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Cisco C9500-32QC-A Catalyst 9500 Series Layer 3 Switch - 32-Port 40GbE QSFP+ - 1U Rack-Mountable - 650W Power
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This switch operates at Layer 3 of the OSI model, enabling advanced routing protocols, VLAN segmentation, and policy-based traffic management. The 32 QSFP+ ports each support 40 Gigabit Ethernet speeds using 40GBase-X technology, optimized for optical fiber media to achieve maximum distance and signal integrity.
Power is delivered through a built-in 650W power supply that supports redundant configurations for high availability. The switch consumes 650W under typical operating conditions and is designed for continuous operation in standard data center environments.
Relevant factors for this section include Modular, Port/Expansion Slot Details, Media Type Supported, Ethernet 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.
A strong technical summary explains how the product's interfaces, hardware profile, and operating characteristics work together in real deployment. Buyers often need this context to confirm compatibility with existing devices, expected performance in daily use, and whether installation will be straightforward for IT staff or end users.
Key Product Advantages
The C9500-32QC combines high port density with enterprise-grade switching features to create a versatile networking solution. Its dedicated QSFP+ ports eliminate shared slot limitations, ensuring full bandwidth availability across all 32 interfaces simultaneously.
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 High-Density Connectivity, Enterprise Management.
High-Density Connectivity
With 32 ports of 40 Gigabit Ethernet, this switch provides substantial bandwidth for server farms, storage networks, and backbone connections without requiring multiple chassis.
- 32 dedicated QSFP+ ports
- No shared SFP limitations
- 40GBase-X fiber optimization
Enterprise Management
Full manageability enables granular control over network configuration, security policies, and traffic optimization through Cisco's comprehensive management ecosystem.
- Layer 3 routing capabilities
- Advanced traffic management
- Policy-based configuration
Deployment / Use Cases
This switch is engineered for environments requiring high-bandwidth aggregation and reliable Layer 3 functionality. Its 40GbE port density makes it suitable for consolidating multiple 10GbE server connections or establishing high-speed interconnects between network segments.
Common deployment scenarios include data center top-of-rack switching, enterprise network core aggregation, high-performance computing clusters, and storage area network (SAN) connectivity. The 1U form factor allows efficient use of rack space while providing substantial port capacity.
Relevant factors for this section include Modular, Port/Expansion Slot Details, Media Type Supported, Ethernet 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.
Data Center Aggregation
Ideal for aggregating server traffic in hyper-converged infrastructure or virtualized environments where multiple high-speed connections converge.
Network Core Switching
Serves as a high-performance core switch in enterprise networks, handling inter-VLAN routing and policy enforcement at wire speed.
Physical Profile
The switch features a standard 1U rack-mountable design with dimensions of 17.50" wide × 18" deep × 1.73" high (444.50 mm × 457.20 mm × 43.94 mm). Weighing approximately 21.85 lb (9910 g), it fits seamlessly into standard 19-inch equipment racks using front-mount or mid-mount installation options.
The compact footprint maximizes port density per rack unit while maintaining adequate airflow for thermal management. Front-accessible ports facilitate easy cable management in both forward and rear-facing rack configurations.
- Width
- 17.50" (444.50 mm)
- Depth
- 18" (457.20 mm)
- Height
- 1.73" (43.94 mm)
- Weight
- 21.85 lb (9910 g)
Highlights
- 32 dedicated 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ ports
- Layer 3 switching with advanced routing capabilities
- 40GBase-X optical fiber technology support
- 1U rack-mountable form factor for space efficiency
- 650W power consumption with redundant power support
- Full manageability for granular network control
- Non-shared QSFP+ slots for maximum bandwidth utilization
- Enterprise-grade reliability for continuous operation
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cisco Systems, Inc |
| Manufacturer Part Number | C9500-32QC-A |
| Brand Name | Cisco |
| Product Line | Catalyst |
| Product Series | 9500 |
| Product Model | C9500-32QC |
| Product Name | Catalyst C9500-32QC Layer 3 Switch |
| Product Type | Layer 3 Switch |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Modular | Yes |
| Port/Expansion Slot Details | 32 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Optical Fiber |
| Ethernet Technology | 40 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Technology | 40GBase-X |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Total Number of Expansion Slots | 32 |
| Expansion Slot Type | QSFP+ |
| Shared SFP Slot | No |
| Network & Communication | |
| Layer Supported | 3 |
| Management & Protocols | |
| Manageable | Yes |
| Power Description | |
| Power Source | Power Supply |
| Redundant Power Supply Supported | Yes |
| Power Consumption | 650 W |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Compatible Rack Unit | 1U |
| Form Factor | Rack-mountable |
| Height | 1.73" (43.94 mm) |
| Width | 17.50" (444.50 mm) |
| Depth | 18" (457.20 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 21.85 lb (9910 g) |
FAQ
How many 40GbE ports does this switch have?
The Cisco Catalyst C9500-32QC provides 32 dedicated 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports using QSFP+ connectors. All ports support 40GBase-X technology for optical fiber connectivity, and none are shared with other interface types, ensuring full bandwidth availability across all ports simultaneously.
What layer of switching does this switch support?
This is a Layer 3 switch, meaning it operates at the network layer of the OSI model. It supports advanced routing protocols, inter-VLAN routing, policy-based routing, and other Layer 3 features typically found in enterprise core and distribution layer switches.
Is this switch manageable?
Yes, the C9500-32QC is fully manageable through Cisco's comprehensive management ecosystem. This includes CLI access, web-based management interfaces, and integration with network management platforms for configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, and policy enforcement.
What is the power consumption of this switch?
The switch consumes 650 watts under typical operating conditions. It includes a built-in power supply that supports redundant power configurations for high availability deployments. The power design ensures stable operation across all 32 ports at full load.
What rack unit size does this switch require?
This switch occupies 1U (one rack unit) of vertical space in a standard 19-inch equipment rack. With dimensions of 17.50" wide × 18" deep × 1.73" high, it fits standard rack configurations while providing high port density in minimal space.
What type of media does this switch support?
The switch supports optical fiber media through its 40GBase-X technology implementation. All 32 QSFP+ ports are optimized for fiber optic connections, enabling longer distance capabilities and higher signal integrity compared to copper alternatives at 40GbE speeds.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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