What Is the Cisco CP-6821-3PCC-K9=? Power Capacity, Compatibility, and Deployment Scenarios

​​Overview of the CP-6821-3PCC-K9=​​

The Cisco CP-6821-3PCC-K9= is a ​​3000W AC power supply module​​ designed for the Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series switches. It provides high-capacity, redundant power for demanding environments, supporting PoE (Power over Ethernet) and non-PoE deployments. This module is critical for ensuring uptime in networks with dense device connectivity or high-throughput workloads.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

• ​​Input​​: 200-240V AC, 50/60Hz, with active power factor correction (PFC) for 94% efficiency.
• ​​Output​​: Delivers ​​3000W total power​​, with up to ​​2400W reserved for PoE+ devices​​ (30W per port).
• ​​Redundancy​​: Supports ​​N+N or N+1 configurations​​ for uninterrupted operation.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Works exclusively with Catalyst 6807-XL and 6880-X chassis running IOS-XE 16.6.1 or later.

​​Primary Use Cases​​

High-Power PoE Deployments

Ideal for campuses or smart buildings requiring ​​simultaneous power delivery to hundreds of IP phones, cameras, or wireless APs​​.

Data Center Core Switching

Ensures stable power for high-speed 40G/100G line cards handling traffic from virtualization clusters or storage arrays.

​​Addressing Common User Questions​​

​​Q: Can the CP-6821-3PCC-K9= support PoE++ (90W) devices?​​
A: No. It is limited to ​​PoE+ (30W per port)​​. For higher power needs, consider Cisco’s UPOE modules.

​​Q: Is the module hot-swappable?​​
A: Yes. Failed units can be replaced without shutting down the chassis, minimizing service disruptions.

​​Procurement and Installation Notes​​

To avoid compatibility issues, verify your chassis model and IOS-XE version before purchasing. For genuine Cisco components, visit the “CP-6821-3PCC-K9=” product page.

​​Practical Takeaways​​

While the CP-6821-3PCC-K9= is a legacy power solution, its reliability in PoE+ environments remains unmatched for existing Catalyst 6800 Series users. Organizations should prioritize this module over third-party alternatives to maintain warranty compliance and avoid thermal overload risks. However, newer deployments might benefit from Cisco’s latest UPOE/UPOE+ offerings for future scalability.