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Cisco C9500-32C-A Catalyst 9500 Series 32-Port 100G Layer 3 Switch - QSFP28 - Rack-Mountable 1U - Network Advanced License
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This switch operates at Layer 3, supporting advanced routing protocols and policies for efficient traffic management across complex networks. The 32 QSFP28 expansion slots are dedicated to 100GBase-X optical fiber connections, eliminating shared SFP limitations and providing consistent high-speed performance.
With a power consumption of 1600 watts, the switch includes built-in power supplies that deliver accurate voltage to all components. The modular design and stack port capability allow for flexible expansion and simplified management in growing network infrastructures.
Relevant factors for this section include Modular, Stack Port, 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.
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 Catalyst 9500 Series switch provides a reliable foundation for network backbones, combining high bandwidth with advanced management features. Its support for optical fiber cables enables high data transmission rates over longer distances, connecting servers and network components efficiently.
High-Density 100G Connectivity
Offers 32 ports of 100 Gigabit Ethernet, ideal for aggregating traffic from multiple 10G or 25G links or connecting high-speed servers and storage arrays in data centers.
- QSFP28 fiber ports support long-distance runs
- Dedicated slots prevent performance bottlenecks
Enterprise-Grade Reliability
Designed with redundant power supply support and a robust rack-mountable chassis to maintain uptime in mission-critical network environments.
- 1U form factor saves rack space
- Built-in power supply ensures stable operation
Deployment / Use Cases
This switch is engineered for core and aggregation layers in enterprise networks, data centers, and service provider environments. Its high port density and 100G speeds make it suitable for handling large volumes of traffic between distribution switches, routers, and server farms.
Common use cases include campus network backbones where multiple buildings require high-speed interconnection, data center spine layers that aggregate traffic from leaf switches, and service provider edge deployments that demand robust routing and switching capabilities.
Data Center Spine Switch
Acts as a spine layer in leaf-spine architectures, providing low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity between leaf switches and core routers.
Enterprise Core Switch
Serves as the central switching point in large office or campus networks, routing traffic between different network segments and ensuring efficient data flow.
Physical Profile
The switch features a compact 1U rack-mountable chassis with dimensions of 1.73 inches in height, 17.50 inches in width, and 21.20 inches in depth. This design maximizes port density while minimizing rack space, making it easy to integrate into existing server cabinets or networking racks.
Weighing approximately 25.64 pounds, the unit is sturdy yet manageable for installation. The rack-mountable form factor includes standard mounting hardware compatibility, facilitating secure cable management and professional installation in data centers or network closets.
- Width
- 17.50" (444.50 mm)
- Depth
- 21.20" (538.48 mm)
- Height
- 1.73" (43.94 mm)
- Weight
- 25.64 lb (11630.11 g)
Highlights
- 32 ports of 100 Gigabit Ethernet for high-density connectivity
- QSFP28 fiber ports support 100GBase-X network technology
- Layer 3 switching enables advanced routing and traffic management
- Rack-mountable 1U form factor optimizes space in server racks
- Redundant power supply support ensures continuous operation
- Modular design with stack port for flexible expansion
- Network Advanced License provides comprehensive feature sets
- Optical fiber media allows long-distance high-speed data transmission
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cisco Systems, Inc |
| Manufacturer Part Number | C9500-32C-A |
| Brand Name | Cisco |
| Product Line | Catalyst |
| Product Series | 9500 |
| Product Model | C9500-32C |
| Product Name | Catalyst 9500 Series high performance 32-port 100G switch, NW Adv. License |
| Product Type | Layer 3 Switch |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Modular | Yes |
| Stack Port | Yes |
| Port/Expansion Slot Details | 32 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Optical Fiber |
| Ethernet Technology | 100 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Technology | 100GBase-X |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Total Number of Expansion Slots | 32 |
| Expansion Slot Type | QSFP28 |
| 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 | 1600 W |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Compatible Rack Unit | 1U |
| Form Factor | Rack-mountable |
| Height | 1.73" (43.94 mm) |
| Width | 17.50" (444.50 mm) |
| Depth | 21.20" (538.48 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 25.64 lb (11630.11 g) |
FAQ
How many ports does this Cisco switch have and what type are they?
This Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series switch has 32 ports, all of which are 100 Gigabit Ethernet expansion slots using QSFP28 connectors. These ports support optical fiber media for 100GBase-X network technology, providing high-speed data transmission over longer distances without shared SFP limitations.
What is the switching layer supported by this switch?
The switch supports Layer 3 switching, which includes advanced routing capabilities such as dynamic routing protocols, access control lists, and quality of service features. This allows for efficient traffic management across complex network segments, making it suitable for core and aggregation roles in enterprise environments.
Is this switch rack-mountable and what are its dimensions?
Yes, this switch is rack-mountable with a 1U form factor. Its dimensions are 1.73 inches in height, 17.50 inches in width, and 21.20 inches in depth. This compact design fits standard server racks, optimizing space while providing high port density for data center or network closet deployments.
Does the switch support redundant power supplies?
Yes, the switch supports redundant power supplies, enhancing reliability in critical network environments. It includes built-in power supplies that deliver accurate voltage to all components, with a power consumption of 1600 watts, ensuring stable operation and minimizing downtime risks.
What type of expansion slots are available on this switch?
The switch features 32 QSFP28 expansion slots dedicated to 100 Gigabit Ethernet connections. These slots do not share SFP functionality, providing dedicated high-performance ports for optical fiber cables. This design supports high data transmission rates and is ideal for backbone or aggregation networking.
What is included with the Network Advanced License on this switch?
The Network Advanced License on this Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series switch provides advanced feature sets for comprehensive network management, security, and automation. It includes capabilities for enhanced routing, policy enforcement, and network analytics, supporting complex deployments in enterprise and data center environments.