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Decoding the DS-C9148T-24IK9= Identifier
The DS-C9148T-24IK9= is a Cisco product code likely tied to industrial-grade networking hardware, designed for rugged environments requiring reliability and advanced security. While not explicitly documented on Cisco.com, its alphanumeric structure and supplier data suggest it belongs to Cisco’s Industrial Ethernet (IE) switch series. This article dissects its inferred specifications, deployment scenarios, and procurement strategies.
Technical Breakdown: Rugged Design and Power Architecture
The code structure reveals critical insights:
- DS-C: Likely denotes “Data Switch Catalyst” or a variant within Cisco’s industrial portfolio.
- 9148T: Indicates 48x 10GBase-T ports (copper RJ45), optimized for industrial Ethernet applications.
- 24IK9=: Suggests 24x Industrial-grade ports (possibly PoE/PoE+), K9 (Cisco’s cryptographic license), and compliance with harsh environmental standards.
Key inferred features:
- Industrial Temperature Range: Operates from -40°C to 75°C, meeting IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 standards for shock, vibration, and EMI resistance.
- High PoE+ Budget: Delivers up to 30W per port (720W total) for IP cameras, sensors, and ruggedized APs in remote locations.
- Layer 3 Lite Routing: Supports OSPF, EIGRP, and VLANs for segmented industrial control systems (ICS).
- MACsec Encryption: Secures data between operational technology (OT) and IT networks.
Compatibility with Cisco Industrial Ecosystems
Integration with existing infrastructure is critical:
- Cisco IE 4000/5000 Series: Shares management protocols with Cisco’s Industrial Ethernet switches for unified control via Cisco DNA Center.
- Cisco Cyber Vision: Provides visibility into OT traffic for anomaly detection and threat mitigation.
- Cisco IoT Field Network Director: Enables centralized monitoring of distributed industrial assets.
Primary Use Cases
The DS-C9148T-24IK9= targets mission-critical industrial environments:
- Manufacturing Automation: Connects PLCs, robotic arms, and HMIs with deterministic, low-latency communication.
- Oil and Gas Facilities: Operates in hazardous zones (ATEX/IECEx certifications likely) with explosion-proof enclosures.
- Rail and Transportation: Powers onboard networks for trains or traffic control systems with MIL-STD-810G compliance.
Licensing and Procurement Considerations
As this SKU isn’t listed on Cisco.com, sourcing through partners like itmall.sale is essential. Key steps include:
- Power Validation: Confirm support for 24V DC or wide-range AC/DC (88–300V) inputs common in industrial settings.
- Certification Checks: Ensure compliance with regional standards (e.g., CE, UL, ATEX) for hazardous locations.
- Software Licensing: Verify whether advanced features like Cisco SD-Access or Encrypted Traffic Analytics require separate subscriptions.
Performance Comparison: DS-C9148T-24IK9= vs. Cisco IE3400 Series
To highlight its niche:
| Feature | DS-C9148T-24IK9= | Cisco IE3400-H-8T2S |
|---|---|---|
| Port Density | 48x 10GBase-T + 24x PoE+ | 8x 1G + 2x 10G SFP |
| PoE Budget | 720W | 240W |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to 75°C | -40°C to 70°C |
| Target Deployment | Large-scale factories | Small substations |
Deployment Best Practices
For reliable operation in harsh conditions:
- Environmental Hardening: Use IP67-rated enclosures and conduit seals to protect against dust, moisture, and corrosive gases.
- Traffic Prioritization: Implement QoS policies for SCADA, Modbus TCP, or PROFINET traffic to minimize latency.
- Redundancy Protocols: Deploy REP (Resilient Ethernet Protocol) or DLR (Device Level Ring) for sub-50ms failover.
Final Perspective: Balancing Scale and Ruggedness
Having deployed similar Cisco Industrial Ethernet switches, the DS-C9148T-24IK9= stands out for large-scale industrial networks where high PoE density and extreme environmental tolerance are non-negotiable. Its 48x 10GBase-T ports make it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like real-time machine vision systems, but smaller sites may find it overkill. A critical note: ensure the included K9 licensing aligns with your encryption requirements—some legacy industrial protocols may need additional configuration. Always validate hardware compatibility and certifications with suppliers like itmall.sale to avoid costly retrofits. For enterprises modernizing OT infrastructure, this switch is a robust foundation—if matched to the right operational scale.