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Cisco C9500-12Q-A Catalyst 9500 12-Port 40G Switch - Layer 3 Managed - Modular Fiber - 1U Rack-Mountable
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This switch features twelve 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports utilizing QSFP and SFP+ expansion slots for optical fiber connectivity, supporting 40GBase-X network technology. The Layer 3 routing capability enables advanced IP routing, VLAN segmentation, and quality of service (QoS) policies for efficient traffic management across complex network topologies.
The built-in power supply ensures stable voltage delivery to all components, with support for redundant power supplies to maintain uptime in critical deployments. The switch is fully manageable through Cisco's comprehensive networking software suite, allowing for granular control over network configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Relevant factors for this section include Uplink Port, Modular, Port/Expansion Slot Details, 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 9500 switch combines high-density 40G connectivity with advanced Layer 3 features to create a future-proof networking foundation. Its modular architecture allows for flexible deployment scenarios while maintaining consistent performance across all ports.
High-Speed Backbone
Delivers 40 Gigabit Ethernet throughput for data-intensive applications, reducing bottlenecks in core network infrastructure.
- 12-port fiber connectivity
- 40GBase-X technology
- Low-latency switching
Advanced Management
Comprehensive management capabilities through the advanced network license enable precise control over network policies and security configurations.
- Layer 3 routing protocols
- Granular QoS controls
- Centralized management
Reliable Deployment
Enterprise-grade construction with redundant power support ensures continuous operation in mission-critical networking environments.
- Built-in power regulation
- Rack-mount stability
- Thermal management
Deployment / Use Cases
This switch is ideally suited for data center aggregation layers, enterprise core networking, and high-performance computing environments where high-bandwidth connectivity and advanced routing capabilities are essential. Its 40G fiber ports make it particularly effective for connecting server racks, storage arrays, and network backbone segments.
The Catalyst 9500 serves as an excellent foundation for software-defined networking (SDN) implementations, virtualization platforms, and cloud infrastructure deployments. Organizations can leverage its Layer 3 capabilities to create segmented network architectures with optimized traffic flow between departments, data centers, or cloud services.
Data Center Core
Provides the switching backbone for modern data centers, connecting hyper-converged infrastructure and virtualized environments with high-speed fiber links.
Enterprise Network Aggregation
Aggregates traffic from multiple access switches while implementing advanced routing policies and security measures across the network.
Physical Profile
The switch features a compact 1U rack-mountable design measuring 1.73 inches in height, 17.50 inches in width, and 21.52 inches in depth. With an approximate weight of 25.75 pounds, the unit is engineered for stable installation in standard 19-inch server racks. The form factor optimizes rack space utilization while providing adequate ventilation for thermal management during continuous operation.
- Width
- 17.50" (444.50 mm)
- Depth
- 21.52" (546.61 mm)
- Height
- 1.73" (43.94 mm)
- Weight
- 25.75 lb (11680 g)
Highlights
- 12-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet switch with QSFP/SFP+ fiber connectivity
- Layer 3 routing capabilities for scalable network design and segmentation
- Modular architecture supporting optical fiber media types
- 1U rack-mountable form factor for space-efficient deployment
- Advanced network license for comprehensive management features
- Redundant power supply support for enhanced reliability
- 40GBase-X network technology for high-speed data transfer
- Enterprise-grade construction with built-in power regulation
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cisco Systems, Inc |
| Manufacturer Part Number | C9500-12Q-A |
| Brand Name | Cisco |
| Product Line | Catalyst |
| Product Series | 9500 |
| Product Model | C9500-12Q |
| Product Name | Catalyst 9500 12-port 40G Switch, NW Adv. License |
| Product Type | Layer 3 Switch |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Uplink Port | No |
| Modular | Yes |
| Port/Expansion Slot Details | 12 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 | 12 |
| Expansion Slot Type | QSFP,SFP+ |
| Network & Communication | |
| Layer Supported | 3 |
| Management & Protocols | |
| Manageable | Yes |
| Power Description | |
| Power Source | Power Supply |
| Redundant Power Supply Supported | Yes |
| 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) | 25.75 lb (11680 g) |
FAQ
What type of ports does this Cisco switch have?
The Cisco Catalyst 9500 C9500-12Q-A features twelve 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports utilizing QSFP and SFP+ expansion slots. These ports support optical fiber connectivity through 40GBase-X network technology, providing high-bandwidth links for data center and enterprise backbone applications.
Does this switch support Layer 3 routing?
Yes, this is a Layer 3 switch that supports advanced IP routing protocols and features. The Layer 3 capability enables routing between VLANs, implementation of access control lists (ACLs), quality of service (QoS) policies, and other enterprise networking functions for scalable network design.
What is the form factor and rack compatibility?
The switch has a 1U rack-mountable form factor designed for standard 19-inch server racks. It measures 1.73 inches in height, 17.50 inches in width, and 21.52 inches in depth, with an approximate weight of 25.75 pounds. This compact design optimizes rack space while providing stable mounting for professional installations.
Is this a managed switch?
Yes, this is a fully manageable switch that comes with an advanced network license. It provides comprehensive management capabilities through Cisco's networking software, allowing for configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, and security policy implementation across the network infrastructure.
What type of power supply does this switch use?
The switch uses a built-in power supply that ensures accurate voltage delivery to all components. It also supports redundant power supplies, which can be added to maintain operation if the primary power supply fails, providing enhanced reliability for mission-critical networking environments.
What applications is this switch best suited for?
This switch is ideal for data center aggregation, enterprise core networking, high-performance computing environments, and software-defined networking implementations. Its 40G fiber ports and Layer 3 capabilities make it effective for connecting server racks, storage arrays, and creating segmented network architectures with optimized traffic management.