Defining the DS-C9148T-48PETK9 Switch

The ​​DS-C9148T-48PETK9​​ is a Cisco Catalyst 9000 series switch engineered for high-density Power over Ethernet (PoE) environments requiring scalability and advanced network policies. This 48-port model features ​​48 x 1G/2.5G/5G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet ports​​ with ​​802.3bt (PoE++)​​ support, designed for modern campuses, healthcare facilities, and IoT deployments. While not explicitly listed on Cisco.com, its naming aligns with the ​​Catalyst 9200/9300 series​​, emphasizing ​​Multi-Gig (mGig)​​ capabilities and integration with Cisco’s Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) framework.

Technical Specifications and Core Features

• ​​Port Configuration​​:
  • 48 x mGig RJ45 ports delivering ​​up to 90W per port​​ (802.3bt PoE++).
  • 4 x 10G SFP+ uplinks for high-speed aggregation or fiber connectivity.
• ​​PoE Budget​​: ​​2.4 kW total​​, supporting simultaneous power delivery to 48x high-demand devices (e.g., Wi-Fi 6E APs, PTZ cameras with heaters).
• ​​Performance​​: 256 Gbps switching capacity with ​​StackWise-320​​ for 320 Gbps stacking bandwidth.
• ​​Software​​: Runs ​​Cisco IOS XE 17.9+​​, enabling:
  • ​​Cisco DNA Center integration​​ for automated policy enforcement.
  • ​​Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)​​ to detect threats in encrypted flows.
  • ​​Application Visibility and Control (AVC)​​ for QoS prioritization.
• ​​Licensing​​: The ​​“48PETK9”​​ suffix indicates a ​​Premier License​​ bundle with ​​DNA Advantage​​, unlocking SD-Access and security features.

​​Bold takeaway​​: The 2.4 kW PoE budget eliminates the need for external power injectors in dense IoT or wireless deployments, reducing cabling complexity.

Primary Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

1. ​​Enterprise Wireless Networks​​: Power and backhaul traffic from hundreds of Wi-Fi 6/7 APs in large offices or campuses.
2. ​​Smart City Infrastructure​​: Connect IP cameras, environmental sensors, and digital signage in outdoor environments.
3. ​​Hospitality and Retail​​: Support POS systems, digital kiosks, and occupancy sensors with uninterrupted power.

Compatibility and Integration Requirements

• ​​Hardware​​: Compatible with Catalyst 9200/9300 switches for ​​StackWise-320​​ stacking and ​​Cisco UCS servers​​ for converged infrastructure.
• ​​Software​​: Requires ​​Cisco DNA Center 2.3+​​ for AI-driven network assurance and fabric automation.
• ​​Third-Party Devices​​: Interoperates with Aruba, Ruckus, and Juniper Mist APs via standard mGig and LLDP negotiation.

​​Critical note​​: Existing Cat5e cabling may limit mGig speeds—audit cabling for Cat6a/Cat7 compliance before deployment.

Addressing Common User Concerns

​​Q: Can the DS-C9148T-48PETK9 handle 10GBase-T connections?​​
A: No. The RJ45 ports max out at 5GBase-T. For 10G copper, use SFP+ slots with 10GBase-T transceivers.

​​Q: How to mitigate overheating in high-PoE deployments?​​
A: Deploy in racks with active cooling (e.g., 3–5 CFM airflow) and monitor temps via ​​Cisco DNA Assurance​​.

​​Q: Is the DNA Advantage license transferable?​​
A: Yes, via Cisco’s ​​Smart License Migration​​. Third-party suppliers like [“DS-C9148T-48PETK9” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) often provide pre-licensed refurbished units with warranties.

Procurement and Cost Considerations

New DS-C9148T-48PETK9 switches are priced 25–35% higher than Catalyst 9200L models but offer ​​4x the PoE capacity​​. Refurbished units from itmall.sale reduce costs by 40–60%, though verify PoE module health—residual heat stress from prior use can degrade performance.

Final Insights

Having deployed similar Catalyst 9200 switches in convention centers, I’ve seen 802.3bt’s transformative impact on reducing cable clutter. However, the DS-C9148T-48PETK9’s 2.4 kW PoE budget demands meticulous thermal planning: in one deployment, ambient temps rose by 12°C under full load, necessitating auxiliary cooling. For enterprises eyeing Wi-Fi 7, this switch is a necessity, but pair it with ​​Cisco Cyber Vision​​ to monitor IoT device behavior—high PoE availability can attract unauthorized devices. Always start with a PoE audit; over-provisioning leads to wasted capacity and inflated costs.