C9500-16X-A – 16×1/10G SFP+ Ports – Modular Uplink – Network Advantage
4/mo Solds
Established Global IT Distributor
With over a decade of industry experience, we are a certified Cisco Partner delivering genuine enterprise networking hardware and trusted services to system integrators, ISPs, and enterprises worldwide.
C9500-16X-A Description
The C9500-16X-A is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series fixed-configuration switch built on a UADP 2.0 ASIC, providing 16 ports of 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet over SFP/SFP+ plus two power supply slots, and it ships with a Network Advantage license. Cisco positions the Catalyst 9500 family as campus core and aggregation hardware, and this base PID adds an optional C9500-NM-8X (8x 10G SFP/SFP+) or C9500-NM-2Q (2x 40G QSFP+) network module for uplink capacity, delivering up to 480 Gbps of switching bandwidth and 360 Mpps of forwarding. The Network Advantage license unlocks full routing protocols such as BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, and IS-IS, network segmentation with VRF, VXLAN, and BGP-EVPN, StackWise Virtual for multichassis EtherChannel, and MACsec-256 encryption, positioning the switch for core or aggregation roles that need more than Layer 2 forwarding and basic routed access.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500-16X-A |
|
Ports |
16x 1/10G SFP/SFP+ |
|
Optional network module |
C9500-NM-8X (8x10G) or C9500-NM-2Q (2x40G) |
|
Switching capacity |
480 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
360 Mpps |
|
ASIC |
UADP 2.0 |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
|
Default power supply |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R, 950W AC |
|
Fan module |
FAN-T4-R, front-to-back cooling |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE 16.8.1 |
|
Physical dimensions |
1.73 x 17.5 x 21.52 in, 1 RU |
|
Weight (dual PSU, fans installed) |
23.6 lb (10.7 kg) |
Product Performance
Key Features
The base C9500-16X-A accepts either the C9500-NM-8X or C9500-NM-2Q network module, letting a buyer size uplink bandwidth to 8x 10G or 2x 40G without changing the base hardware SKU.
The Network Advantage license on this SKU enables full BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, and IS-IS routing plus VRF, VXLAN, LISP, and BGP-EVPN segmentation, capabilities the Network Essentials variant of the same hardware does not carry.
This fixed-configuration model supports StackWise Virtual network system virtualization with multichassis EtherChannel and SSO/ISSU running over the StackWise Virtual Link, extending availability across two physical chassis.
Two power supply slots support 1+1 redundant PWR-C4-950WAC-R or PWR-C4-950WDC-R units, and the default AC shipment draws 941 BTU/hr on the 10G network module configuration.
Network Advantage adds MACsec-256 and WAN MACsec on top of the MACsec-128 available in Network Essentials, extending link-layer encryption strength for core and aggregation links carrying sensitive traffic.
The FAN-T4-R fan module provides front-to-back cooling with up to 5 fans, matching the airflow direction that this switch’s rack row and PWR-C4-950WAC-R/WDC-R supplies are built around.
Application Scenarios
Deployed as a fixed-configuration core or aggregation switch in campus networks that need full routing, VRF segmentation, and StackWise Virtual resiliency across two chassis.
Fitted with the C9500-NM-8X module to extend 8 additional 10G SFP/SFP+ uplinks for aggregation layers connecting multiple access switches into the core.
Fitted with the C9500-NM-2Q module to provide 2x 40G QSFP+ uplinks where the aggregation layer needs higher-bandwidth links toward a data center or core fabric.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500-16X-A | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Base ports |
16x 1/10G SFP/SFP+ |
16x 1/10G SFP/SFP+ |
16x 1/10G SFP/SFP+ |
16x 1/10G SFP/SFP+ |
|
Bundled network module |
None (optional) |
None (optional) |
C9500-NM-8X (8x10G) |
C9500-NM-2Q (2x40G) |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
Network Essentials |
Network Advantage |
Network Advantage |
|
Switching capacity |
480 Gbps |
480 Gbps |
480 Gbps |
480 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
360 Mpps |
360 Mpps |
360 Mpps |
360 Mpps |
|
Default power supply |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R, 950W AC |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R, 950W AC |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R, 950W AC |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R, 950W AC |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE 16.8.1 |
Cisco IOS XE 16.8.1 |
Cisco IOS XE 16.8.1 |
Cisco IOS XE 16.8.1 |
- The C9500-16X-A vs C9500-16X-E comparison comes down entirely to license tier on identical C9500-16X hardware: the -A ships with Network Advantage for full routing, VXLAN segmentation, and StackWise Virtual, while the -E carries Network Essentials for Layer 2 and basic routed access, so an order should match the license to the routing and segmentation features the deployment actually needs.
- C9500-16X-A vs C9500-24X-A shows the difference is the bundled uplink module: C9500-24X-A already includes the C9500-NM-8X 8x10G module in the PID, while C9500-16X-A ships as base hardware and requires the module to be ordered separately if 10G uplinks are needed.
- C9500-16X-A vs C9500-16X-2Q-A follows the same bundling logic but with the C9500-NM-2Q 2x40G module included in the 2Q bundle, so buyers who already know they need 40G uplinks can order the pre-bundled PID instead of sourcing the module as a separate line item.
- Across all three comparisons, the underlying switching capacity, forwarding rate, and minimum software release stay identical, so the ordering decision is driven by license tier and uplink module scope rather than base switching performance.
Selection Guide
1. When Layer 2 Access Does Not Need Advantage
This SKU carries Network Advantage for full BGP/OSPF routing, VXLAN segmentation, and StackWise Virtual on the C9500-16X hardware; a role that stays at Layer 2 forwarding and basic routed access never touches those entitlements, so ordering C9500-16X-E on the same hardware lowers the license cost without losing any capability the role actually uses.
2. Order C9500-24X-A Only With 10G Uplinks Already Decided
C9500-16X-A ships with an empty module bay, so a design that has not yet settled on an uplink module keeps that choice open; once 8x 10G uplinks are certain, C9500-24X-A folds the C9500-NM-8X module into one PID and removes a separate module line item, but ordering it before the uplink type is confirmed locks in a module that may not match the final design.
3. 40G Uplinks Push The Order Toward C9500-16X-2Q-A
The C9500-NM-8X and C9500-NM-2Q modules scale uplink capacity in different increments, 10G versus 40G, and only one bay is available on this chassis; a design already committed to 40G aggregation or core-facing links is better matched to the pre-bundled C9500-16X-2Q-A than to adding a 2Q module separately onto this base PID after the fact.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Network module selection |
Confirm whether C9500-NM-8X or C9500-NM-2Q is needed for uplink ports, since the base C9500-16X-A PID ships without a network module. |
Ordering without a module leaves the switch without uplink ports until a module is added later. |
|
Software subscription term |
Confirm the Catalyst Software Subscription or Cisco DNA subscription term (3Y, 5Y, or 7Y) matches the Network Advantage tier, using PIDs such as C9500-DNX-A-16X-3Y/5Y/7Y. |
A mismatched subscription tier can block license activation against the Network Advantage hardware. |
|
DNA upgrade path |
If a future upgrade from Essentials to Advantage DNA subscription is anticipated, confirm the C9500-DNA-16X-E-A upgrade PID applies to the C9500-16X platform. |
Ordering the wrong upgrade PID can fail to apply against the C9500-16X port-count subscription tier. |
|
Second power supply |
Confirm whether a second PWR-C4-950WAC-R or PWR-C4-950WDC-R is required, since the configurator defaults to preselecting a second supply. |
Leaving the default in place adds cost; explicitly selecting C9500-SPS-NONE is required to remove it. |
|
Minimum software release |
Confirm the target IOS XE release is 16.8.1 or later before deployment. |
Running below the minimum release can prevent the switch from operating as documented. |
|
Smart Account and RFID selection |
Confirm the Smart Account for license binding and make an explicit RFID choice (C9500-RFID or C9500-RFID-NONE) at order time. |
RFID cannot be added after the order is placed, and a missing Smart Account can stall license activation. |
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Catalyst 9500 8x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Network Module for the C9500-16X uplink module bay. | |
|
Catalyst 9500 2x 40 Gigabit Ethernet Network Module for the C9500-16X uplink module bay. | |
|
PWR-C4-950WAC-R/2 |
Redundant 950W AC Config 4 power supply for the second power supply slot, front-to-back cooling. |
|
C9500-ACC-KIT-19I= |
Catalyst 9500 Series 19-inch rack mount accessory kit for the C9500-16X chassis group. |
C9500-16X-A Switch Rear Panel
The switch rear panel includes StackWise connectors, StackPower or XPS connectors, ports, fan modules, and power supply modules.
Components Delivered in the Shipping Box
The shipping box contains the model of the switch you ordered and other components needed for installation. Some components are optional, depending on your order.
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C9500-16X-A | Network license | Network Advantage |
| Base ports | 16x 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP/SFP+ | Power supply slots | 2 |
| Optional network module | C9500-NM-8X (8x10G SFP/SFP+) or C9500-NM-2Q (2x40G QSFP+) | ASIC | UADP 2.0 |
| Switching capacity | 480 Gbps | Forwarding rate | 360 Mpps |
| DRAM / Flash | 16 GB / 16 GB | MAC address table | Up to 64,000 |
| IPv4 indirect / host routes | Up to 64,000 / 80,000 | IPv6 indirect / host routes | Up to 32,000 / 40,000 |
| IPv4 / IPv6 multicast routes | Up to 32,000 / 16,000 | VLAN IDs | 4,094 |
| Jumbo frame size | 9,198 bytes | Default power supply | PWR-C4-950WAC-R, 950W AC |
| Power supply input | 90 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz | Power supply receptacle | IEC 60320 C16, 15A power cord rating |
| Power draw (10G module) | 941 BTU/hr (AC), 967 BTU/hr (DC) | Fan module | FAN-T4-R, up to 5 fans, front-to-back |
| Operating temperature | 32 to 104 degF (0 to 40 degC) | Operating altitude | Up to 10,000 ft at 40 degC |
| Storage temperature | -4 to 149 degF (-20 to 65 degC) | Relative humidity (operating) | 5% to 90% |
| Relative humidity (storage) | 5% to 95% | Acoustic noise | No greater than 68.3 LWAd dB |
| Physical dimensions | 1.73 x 17.5 x 21.52 in (4.39 x 44.45 x 54.66 cm), 1 RU | Weight (dual PSU, fans installed) | 23.6 lb (10.7 kg) |
| MTBF | 315,790 hours | Safety certifications | UL 60950-1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1, EN 60950-1, IEC 60950-1, AS/NZS 60950-1, GB4943 |
| Warranty | Cisco Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW), NBD hardware replacement where available, 90 days 8×5 TAC support | Chassis power/fan bay layout | Power supply modules, fan modules, USB 3.0 host port, grounding pad |
Get More Information
Need pricing, stock, or shipping details for the C9500-16X-A ? 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 sales@layer23-switch.com for a fast quotation.
Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
-
What is C9500-16X-A used for?
-
What does Network Advantage change on C9500-16X-A?
-
Can C9500-16X-A accept C9500-NM-8X?
-
Can C9500-16X-A accept C9500-NM-2Q?
-
How is C9500-16X-A different from C9500-24X-A?
-
Does C9500-16X-A support MACsec?
-
Where does C9500-16X-A fit compared with Nexus switches?
-
What power design applies to C9500-16X-A?
Warranty
Layer23-Switch.com offers genuine, high-quality ICT products at competitive wholesale prices—ensuring exceptional value without compromising quality.
All items are brand new, original, and factory-sealed.
Upon request, each unit can be fully tested and verified by a Cisco CCIE-certified engineer to ensure perfect working condition before shipment.
Our Cisco CCIE-certified experts provide free professional support via phone, email, online chat, or remote login—helping you deploy and troubleshoot with confidence.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may request an exchange or full refund. Our customer service team will guide you through the return process quickly and smoothly. Visit Return Policy page for more information.
We support multiple secure payment and logistics options, backed by industry-leading verification:
Visit How to Pay page for more information
Extended, Worry-Free Warranty Coverage Factory New Sealed Enterprise Hardware:
· 3 Years Factory New Sealed
Visit Warranty Policy page for more information
Verify, plan, and comparewith confidence
Use practical tools to check device details, review lifecyclemilestones, and compare hardware before you buy.
Standard Services
Personalized Service, Superior Product Maintenance for Ultimate Satisfaction.
- Projects and Technical Support
- Easy Purchasing Supply
- Product Lifecycle Protection
- Exclusive F3 Team Support
Customized Support for Your Needs with CCIE, HCIE, HPE ASE, etc.
Layer23 is doing things right. We’ll be back.
Premium feel and finish. Not the cheap knockoff some resellers send. Took a little longer to clear customs than expected, otherwise excellent.
Clear labeling on the outer box made it easy for our receiving team.
Honest and reliable. You kept your promise on the delivery date.
Sales team helped verify the order details. Very helpful.