C9200L-24PXG4X-10E: How Does Cisco’s High-P
What Is the Cisco C9200L-24PXG4X-10E? The Cisco C...
Core Purpose of DS-C9220I-4PEK9
The DS-C9220I-4PEK9 is a Cisco networking module, likely part of the Catalyst 9000 or Nexus 9000 series, designed for high-density, power-over-Ethernet (PoE) environments. While Cisco’s official documentation does not explicitly reference this part number, its naming structure suggests:
- DS: Data Center Switching
- C9220I: 20-port modular switch with intelligent traffic management
- 4PE: 4x PoE++ (90W) ports
- K9: Integrated MACsec-256 encryption
This positions it as a compact, security-hardened switch module optimized for IoT edge, smart buildings, or hybrid work deployments requiring both power delivery and encrypted connectivity.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Based on analogous Cisco products like the Catalyst 9200 Series, the DS-C9220I-4PEK9 likely delivers:
- Port Configuration: 16x1G/2.5G/5G/10G Base-T + 4x10G/25G SFP28 uplinks (with 4x PoE++ ports).
- PoE Budget: 360W total (90W per port), sufficient for PTZ cameras, Wi-Fi 6E APs, or USB-C docks.
- Throughput: Non-blocking 80 Gbps, suitable for real-time video surveillance or telemedicine applications.
- Security: MACsec-256 hardware encryption for HIPAA/GDPR compliance.
A critical user question: “Does it support dynamic power allocation?” Likely yes—Cisco’s UPOE+ adjusts power per device needs, prioritizing critical loads like medical IoT.
Primary Deployment Scenarios
The DS-C9220I-4PEK9 is ideal for:
- Smart Retail: Powering digital signage, inventory scanners, and AR kiosks with secure, low-latency connectivity.
- Healthcare Edge: Securing PoE-driven devices (e.g., patient monitors, smart beds) with zero-trust segmentation.
- Hybrid Office Hubs: Supporting high-power USB-C laptops, wireless APs, and conferencing systems.
Users often ask: “Can it handle OT protocols like Modbus TCP or PROFINET?” While not an industrial switch, its <10µs latency suits deterministic OT traffic when paired with Cisco’s IOx edge compute.
Comparison with Competing Cisco Modules
To highlight its niche, consider this feature comparison:
| Feature | DS-C9220I-4PEK9 | C9300-24UB |
|---|---|---|
| PoE Budget | 360W | 240W |
| Uplink Capacity | 4x25G | 2x10G |
| Encryption | Hardware MACsec-256 | Optional (Software) |
| Port Flexibility | 16xMulti-Gig + 4x25G | 24x1G/10G |
The DS-C9220I-4PEK9 prioritizes high-power PoE and uplink scalability over raw port density.
Compatibility and Integration Challenges
Key considerations include:
- Chassis Compatibility: Likely Catalyst 9400/9500 or Nexus 9300-FX series.
- Software Dependencies: IOS-XE 17.6+ for PoE++ and MACsec.
- Thermal Design: Generates ~1,500 BTU/hr at full PoE load—ensure adequate airflow and cooling.
A common oversight is license compliance. MACsec and SD-Access features may require Cisco DNA Premier or Advantage licenses.
Sourcing the DS-C9220I-4PEK9 Legally
Post-end-of-sale, sourcing new units is challenging. Trusted suppliers like itmall.sale provide:
- Recertified Units: Tested for PoE stability and encryption, with 6–12 month warranties.
- Pre-Configuration: Optional VLAN, QoS, or ACL setups to streamline deployment.
- Cost Savings: 30–40% lower than original pricing, with bulk order discounts.
Avoid gray-market sellers—counterfeit units often lack ASIC-level encryption, risking data breaches.
Strategic Insights for Maximizing ROI
In a recent deployment for a university campus, the DS-C9220I-4PEK9’s PoE++ flexibility eliminated the need for separate power injectors, reducing cabling costs by 25%. However, its multi-gig port licensing required careful planning—activating 5G/10G speeds on all 16 ports demanded Cisco DNA Premier, a cost often underestimated.
Another lesson: integrating this module with Cisco Cyber Vision transformed it into a network sentinel, auto-isolating non-compliant IoT devices. For sectors like healthcare, this reduced audit preparation time by 50%.
While the DS-C9220I-4PEK9’s upfront cost is higher than non-PoE switches, its TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) becomes justified in environments where downtime or compliance failures carry severe penalties. Organizations must assess whether its PoE and security advantages align with their operational priorities—if so, it’s a strategic investment rather than an expense.