C9500-12Q-E – 12x40G QSFP+ Ports – 48x10G Breakout Mapping
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C9500-12Q-E Description
The C9500-12Q-E is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series fixed core and aggregation switch for distribution blocks that aggregate 40G fiber links. The switch has twelve 40G QSFP+ ports that map to up to 48 10G breakout ports, 960 Gbps of switching capacity and 720 Mpps of forwarding rate, and its two power supply slots ship with a 950W AC supply. The -E suffix carries Network Essentials, which covers Layer 2 and routed access with OSPF up to 1,000 routes but not BGP, VXLAN or MPLS.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500-12Q-E |
|
Product type |
Fixed core and aggregation switch |
|
Network license |
Network Essentials |
|
Downlink ports |
12 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ |
|
Breakout mapping |
12 native 40G ports to 48 configurable 10G ports with breakout cables |
|
Switching capacity |
960 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
720 Mpps |
|
Default power supply |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
|
Power supply slots |
2 |
|
Power supply options |
950W AC or 950W DC |
|
Rack units |
1 RU |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1 |
Product Performance
Key Features
All twelve ports run 40 Gigabit Ethernet in a 1RU chassis, which keeps a 40G aggregation point compact.
Breakout cables convert the native ports into up to 48 10G interfaces for servers and downstream switches that have not moved to 40G.
The license covers Layer 2, routed access with OSPF up to 1,000 routes and MACsec-128, which fits designs that do not need BGP, VRF or MPLS.
Application Scenarios
In a multi-building campus, the switch collects 40G uplinks from access-layer stacks on its QSFP+ ports and hands the traffic to the core.
An equipment room with 10G switches and servers can run breakout cables from the 40G ports, which provide up to 48 10G interfaces.
Where each closet routes only with OSPF or EIGRP stub, the switch serves as the Layer 3 gateway that Network Essentials supports.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500-12Q-E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Port configuration |
12 x 40G QSFP+ |
12 x 40G QSFP+ |
24 x 40G QSFP+ |
|
10G breakout ports |
Up to 48 |
Up to 48 |
Up to 96 |
|
Switching capacity |
960 Gbps |
960 Gbps |
1,920 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
720 Mpps |
720 Mpps |
1,440 Mpps |
|
Power supply slots |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Default power supply |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
|
Network license |
Network Essentials |
Network Advantage |
Network Essentials |
C9500-12Q-E and C9500-12Q-A are the same 12-port 40G QSFP+ switch with 960 Gbps and 720 Mpps, and the one parameter that separates them is the embedded license: Network Essentials on C9500-12Q-E, Network Advantage on C9500-12Q-A. A design that needs the Advantage feature tier must order C9500-12Q-A, because the tier is fixed by the hardware PID. When the aggregation layer needs more than 12 native 40G ports, C9500-24Q-E provides 24 ports, up to 96 configurable 10G breakout interfaces and 1,920 Gbps, still with two power supply slots and the PWR-C4-950WAC-R default.
Ordering Checklist
- Subscription term: Add a Catalyst 9500 Essentials term of the same tier: C9500-DNA-L-E-3Y, C9500-DNA-L-E-5Y or C9500-DNA-L-E-7Y. The subscription must match the network license tier in the hardware PID.
- Second power supply: The configurator preselects a second supply; select C9500-SPS-NONE to remove it. A redundant PWR-C4-950WAC-R uses the PWR-C4-950WAC-R/2 PID. A single-supply build is only ordered if the preselected supply is explicitly removed.
- Power cord: Select a power cord to finish the configuration. The configuration cannot be completed without a cord for the destination.
- RFID option: Select C9500-RFID or C9500-RFID-NONE on the order. RFID cannot be added after delivery.
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
PWR-C4-950WAC-R |
950W AC power supply module for supported Catalyst 9500 switches |
|
PWR-C4-950WDC-R |
950W DC power supply module for supported Catalyst 9500 switches |
|
FAN-T4-R= |
Type 4 front-to-back cooling fan for C9500-12Q-E and related Catalyst 9500 models |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C9500-12Q-E | Product type | Fixed core and aggregation switch |
| Network license | Network Essentials | DNA Essentials term SKUs | C9500-DNA-L-E-3Y, C9500-DNA-L-E-5Y, C9500-DNA-L-E-7Y |
| Downlink ports | 12 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ ports | Supported modules | Standard 12 x 40G QSFP+ modules |
| Breakout mapping | 40G ports can map to four 10G ports with breakout cables | Maximum 10G breakout ports | 48 configurable 10G ports |
| Switching capacity | 960 Gbps | Forwarding rate | 720 Mpps |
| Power supply slots | 2 | Power supply options | 950W AC or 950W DC |
| Fan module | FAN-T4-R= | Fan airflow | Front-to-back |
| Rack units | 1 RU | Dimensions | 1.73 x 17.5 x 21.5 in. (4.4 x 44.5 x 56.7 cm) |
| Weight | 11.68 kg (25.75 lb) with 2 power supplies and built-in fan | AC input voltage | 115 to 230 VAC |
| Operating temperature | 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) | Operating altitude | Up to 6000 ft (1800 m) |
| Acoustic noise | No greater than 70.4 LwAd dB | Minimum software release | Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1 |
Get More Information
Need pricing, stock, or shipping details for the C9500-12Q-E ? Layer23-Switch can help you check current availability, lead time, and delivery options for this. Send us the part number, quantity, and destination country via live chat or email [email protected] for a fast quotation.
Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
-
What do the power supply LED colors mean on C9500-12Q-E?
-
How fast do the FAN-T4-R fans in C9500-12Q-E run, and how quickly must a fan module be swapped?
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Can C9500-12Q-E form a StackWise Virtual pair with a second chassis?
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Can ISSU be used on C9500-12Q-E with Network Essentials?
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What MACsec key length can C9500-12Q-E use with Network Essentials?
-
Which console ports does C9500-12Q-E provide?
-
Which SD-Access roles can C9500-12Q-E take?
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Is PTP (IEEE 1588v2) available on C9500-12Q-E?
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