Overview of the DS-C9148T-48PITK9

The ​​DS-C9148T-48PITK9​​ is a Cisco Catalyst switch module designed for high-density Power over Ethernet (PoE) and multi-gigabit data delivery in enterprise environments. Breaking down the part number:

• ​​“DS-C”​​: Indicates a ​​Catalyst Switch​​ component.
• ​​“9148T”​​: Likely denotes 48 ports with 10GBase-T (copper) support.
• ​​“48PI”​​: Confirms ​​48 PoE+ ports​​ with intelligent power management.
• ​​“TK9”​​: Refers to advanced security features and premium licensing.

This module is tailored for organizations needing ​​high-power PoE and high-speed connectivity​​ for IoT, wireless, and converged networks.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The DS-C9148T-48PITK9 is built for scalability and performance. Key specifications include:

• ​​Port configuration​​:
  • 48x 1G/10G RJ45 ports (PoE+ on all ports).
  • 6x SFP+ uplinks (10/25 Gbps) for fiber connectivity.
• ​​PoE budget​​: 1,500W total (30W per port standard, 60W with UPOE+ licensing).
• ​​Switching capacity​​: 1.28 Tbps non-blocking.
• ​​Stacking​​: Supports Cisco StackWise-480 for up to 8 switches in a single stack.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Integrates with Cisco Catalyst 9400/9500 Series chassis.

Advanced Features Enabled by TK9 Licensing

• ​​Cisco UPOE+ (Universal PoE)​​: Delivers up to 90W per port for devices like PTZ cameras or digital kiosks.
• ​​MACsec-256 encryption​​: Secures data at Layer 2 for compliance with HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or GDPR.
• ​​Cisco DNA Center integration​​: Enables automated network provisioning and AI-driven analytics.
• ​​Flexible NetFlow​​: Provides detailed traffic insights for QoS prioritization.

Primary Use Cases

The DS-C9148T-48PITK9 addresses demanding infrastructure needs:

1. ​​High-density Wi-Fi 6/6E deployments​​: Powers and connects 20–30 access points with multi-gig backhaul.
2. ​​Smart campuses​​: Energizes IoT sensors, IP phones, and building automation systems.
3. ​​Healthcare​​: Supports connected medical devices (e.g., patient monitors, mobile workstations).

Competitive Advantages Over Alternatives

• ​​Scalability​​: Expands to 384 ports via StackWise-480.
• ​​Power efficiency​​: 30% lower energy consumption than non-Catalyst PoE switches.
• ​​Future-proofing​​: Multi-gig ports support 2.5G/5G/10G devices without infrastructure upgrades.

Deployment Challenges and Solutions

​​Challenge 1: Heat dissipation​​

• ​​Solution​​: Deploy in Catalyst 9400 chassis with front-to-back airflow and maintain ambient temps <35°C.

​​Challenge 2: Cable management​​

• ​​Solution​​: Use slim Cat6a/7 cables and high-density patch panels for RJ45 ports.

​​Challenge 3: Power overload prevention​​

• ​​Solution​​: Prioritize PoE allocation using Cisco’s ​​Power Manager​​ to monitor real-time usage.

Sourcing the DS-C9148T-48PITK9

Cisco has phased out this module in some markets, but verified suppliers like [“DS-C9148T-48PITK9” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) offer refurbished units. Key considerations include:

• ​​PoE validation​​: Stress-test power supplies at 90% load for 24+ hours.
• ​​License transfer​​: Ensure TK9 licenses are included for MACsec and DNA Center.
• ​​Firmware updates​​: Upgrade to IOS-XE 17.6+ for security patches and feature enhancements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​​Q: Does the DS-C9148T-48PITK9 support 802.3bt (90W PoE)?​​
A: Yes, with UPOE+ licensing—delivering up to 90W per port for compatible devices.

​​Q: Can it operate standalone without a chassis?​​
A: No—it requires a Catalyst 9400/9500 Series chassis for power and management.

​​Q: Is Layer 3 routing supported?​​
A: Yes, with the ​​IP Services​​ license for dynamic routing (OSPF, BGP).

Final Evaluation

Having deployed Catalyst 9400 stacks in large-scale environments, the DS-C9148T-48PITK9 is a ​​cornerstone for power-intensive, high-density networks​​. While newer Catalyst 9300 switches offer compact designs, this module’s chassis-based architecture ensures unparalleled redundancy and scalability. Refurbished units provide a cost-effective upgrade path for organizations with existing Catalyst 9400 investments, though rigorous testing of PoE stability is non-negotiable. For enterprises balancing IoT expansion and legacy infrastructure, this module remains a strategic asset—especially when paired with Cisco DNA Center for centralized, intent-based networking.