C9500-12Q-A – 12x40G QSFP+ Ports – 4x10G Breakout
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C9500-12Q-A Description
C9500-12Q-A is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series fixed core and aggregation switch for campus core, distribution, and aggregation designs that need 40G fiber connectivity in a 1RU platform. The -A hardware PID carries Network Advantage licensing, while the C9500-12Q hardware provides 12 standard 40G QSFP+ module ports, two power supply slots, and documented breakout mapping from the 12 native 40G ports to up to 48 configurable 10G ports with breakout cables.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500-12Q-A |
|
Product type |
Fixed core and aggregation switch |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
|
Downlink ports |
12 x QSFP+ |
|
Downlink speeds |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
|
10G breakout support |
48 configurable 10G ports with breakout cables |
|
Switching capacity |
960 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
720 Mpps |
|
Power supply slots |
2 slots |
|
Default power supply |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
|
Fan modules |
FAN-T4-R= |
|
Operating temperature |
32 to 104 deg F (0 to 40 deg C) |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE 16.6.1 |
Product Performance
Key Features
The switch gives buyers a compact 1RU Catalyst 9500 option for 40G campus core, distribution, or aggregation links without adding a modular chassis.
The -A suffix identifies the Network Advantage hardware PID, so the order should align with Advantage-tier software and subscription requirements.
Cisco confirms that the C9500-12Q supports standard 12x40G QSFP+ modules, making the port plan straightforward for fiber aggregation designs.
Cisco port mapping confirms that the 12 native 40G ports can map to 48 configurable 10G ports when the design uses supported breakout cabling.
The chassis has two power supply slots and supports AC, DC, or mixed AC/DC power supply combinations according to Cisco installation guidance.
Release documentation identifies this SKU with Network Advantage, so software term, Smart Account readiness, and DNA Advantage selection should be reviewed before purchase.
Application Scenarios
Use C9500-12Q-A when the design needs a fixed Catalyst 9500 switch with 12 native 40G uplinks for aggregation rather than a 10G SFP+ access-facing model.
Choose this SKU when the hardware purchase must align with Network Advantage and Cisco DNA Advantage licensing for the Catalyst 9500 platform.
Use the C9500-12Q port mapping when a deployment needs 40G QSFP+ capacity today while preserving a documented path to 48 configurable 10G breakout ports.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500-12Q-A | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Form Factor |
1RU fixed switch |
1RU fixed switch |
1RU fixed switch |
|
Downlink ports |
12 |
12 |
24 |
|
Downlink media |
QSFP+ |
QSFP+ |
QSFP+ |
|
Downlink Speeds |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
|
10G Breakout Port Density |
48 configurable ports |
48 configurable ports |
96 configurable ports |
|
Switching capacity |
960 Gbps |
960 Gbps |
1,920 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
720 Mpps |
720 Mpps |
1,440 Mpps |
|
Power supply slots |
2 slots |
2 slots |
2 slots |
|
Default power supply |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
Network Essentials |
Network Advantage |
- C9500-12Q-A and C9500-12Q-E share the same 12-port 40G hardware profile; the purchasing difference is the embedded network license tier.
- C9500-24Q-A doubles the native 40G port count and documented breakout density, so it fits larger 40G aggregation plans when the rack and budget allow for a higher-density model.
- If the design only requires 12 native 40G ports, order line review should focus on the -A license requirement, DNA term selection, optics, power redundancy, and support coverage rather than moving to a higher-port model by default.
Selection Guide
1. Choose this SKU for 12-port 40G Advantage builds
Select C9500-12Q-A when the deployment needs a 12-port 40G Catalyst 9500 switch and the required software tier is Network Advantage.
2. Compare the Essentials model when the feature tier is lower
Review C9500-12Q-E if the same 12-port 40G hardware profile is acceptable but the project standard calls for Network Essentials and Cisco DNA Essentials.
3. Move to C9500-24Q-A for higher 40G density
Use the 24-port model when the design needs more native 40G QSFP+ ports or a larger 10G breakout ceiling than the C9500-12Q hardware can provide.
4. Validate optics and breakout details before release
Confirm QSFP+ transceivers, breakout cables, port numbering, Cisco DNA term, power supply choice, power cords, and support coverage before the purchase order is finalized.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Exact SKU |
C9500-12Q-A |
Confirms the order is the 12-port 40G Catalyst 9500 model with Network Advantage |
|
License tier |
Network Advantage and Cisco DNA Advantage term |
Keeps the hardware PID, subscription tier, and Smart Account entitlement aligned |
|
Port Plan |
12 native 40G QSFP+ ports or 48 10G breakout ports |
Prevents a mismatch between native 40G aggregation and 10G breakout requirements |
|
Optics and Breakout Cables |
Cisco-supported QSFP+ modules and breakout cabling |
Interface compatibility depends on the selected transceivers and cables |
|
Power Supplies |
AC, DC, or mixed AC/DC power supply plan |
The chassis has two power supply slots and the BOM must match the site power design |
|
Power Cords |
Country-specific power cord models |
Cisco ordering guidance requires power cable selection during configuration |
|
Software Release |
Cisco IOS XE release required by the network standard |
Aligns the switch with operating procedures and supported features |
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
PWR-C4-950WAC-R |
950W AC power supply for supported Catalyst 9500 Series switches |
|
PWR-C4-950WDC-R |
950W DC power supply for supported Catalyst 9500 Series switches |
|
FAN-T4-R= |
Type 4 cooling fan for C9500-12Q, C9500-24Q, C9500-40X, and C9500-16X switches |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C9500-12Q-A | Product type | Fixed core and aggregation switch |
| Base PID | C9500-12Q | Network license | Network Advantage |
| Cisco DNA Term SKUs | C9500-DNA-L-A-3Y, C9500-DNA-L-A-5Y, C9500-DNA-L-A-7Y | Downlink ports | 12 ports |
| Downlink media | QSFP+ | Downlink Speeds | 40 Gigabit Ethernet |
| 10G Breakout Port Density | 48 configurable 10G ports with breakout cables | Switching capacity | 960 Gbps |
| Forwarding rate | 720 Mpps | Power supply slots | 2 slots |
| Supported PSU Mix | Two AC, two DC, mixed AC/DC, or one AC-input or DC-input power supply | Power supply options | PWR-C4-950WAC-R, PWR-C4-950WDC-R |
| Fan modules | FAN-T4-R= | Rack units | 1 RU |
| Dimensions | 1.73 x 17.5 x 21.5 in. (4.4 x 44.5 x 56.7 cm) | Weight | 25.75 lb (11.68 kg), chassis with 2 power supplies and built-in fan |
| Operating temperature | 32 to 104 deg F (0 to 40 deg C) | Operating Altitude | Up to 6000 ft (1800 m) |
| Acoustic noise | No greater than 70.4 LwAd dB | Minimum software release | Cisco IOS XE 16.6.1 |
| Optics Reference | Cisco Transceiver Modules Compatibility Information |
Get More Information
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