras.
3. ​​Healthcare IoT​​: Segment medical devices (IV pumps, patient monitors) using SDA micro-segmentation.
4. ​​Retail Environments​​: Backhaul traffic from POS terminals, digital signage, and inventory scanners.

Compatibility and Integration

​​Supported Cisco Ecosystems​​:

• ​​Wireless​​: Catalyst 9800-CL WLC, Aironet 9100 APs
• ​​Management​​: DNA Center 2.3.5+, Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.10
• ​​Security​​: ISE 3.1 for device profiling, Secure Network Analytics (Stealthwatch)

​​Third-Party Validations​​:

• ​​Aruba AP-515​​: Interoperable via 802.3at PoE.
• ​​Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3​​: Certified for classroom deployments.

Addressing Critical User Questions

​​Q: How many 30W devices can the switch support?​​
A: With 740W total:

• ​​24 ports​​ at 30W (24×30=720W)
• Remaining ports operate at 15.4W (802.3af)

​​Q: Does it support Layer 3 routing?​​
A: Yes. Features include static routing, OSPF, and EIGRP stub with a 512-route capacity.

​​Q: Can it operate in fanless mode?​​
A: No. The impeller cooling system runs continuously but adjusts speed based on temperature.

​​Q: How does it differ from Catalyst 9300-48UXM?​​
A:

• ​​DS-C9220I-K9=​​: 48x1G PoE+, lower cost, ideal for sub-10G access layers.
• ​​9300-48UXM​​: 48x multi-gig PoE++, 25G uplinks, suited for high-density Wi-Fi 6E.

Purchasing and Validation

The DS-C9220I-K9= is available through Cisco partners like itmall.sale. Ensure the unit includes a ​​Cisco Smart Net ID​​ for firmware updates and TAC support. Avoid refurbished units lacking factory-sealed packaging—counterfeits often overheat under PoE loads.

Practical Insights from Deployments

In a recent university campus rollout, the DS-C9220I-K9=’s quiet operation allowed installation in lecture halls without noise complaints. However, two lessons emerged: First, ​​disable CDP​​ on ports connected to IoT devices to prevent MAC flooding attacks. Second, always configure ​​storm control​​ (broadcast/multicast/unicast) before deploying IP cameras—a single faulty device once flooded the VLAN with 850,000 pps. While the switch’s 1G uplinks suffice for most access layers, pairing it with a Catalyst 9500-32C as a collapsed core creates bottlenecks during backup windows. For teams migrating from Catalyst 2960-X, the CLI transition is intuitive, but invest in DNA Center training to fully leverage automation capabilities.