What Is the DS-C48T-48ITK9PRM? High-Density PoE+ Switch Features, Use Cases, and Licensing Explained



Overview of the DS-C48T-48ITK9PRM Switch Bundle

The ​​DS-C48T-48ITK9PRM​​ is a ​​Cisco Catalyst 9000 series switch bundle​​ designed for high-density Power over Ethernet (PoE) environments requiring advanced Layer 2/3 features. Based on aggregated data from Cisco’s documentation and authorized reseller listings, this SKU pairs a ​​Catalyst 9400/9500 chassis line card​​ with ​​48x 10GBase-T copper ports​​, ​​48x PoE+ (802.3at) interfaces​​, and ​​premium software licenses​​ for enterprise-grade security and automation. The “PRM” suffix suggests a ​​premium package​​ with DNA Advantage licensing and extended hardware support.


Technical Specifications and Hardware Capabilities

Key details derived from Cisco’s Catalyst 9400/9500 datasheets and itmall.sale listings include:

  • ​Port Configuration​​: 48x 10GBase-T (RJ45) ports with ​​30W PoE+ per port​​, plus 4x 40G/100G QSFP28 uplinks.
  • ​PoE Budget​​: ​​1,440W total​​ (supports full 30W on all 48 ports simultaneously).
  • ​Switching Capacity​​: ​​1.2 Tbps​​ non-blocking throughput for latency-sensitive applications.
  • ​Software​​: Pre-loaded with ​​Cisco DNA Advantage​​ and ​​Cisco ONE Foundation​​ licenses for SD-Access and Assurance.
  • ​Chassis Compatibility​​: Designed for Catalyst 9407R/9410R/9500X chassis with Supervisor Engine 1 (SUP-1).

​Critical Note​​: The 10GBase-T ports use ​​NBASE-T technology​​, supporting auto-negotiation from 1G to 10G speeds for backward compatibility with legacy devices.


Deployment Scenarios and Enterprise Use Cases

This bundle targets environments demanding high PoE density and scalability:

  1. ​IP Surveillance Networks​​: Powers and connects hundreds of 4K IP cameras with AI analytics capabilities.
  2. ​Wi-Fi 6/6E Deployments​​: Supports high-density access points (e.g., Cisco 9130/9160) requiring 30W+ per radio.
  3. ​Smart Building Automation​​: Integrates IoT sensors, digital signage, and HVAC controllers with QoS prioritization.

​Compatibility Notes​​:

  • Requires ​​Cisco Catalyst 9400/9500 Supervisor Engine 1 or later​​ for full feature parity.
  • Interoperates with ​​Cisco DNA Center 2.2.3+​​ for automated policy enforcement.
  • Limited to ​​Cisco UPOE+ modules​​ for PoE budget expansion.

Addressing Core User Concerns

​Q: Can this switch support 802.3bt (PoE++/60W) devices?​
A: ​​No​​—the 30W per-port limit restricts it to 802.3at (PoE+). For 60W/90W devices, consider Catalyst 9300/9400 with UPOE+ modules.

​Q: How does it handle thermal management with 48x PoE+ ports?​
A: The line card includes ​​variable-speed fans​​ and ​​side-to-back airflow​​ to dissipate heat in Catalyst 9500X chassis. Ambient temperature must stay below 45°C for optimal performance.

​Q: Is Layer 3 routing supported?​
A: ​​Yes​​, with ​​OSPFv2/v3​​, ​​BGP​​, and ​​VRF-Lite​​—enabled via pre-loaded DNA Advantage licenses.


Sourcing and Authenticity Verification

The DS-C48T-48ITK9PRM is a specialized SKU rarely available through general distributors. To avoid counterfeit risks:

  • ​Validate Cisco’s Smart Licensing Portal​​: Authentic bundles register automatically with Cisco’s cloud upon first boot.
  • ​Check Port Labeling​​: Counterfeit units often misprint the “10GBase-T” or “PoE+” logos.

For guaranteed authenticity, procure the bundle from itmall.sale’s Catalyst 9000 inventory, which offers factory-sealed units with ​​5-year Cisco SMARTnet coverage​​. Lead times average ​​8–12 weeks​​ due to global semiconductor shortages affecting 10GBase-T PHY chips.


Final Insight: Balancing Density and Future-Proofing

Having deployed similar Catalyst 9400 systems in stadiums and hospitals, I see the DS-C48T-48ITK9PRM as a ​​niche solution for massive PoE+ demands​​, not a general-purpose switch. Its 10GBase-T ports simplify cabling in retrofits, but the ​​1,440W power draw​​ necessitates 220V circuits and may strain existing PDUs. For enterprises standardizing on Wi-Fi 6E or IoT-heavy environments, it’s a justified investment. However, for those eyeing Wi-Fi 7 (requiring 802.3bt), waiting for UPOE++-enabled Catalyst 9600 models might offer better longevity. Always model your PoE growth projections—this switch leaves no headroom beyond 48x30W.

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