Description

The Cisco Catalyst C9500-16X-A is a high-performance, fixed-core switch designed for enterprise networks requiring robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, advanced security features, and scalability. It is part of the Catalyst 9500 Series, which is Cisco’s lead purpose-built fixed-core and aggregation enterprise switching platform.

🔧 Key Specifications

• Ports:

  • 16 x 1/10G SFP+ Ethernet ports

  • 2 x 40G QSFP+ uplink ports

• Performance:

  • Switching Capacity: Up to 480 Gbps

  • Forwarding Rate: Up to 360 Mpps

  • MAC Addresses: Up to 64,000

  • IPv4 Routes: Up to 80,000 (host) + 64,000 (indirect)

  • IPv6 Routes: Up to 40,000 (host) + 32,000 (indirect)

  • Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9,198 bytes

• Memory:

  • DRAM: 16 GB

  • Flash Memory: 16 GB

• Software:

  • Cisco IOS XE with Network Advantage license

• Power Supply:

  • 950W AC or DC

• Cooling:

  • 5 hot-swappable fans

• Form Factor:

  • 1U rack-mountable

• Dimensions:

  • 1.73 x 17.5 x 21.52 inches (4.4 x 44.5 x 56.7 cm)

• Weight:

  • 23.6 lbs (10.7 kg)

• Operating Temperature:

  • 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)

• Certifications:

  • UL 60950-1, EN 60950-1, IEC 60950-1, AS/NZS 60950-1, GB4943

🛠️ Features & Capabilities

• Layer 2 & Layer 3 Features:

  • Supports RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, IS-IS, HSRP, VRRP, and PBR

  • Advanced QoS, ACLs, and CoPP

  • MACsec-128 encryption for secure connectivity

  • VXLAN, EVPN, and MPLS support for network segmentation

• Automation & Programmability:

  • NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC, gNMI/gNOI, YANG, ZTP/Open PnP, GuestShell (On-Box Python)

• High Availability & Resiliency:

  • StackWise Virtual, ISSU, NSF, GIR

• Security:

  • MACsec-256, WAN MACsec, Trust Anchor module, Secure Boot, Image Signing, Modern Crypto, Runtime Defenses

✅ Summary

The Cisco Catalyst C9500-16X-A is ideal for enterprise networks requiring high-density 10G connectivity, advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, and robust security. Its compact 1U form factor, combined with high performance and scalability, makes it suitable for core and aggregation layers in modern network infrastructures.