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Cisco C9500-16X-2Q-E Catalyst 9500 16-Port Layer 3 Switch - 10GbE Network Ports - 4 Expansion Slots - 1U Rack-Mountable
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This switch operates at Layer 3, providing routing functionality alongside switching capabilities to support scalable network architectures. The port configuration includes 16 dedicated 10GbE network ports, with expansion options through two 10GbE and two 40GbE slots that accept SFP+ and QSFP+ transceivers. This flexibility allows for high-speed uplinks to core switches or direct connections to servers and storage systems.
Power management features include support for dual power supplies with redundancy, delivering up to 950 watts of power consumption under full load. The switch is fully manageable through Cisco's comprehensive management suite, offering granular control over network policies, security settings, and performance monitoring.
Relevant factors for this section include Total Number of Network Ports, Uplink Port, Modular, Media Type Supported. 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 C9500-16X-2Q-E combines high-density 10GbE connectivity with enterprise-grade reliability features. Its modular expansion slots future-proof your investment by allowing upgrades to 40GbE uplinks as bandwidth requirements grow. The switch's Layer 3 capabilities enable advanced routing protocols and VLAN segmentation without requiring separate router hardware.
High-Speed Connectivity
Sixteen 10GbE ports deliver ample bandwidth for server farms, virtualization hosts, and high-performance workstations, reducing network bottlenecks in data-intensive applications.
- Supports 10GBase-T and 10GBase-X
- Media types: twisted pair and optical fiber
Enterprise Reliability
Redundant power supply support and robust thermal design ensure continuous operation in 24/7 environments, while stacking capabilities simplify management of multiple switches.
- Dual power supply support
- Hot-swappable power modules
Scalable Architecture
Four expansion slots provide flexible uplink options, allowing network architects to tailor connectivity to specific deployment needs without replacing core hardware.
- 2 x 10GbE expansion slots
- 2 x 40GbE expansion slots
Deployment / Use Cases
This switch is ideal for enterprise core and distribution layer deployments where high throughput and reliability are paramount. Its 10GbE port density makes it suitable for data center top-of-rack applications, connecting virtualization hosts and storage arrays with low-latency switching.
In campus network environments, the Layer 3 functionality supports inter-VLAN routing and policy-based traffic management, consolidating switching and routing functions into a single device. The modular expansion slots enable flexible uplink configurations to core switches or internet gateways, adapting to evolving bandwidth requirements.
Data Center Top-of-Rack
Deploy as the primary switch in server racks, providing high-speed connectivity to blade servers, storage systems, and hyper-converged infrastructure with minimal latency.
Enterprise Network Core
Serve as a distribution layer switch in large office networks, handling inter-departmental traffic with Layer 3 routing capabilities and redundant power for maximum uptime.
Physical Profile
The switch features a compact 1U rack-mountable design with dimensions of 1.73" (43.94 mm) height, 17.50" (444.50 mm) width, and 21.52" (546.61 mm) depth. This standardized form factor ensures compatibility with most 19-inch server racks and cabinets. The 23.60 lb weight reflects its robust construction with integrated cooling and power distribution components. Front-accessible ports and status indicators simplify installation and maintenance in dense rack environments.
- Width
- 17.50" (444.50 mm)
- Depth
- 21.52" (546.61 mm)
- Height
- 1.73" (43.94 mm)
- Weight
- 23.60 lb (10704.78 g)
Highlights
- 16 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-density connectivity
- Layer 3 switching with routing capabilities for scalable networks
- 4 expansion slots (2 x 10GbE, 2 x 40GbE) for flexible uplinks
- Supports SFP+ and QSFP+ transceivers for fiber or copper media
- Redundant power supply support for continuous operation
- 1U rack-mountable form factor for space-efficient deployment
- Stack port for simplified management of multiple switches
- 950W power consumption with efficient thermal design
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cisco Systems, Inc |
| Manufacturer Part Number | C9500-16X-2Q-E |
| Brand Name | Cisco |
| Product Line | Catalyst |
| Product Series | 9500 |
| Product Model | C9500-16X-2Q |
| Product Name | Catalyst C9500-16X-2Q Layer 3 Switch |
| Product Type | Layer 3 Switch |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of Network Ports | 16 |
| Uplink Port | Yes |
| Modular | Yes |
| Stack Port | Yes |
| Port/Expansion Slot Details | 16 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Network,2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot,2 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Twisted Pair,Optical Fiber |
| Ethernet Technology | 10 Gigabit Ethernet,40 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Technology | 10GBase-T,10GBase-X,40GBase-X |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Total Number of Expansion Slots | 4 |
| Expansion Slot Type | SFP+,QSFP+ |
| Number of SFP+ Slots | 2 |
| Network & Communication | |
| Layer Supported | 3 |
| Management & Protocols | |
| Manageable | Yes |
| Power Description | |
| Power Source | Power Supply |
| Redundant Power Supply Supported | Yes |
| Number of Power Supplies Supported | 2 |
| Power Consumption | 950 W |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Compatible Rack Unit | 1U |
| Form Factor | Rack-mountable |
| Height | 1.73" (43.94 mm) |
| Width | 17.50" (444.50 mm) |
| Depth | 21.52" (546.61 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 23.60 lb (10704.78 g) |
FAQ
What types of expansion slots does this switch have?
The Cisco Catalyst C9500-16X-2Q-E has four expansion slots: two 10 Gigabit Ethernet slots and two 40 Gigabit Ethernet slots. These slots accept SFP+ transceivers for 10GbE connections and QSFP+ transceivers for 40GbE uplinks, providing flexibility for high-speed network expansion and backbone connectivity.
Does this switch support Layer 3 routing?
Yes, this is a Layer 3 switch that supports routing functionality alongside switching capabilities. It can perform inter-VLAN routing, implement access control lists, and support routing protocols, enabling it to function as both a switch and router in scalable network designs without requiring separate hardware.
How many power supplies does the switch support?
The switch supports up to two power supplies with redundant configuration capability. This allows for hot-swappable power modules and power supply redundancy, ensuring continuous operation if one power supply fails. The switch consumes approximately 950 watts under full load conditions.
What is the rack mounting configuration?
This switch has a 1U rack-mountable form factor, meaning it occupies one rack unit (1.73 inches or 43.94 mm) in height within a standard 19-inch server rack. The dimensions are 17.50" wide by 21.52" deep, making it compatible with most data center and server room rack systems.
Can multiple switches be stacked together?
Yes, the switch includes stack port functionality that allows multiple Catalyst 9500 series switches to be connected and managed as a single logical unit. This simplifies configuration, improves management efficiency, and creates a unified forwarding plane across the stack for enhanced performance and redundancy.
What media types are supported by the network ports?
The switch supports both twisted pair (copper) and optical fiber media types. The 10GbE ports work with 10GBase-T for copper connections up to 100 meters and 10GBase-X for fiber connections via SFP+ transceivers. The 40GbE expansion slots use QSFP+ transceivers for high-speed fiber uplinks.
| Qty | Price | Available |
|---|
