Shipping included*
Exclusions
Additional shipping fees may apply in rare circumstances for deliveries outside standard service areas. In most cases, this only potentially affects shipments to the Northwest Territories and Yukon, as well as certain heavy or oversized items.
Cisco C8500L-8S4X-RF Catalyst 8500 Ethernet Switch - 12 SFP+ Slots - Gigabit & 10GbE Fiber - Layer 2 Managed - 1U Rack-Mountable - Refurbished
Business volume discounts
Technical guidance
Preparation & staging
QC · ON · AB · BC
Product Features
Technical Overview
This switch delivers advanced networking capabilities with support for Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet technologies over optical fiber media (1000Base-X and 10GBase-X). The 12 SFP+ slots provide flexible uplink and expansion options, allowing integration of SFP and SFP+ transceivers for tailored connectivity solutions.
Layer 2 switching enables efficient packet forwarding, VLAN segmentation, and quality of service (QoS) management, while compliance with IEEE standards like 802.1ag, 802.3ah, and 802.1Q ensures interoperability and reliable performance in mixed-vendor environments.
Relevant factors for this section include Port/Expansion Slot Details, Media Type Supported, Ethernet Technology, Network Technology. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The Catalyst 8500 switch stands out with its balanced mix of high-speed ports and enterprise-grade management features, offering a future-proof foundation for network growth.
These strengths make the product easier to deploy and manage in real environments, especially where reliability, usability, and day-to-day operational continuity matter. Notable benefits include Scalable Fiber Connectivity, Enhanced Network Control.
Scalable Fiber Connectivity
With 8 Gigabit and 4 10GbE SFP+ slots, this switch supports gradual bandwidth upgrades without hardware replacement, ideal for evolving network demands.
- Flexible uplink options
- Supports SFP and SFP+ modules
Enhanced Network Control
Layer 2 manageability provides tools for traffic optimization, security enforcement, and network monitoring, reducing operational overhead.
- VLAN support
- QoS capabilities
Deployment / Use Cases
This switch is engineered for scenarios where reliable, high-speed fiber connectivity and centralized management are critical. Its 1U rack profile and robust port layout make it a versatile choice for various professional settings.
In data center environments, it can serve as an aggregation switch, linking servers and storage arrays with 10GbE uplinks. For enterprise networks, it supports campus backbones or distribution layers, offering Gigabit access ports with room for future 10GbE expansion. Service providers may deploy it at network edges to deliver fiber-based services with advanced traffic handling.
Data Center Aggregation
Use as a core switch to interconnect server racks with high-bandwidth 10GbE links, ensuring low-latency data transfer.
Enterprise Network Backbone
Deploy in wiring closets or distribution frames to provide scalable fiber uplinks and managed switching for branch offices.
Physical Profile
The switch features a compact 1U design with dimensions of 1.73" height, 17.50" width, and 16.25" depth, optimized for standard 19-inch rack cabinets. Its gray chassis ensures a professional appearance, while the rack-mountable form factor simplifies installation and cable management in crowded server rooms. Weighing approximately 17 pounds, it offers a sturdy build suitable for continuous operation in controlled environments.
- Width
- 17.50" (444.50 mm)
- Depth
- 16.25" (412.75 mm)
- Height
- 1.73" (43.94 mm)
- Weight
- 17 lb (7711.07 g)
Highlights
- 12 SFP+ expansion slots for flexible fiber connectivity
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet and 4 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ slots
- Layer 2 managed switching with advanced network control
- 1U rack-mountable form factor for space-efficient deployment
- Supports optical fiber media (1000Base-X and 10GBase-X)
- Compatible with IEEE 802.1ag, 802.3ah, and 802.1Q standards
- Dual power input options (AC/DC) for versatile installation
- Refurbished condition with tested reliability
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cisco Systems, Inc |
| Manufacturer Part Number | C8500L-8S4X-RF |
| Brand Name | Cisco |
| Product Line | Catalyst |
| Product Series | 8500 |
| Product Name | Catalyst 8500 Ethernet Switch |
| Product Condition | Refurbished |
| Product Type | Ethernet Switch |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Port/Expansion Slot Details | 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ Expansion Slot,8 x Gigabit Ethernet SFP Expansion Slot |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Optical Fiber |
| Ethernet Technology | Gigabit Ethernet,10 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Technology | 1000Base-X,10GBase-X |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Total Number of Expansion Slots | 12 |
| Expansion Slot Type | SFP+ |
| Number of SFP+ Slots | 12 |
| Network & Communication | |
| Layer Supported | 2 |
| Networking Standards | IEEE 802.1ag,IEEE 802.3ah,IEEE 802.1Q |
| Management & Protocols | |
| Manageable | Yes |
| Power Description | |
| Input Voltage | 120 V AC,230 V AC,-40 V DC,-60 V DC |
| Power Source | AC/DC |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Product Color | Gray |
| Compatible Rack Unit | 1U |
| Form Factor | Rack-mountable |
| Height | 1.73" (43.94 mm) |
| Width | 17.50" (444.50 mm) |
| Depth | 16.25" (412.75 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 17 lb (7711.07 g) |
User Manual
FAQ
How many SFP+ slots does this switch have, and what are their speeds?
This Cisco Catalyst 8500 switch has a total of 12 SFP+ slots. It includes 8 slots for Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) SFP modules and 4 slots for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) SFP+ modules. This configuration allows for mixed-speed deployments, supporting both current Gigabit needs and future 10GbE upgrades over optical fiber connections.
What does Layer 2 managed switching mean for this switch?
Layer 2 managed switching indicates that this switch operates at the data link layer of the OSI model, providing features like VLAN segmentation, traffic prioritization (QoS), and spanning tree protocol for loop prevention. It offers administrative control over network behavior, enabling configuration of security policies, monitoring of port status, and optimization of data flow, which is essential for enterprise environments requiring reliable and secure operations.
Is this switch rack-mountable, and what are its dimensions?
Yes, this switch is designed for rack mounting with a 1U form factor. Its physical dimensions are 1.73 inches in height (43.94 mm), 17.50 inches in width (444.50 mm), and 16.25 inches in depth (412.75 mm). This compact size fits standard 19-inch server racks, making it suitable for data centers or network closets where space efficiency is important.
What type of media does this switch support for network connections?
This switch supports optical fiber media, specifically using 1000Base-X for Gigabit Ethernet and 10GBase-X for 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections. It requires SFP or SFP+ transceivers to interface with fiber optic cables, enabling long-distance, high-bandwidth links with low signal loss, ideal for backbone or uplink scenarios in enterprise networks.
What power input options are available for this switch?
The switch offers versatile power input options, supporting both AC and DC sources. It accepts voltages of 120 V AC, 230 V AC, -40 V DC, and -60 V DC. This flexibility allows deployment in various power environments, such as standard AC outlets in offices or DC power sources in telecom or industrial settings, ensuring reliable operation across different infrastructures.
What does refurbished condition mean for this Cisco switch?
Refurbished condition means this switch has been previously used or returned, then thoroughly tested, cleaned, and restored to full working order by certified technicians. It often includes basic functionality checks and may come with a limited warranty. This offers a cost-effective alternative to new equipment while maintaining the performance and reliability expected from Cisco Catalyst series hardware.