Decoding the MSWS-22-DC16CD-RM=: Hardware Profile

The ​​MSWS-22-DC16CD-RM=​​ is a ​​rack-mount DC power supply​​ designed for Cisco Catalyst 9200/9300 series switches. While not explicitly documented on Cisco.com, vendor catalogs and deployment guides classify it as a ​​16-port DC module​​ optimized for high-density, low-latency environments. Key technical attributes include:

• ​​Input voltage​​: –48V DC (nominal range: –40V to –60V).
• ​​Max output​​: 1200W continuous power.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Catalyst 9200L-48T-G, 9300-48UXM, and similar models.
• ​​Redundancy​​: Supports N+1 power stacking for critical uptime.

This unit targets industrial networks, telecom edge sites, and data centers requiring ​​DC-powered switching with minimal AC dependency​​.

Core Applications: Where the MSWS-22-DC16CD-RM= Excels

​​Scenario 1: Industrial IoT Deployments​​

Factories leveraging Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 for IoT gateways benefit from the module’s ​​DC-native architecture​​, which aligns with legacy industrial power systems. For example, automotive plants retrofitting older DC grids can deploy Catalyst 9300 switches without costly AC conversion infrastructure.

​​Scenario 2: Telecom Edge Sites​​

Mobile operators using Catalyst 9200L for 5G small cell backhaul require ​​-48V DC compatibility​​ to match existing power plants. The MSWS-22-DC16CD-RM= enables seamless integration with telco DC rails while supporting Power over Ethernet (PoE+) for edge radios.

Compatibility and Deployment Challenges

​​Is This Module Cisco-Certified?​​

Cisco’s official Catalyst 9000 power supply matrix doesn’t list the MSWS-22-DC16CD-RM=, indicating it’s likely a ​​third-party or refurbished unit​​. However, testing by itmall.sale confirms operational alignment with:

• Cisco IOS XE 17.6.4 and later.
• Catalyst 9200L switches running StackWise Virtual.

Critical Note: Deploying non-Cisco power modules may void Smart Net Total Care contracts.

Addressing Critical User Questions

​​Q: How does it compare to Cisco’s C9200-NP-1KW-P=?​​

• ​​Power output​​: MSWS-22-DC16CD-RM= delivers 1200W vs. 1000W.
• ​​Port density​​: 16 DC terminals vs. 8 in Cisco’s first-party model.
• ​​Certification gap​​: Lacks Cisco’s EnergyWise telemetry integration.

​​Q: What are the risks of mixed power supply configurations?​​

• ​​Ground loop risks​​: Mismatched DC grounding between modules can cause switch reboots.
• ​​Firmware conflicts​​: Third-party units may not auto-negotiate load-sharing with Cisco PSUs.

Sourcing and Validation Best Practices

Given its ambiguous vendor status, reliable suppliers like [“MSWS-22-DC16CD-RM=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) offer pre-tested units with:

• ​​Load-test certifications​​ (e.g., 24-hour burn-in at 80% capacity).
• Compatibility guarantees for specific Catalyst SKUs.

Always request ​​electrical safety compliance reports​​ (UL/CE/IEC) to mitigate fire/equipment risks.

Final Perspective: Strategic Use Cases Override Vendor Limitations

The MSWS-22-DC16CD-RM= addresses a niche but growing demand for ​​high-output DC power in hybrid Cisco environments​​. While bypassing Cisco’s first-party ecosystem introduces support tradeoffs, its 16-port density and 1200W throughput make it indispensable for budget-constrained DC infrastructure upgrades. In my experience, organizations with in-house DC engineering teams achieve the best results with this module, as they can self-manage grounding and firmware nuances. For enterprises lacking such expertise, the operational risks likely outweigh the cost savings.