C9500-16X-2Q-E – 16x10G SFP+ Ports – 2x40G QSFP+ Module
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C9500-16X-2Q-E Description
C9500-16X-2Q-E is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series fixed core and aggregation switch bundle for compact campus distribution or 10G aggregation designs that need 40G uplink capacity in the same orderable PID. The SKU combines a 16-port 10G switch with a 2 x 40GE network module and Network Essentials licensing; the underlying C9500-16X platform provides 16 x 10G SFP/SFP+ ports, two power-supply slots, support for the 2 x 40G QSFP+ uplink module, and up to 480 Gbps switching capacity with up to 360 Mpps forwarding.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500-16X-2Q-E |
|
Product type |
Fixed core and aggregation switch bundle |
|
Base switch |
C9500-16X |
|
Included network module |
C9500-NM-2Q |
|
Network license |
Network Essentials |
|
Cisco DNA term SKUs |
C9500-DNA-L-E-3Y, C9500-DNA-L-E-5Y, C9500-DNA-L-E-7Y |
|
Port configuration |
16 x 10G SFP/SFP+ plus 2 x 40G QSFP+ module ports |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 480 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 360 Mpps |
|
Default power supply |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
|
Power supply options |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R and PWR-C4-950WDC-R |
|
Fan module |
FAN-T4-R |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a |
Product Performance
Key Features
C9500-16X-2Q-E combines the C9500-16X switch, the C9500-NM-2Q uplink module, and Network Essentials into one orderable PID for low-port-density Catalyst 9500 aggregation.
The C9500-16X hardware profile keeps the downlink side to sixteen 10G SFP/SFP+ ports, which helps buyers avoid stepping up to 40-port 10G hardware when the port plan is smaller.
The 2Q module changes the uplink plan to QSFP+ 40G ports; buyers comparing C9500-24X-E should check whether they need 40G uplinks or additional 10G SFP/SFP+ module ports.
The -E suffix maps this hardware bundle to Network Essentials and the low-port-density Cisco DNA Essentials term SKUs, so the license tier should match the approved feature scope.
Cisco identifies C9500-16X as a UADP 2.0 platform with up to 480 Gbps switching capacity and up to 360 Mpps forwarding rate.
C9500-16X uses PWR-C4-950WAC-R or PWR-C4-950WDC-R power supplies and FAN-T4-R cooling, keeping the spare plan separate from the high-performance 650W and 1600W Catalyst 9500 PSU families.
Application Scenarios
Campus or distribution blocks with limited 10G fan-out can keep the port plan at sixteen SFP/SFP+ interfaces while reserving two QSFP+ uplinks for upstream connectivity.
Projects standardized on Network Essentials can retain the C9500-NM-2Q hardware bundle without moving to the Advantage PID only to secure 40G module ports.
Staging teams that must avoid separate network-module selection can keep C9500-NM-2Q tied to the switch order and validate the SFP/SFP+ and QSFP+ optics list separately.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500-16X-2Q-E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Product type |
Fixed core and aggregation switch bundle |
Fixed core and aggregation switch bundle |
Fixed core and aggregation switch bundle |
|
Orderable PID |
C9500-16X-2Q-E |
C9500-16X-2Q-A |
C9500-24X-E |
|
Base switch |
C9500-16X |
C9500-16X |
C9500-16X |
|
Included network module |
C9500-NM-2Q |
C9500-NM-2Q |
C9500-NM-8X |
|
Base port configuration |
16 x 10G SFP/SFP+ |
16 x 10G SFP/SFP+ |
16 x 10G SFP/SFP+ |
|
Module port configuration |
2 x 40G QSFP+ |
2 x 40G QSFP+ |
8 x 10G SFP/SFP+ |
|
Network license |
Network Essentials |
Network Advantage |
Network Essentials |
|
Default power supply |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
|
ASIC |
Cisco UADP 2.0 |
Cisco UADP 2.0 |
Cisco UADP 2.0 |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 480 Gbps |
Up to 480 Gbps |
Up to 480 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 360 Mpps |
Up to 360 Mpps |
Up to 360 Mpps |
|
Power supply slots |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Supported power supplies |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R, PWR-C4-950WDC-R |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R, PWR-C4-950WDC-R |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R, PWR-C4-950WDC-R |
|
Fan module |
FAN-T4-R |
FAN-T4-R |
FAN-T4-R |
- In a C9500-16X-2Q-E vs C9500-16X-2Q-A comparison, the table shows the same base switch and C9500-NM-2Q module; the difference is Network Essentials versus Network Advantage.
- The C9500-16X-2Q-E vs C9500-24X-E difference is the module port plan: C9500-16X-2Q-E provides 2 x 40G QSFP+ module ports, while C9500-24X-E provides 8 x 10G SFP/SFP+ module ports.
- For buyers deciding which model to choose, keep C9500-16X-2Q-E on the BOM only when both the Essentials tier and the 2Q 40G module match the approved design.
Selection Guide
1. Match it to a 16-port 10G Essentials design
Choose C9500-16X-2Q-E when the deployment requires sixteen 10G SFP/SFP+ base ports, two 40G QSFP+ module ports, and Network Essentials.
2. Move to C9500-16X-2Q-A for Advantage licensing
Select the -A bundle only when the same C9500-16X and 2Q hardware must be ordered with Network Advantage and an Advantage-aligned software term.
3. Compare C9500-24X-E for more 10G module ports
Use C9500-24X-E when the design needs eight additional 10G SFP/SFP+ module ports instead of two 40G QSFP+ uplinks.
4. Keep power, optics, and licensing on the same review
Verify Cisco-supported optics, Cisco DNA or Catalyst subscription tier, Smart Account handling, AC or DC PSU choice, and regional power cord before the purchase order is finalized.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Uplink module |
The module tied to the switch is C9500-NM-2Q |
Avoids substituting C9500-NM-8X or omitting the bundled 40G module |
|
Software term |
The subscription is C9500-DNA-L-E or a same-tier Catalyst Essentials term |
Keeps the software purchase aligned with the -E hardware PID |
|
License account |
Smart Account handling is ready before order placement |
Supports Cisco license deposit and entitlement tracking for Catalyst 9500 purchases |
|
Transceiver evidence |
The 10G SFP/SFP+ and 40G QSFP+ optics are checked in Cisco compatibility data |
Port type alone does not confirm every optic or cable in the deployment |
|
Site fit |
PSU type, power cord region, 1 RU space, and 21.5 in. chassis depth are accepted by the install plan |
Staging depends on power input, cabinet depth, and service clearance matching the site |
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
PWR-C4-950WAC-R |
950W AC Config 4 power supply for Cisco Catalyst 9500 16X-class switches |
|
PWR-C4-950WAC-R/2 |
Redundant 950W AC Config 4 power supply option |
|
PWR-C4-950WDC-R |
950W DC power supply option supported for the C9500-16X platform |
|
FAN-T4-R |
Catalyst 9500 Type 4 front-to-back cooling fan for C9500-16X |
|
Spare Cisco Catalyst 9500 2 x 40GE network module | |
|
C9500-DNA-L-E-3Y |
Cisco DNA Essentials low-port-density 3-year term license for 12Q, C9500-16X, and 24Y4C SKUs |
|
C9500-DNA-L-E-5Y |
Cisco DNA Essentials low-port-density 5-year term license for 12Q, C9500-16X, and 24Y4C SKUs |
|
C9500-DNA-L-E-7Y |
Cisco DNA Essentials low-port-density 7-year term license for 12Q, C9500-16X, and 24Y4C SKUs |
|
C9500-ACC-KIT-19I= |
19-inch rack mount accessory kit for Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C9500-16X-2Q-E | Product type | Fixed core and aggregation switch bundle |
| Base switch | C9500-16X | Included network module | C9500-NM-2Q |
| Network license | Network Essentials | Cisco DNA term SKUs | C9500-DNA-L-E-3Y, C9500-DNA-L-E-5Y, C9500-DNA-L-E-7Y |
| Port configuration | 16 x 10G SFP/SFP+ ports and 2 x 40G QSFP+ module ports | Network module compatibility | C9500-NM-2Q supported on C9500-16X |
| ASIC | Cisco UADP 2.0 | Switching capacity | Up to 480 Gbps |
| Forwarding rate | Up to 360 Mpps | DRAM | 16 GB |
| Flash | 16 GB | Power supply slots | 2 |
| Power supply options | PWR-C4-950WAC-R and PWR-C4-950WDC-R | Fan module | FAN-T4-R |
| BTU output with 40G module | 904 BTU/hr with PWR-C4-950WAC-R; 930 BTU/hr with PWR-C4-950WDC-R | Acoustic noise | No greater than 68.3 LwAd dB |
| Rack units | 1 RU | Dimensions | 1.73 x 17.5 x 21.5 in. (4.4 x 44.5 x 56.7 cm) |
| Weight | 23.6 lb (10.7 kg) with 2 power supplies and built-in fan | Input voltage | 115 to 230 VAC |
| Minimum software release | Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a | Optics compatibility reference | Cisco Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix |
Get More Information
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Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
-
What role does C9500-16X-2Q-E play?
-
Which interfaces are included with C9500-16X-2Q-E?
-
Does C9500-16X-2Q-E carry Network Essentials?
-
How does C9500-24X-E change the C9500-16X-2Q-E uplink plan?
-
How much switching and forwarding capacity does C9500-16X-2Q-E provide?
-
What power supplies can C9500-16X-2Q-E use?
-
Which IOS XE release introduced C9500-16X-2Q-E support?
-
When should C9500-16X-2Q-A replace C9500-16X-2Q-E?
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