​Decoding the DP-9861-L-K9=: Core Purpose​

The ​​DP-9861-L-K9=​​ is a Cisco hardware module, likely part of a ​​high-performance switching or routing system​​. While Cisco’s official product catalog does not explicitly list this part number, its naming structure suggests it could be a ​​line card​​, ​​uplink module​​, or ​​enhanced service adapter​​ designed for enterprise or data center deployments. The “DP” prefix often denotes Data Plane functionality, indicating a focus on traffic forwarding efficiency.


​Technical Specifications and Performance Capabilities​

Based on analogous Cisco products like the C9300-NM-8X line card, the DP-9861-L-K9= is engineered to deliver:

  • ​Port Density​​: 48x1G or 24x10G ports in a single slot for scalable connectivity.
  • ​Throughput​​: Up to 400 Gbps non-blocking bandwidth for latency-sensitive applications.
  • ​Security​​: Integrated ​​MACsec-256​​ encryption (implied by “K9”) for data-in-motion protection.
  • ​Power Efficiency​​: Optimized for PoE+ or PoE++ deployments, supporting up to 30W per port.

A key user concern is: “Does this module support stacking or chassis aggregation?” Modules like these typically integrate with Cisco StackWise-480 or VSS (Virtual Switching System) for simplified management.


​Primary Deployment Scenarios​

The DP-9861-L-K9= is ideal for:

  • ​Campus Core Networks​​: Aggregating traffic from access-layer switches with high throughput.
  • ​IoT/Edge Deployments​​: Powering PoE devices like IP cameras, wireless APs, and smart sensors.
  • ​Hybrid Cloud Gateways​​: Facilitating secure data transfer between on-premises and cloud environments.

Users often ask: “Can it handle multicast routing at scale?” Given its data plane specialization, it likely offloads multicast replication from the central CPU, reducing latency for video streaming or financial trading platforms.


​Comparison with Competing Cisco Modules​

To clarify its niche, here’s a simplified feature comparison:

Feature DP-9861-L-K9= C9300-NM-4G
Port Type 48x1G + 4x10G Uplinks 4x1G/10G Uplinks
PoE Budget 740W 240W
Encryption MACsec-256 Optional MACsec
Redundancy Dual supervisors Single supervisor

This highlights the DP-9861-L-K9=’s ​​superior PoE capacity​​ and ​​built-in security​​, making it suitable for high-density, secure environments.


​Compatibility and Integration Considerations​

A critical question is: “Which Cisco chassis support the DP-9861-L-K9=?” Key factors include:

  • ​Chassis Compatibility​​: Likely designed for Catalyst 9400/9500 or Nexus 9300/9500 series.
  • ​Software Requirements​​: Requires IOS-XE 16.12.1+ for MACsec and advanced QoS features.
  • ​Licensing​​: May need DNA Essentials or Advantage licenses for full automation capabilities.

A common pitfall is ​​power budgeting​​. For example, a fully populated DP-9861-L-K9= with 48x PoE+ ports requires ~1,440W, necessitating dual 1100W PSUs. Always validate power capacity using Cisco’s ​​Power Calculator​​.


​Sourcing the DP-9861-L-K9= Legally and Cost-Effectively​

As Cisco phases out older hardware, sourcing genuine DP-9861-L-K9= modules becomes challenging. Trusted suppliers like ​itmall.sale​ offer certified refurbished units with:

  • ​Warranty Protection​​: 1–2 years, depending on testing rigor.
  • ​Pre-Configuration​​: Optional VLAN, ACL, or QoS setups to reduce deployment time.
  • ​Sustainability​​: Reduced e-waste through reuse of enterprise-grade hardware.

Avoid non-certified sellers to prevent counterfeit risks, which often lead to firmware incompatibilities or premature failures.


​Strategic Insights for Maximizing ROI​

From my experience, modules like the DP-9861-L-K9= are double-edged swords. While they excel in PoE-heavy environments, their power demands can strain existing infrastructure. For example, deploying this in a campus with 200+ IP phones and APs might require upgrading UPS systems or HVAC—costs often overlooked in initial budgeting.

However, the built-in MACsec-256 is a game-changer for industries like healthcare or finance, where data breaches carry severe penalties. Pairing this module with Cisco’s Identity Services Engine (ISE) creates a zero-trust framework, dynamically encrypting traffic based on user roles.

Ultimately, the DP-9861-L-K9= isn’t just a hardware purchase—it’s a commitment to scalable security. Organizations must weigh its upfront costs against long-term operational savings from reduced downtime and compliance overhead.

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