C9500-16X-E – 16×1/10G SFP+ Ports – Modular Uplink – Network Essentials
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-E Description
The C9500-16X-E is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series fixed-configuration switch that pairs the 16-port 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP/SFP+ chassis with the Network Essentials license tier. Essentials covers Layer 2 forwarding, routed access with RIP, EIGRP Stub, and OSPF up to 1,000 routes, and MACsec-128 encryption, which fits aggregation or routed-access roles that stay inside those boundaries without paying for the Advantage feature set. The hardware underneath matches the rest of the C9500-16X line: a Cisco UADP 2.0 ASIC drives up to 480 Gbps of switching bandwidth with 360 Mpps of forwarding, two power supply slots accept 950W AC or DC units for 1+1 redundancy, and the uplink bay takes an optional C9500-NM-8X 8x 10G or C9500-NM-2Q 2x 40G network module when the design needs dedicated uplink ports.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500-16X-E |
|
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 Essentials |
|
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-E 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 Essentials license on this SKU covers Layer 2 forwarding and routed access through RIP, EIGRP Stub, and OSPF up to 1000 routes, without the full BGP/OSPF routing or VXLAN segmentation available on the Network Advantage variant of the same hardware.
Network Essentials includes MACsec-128 link-layer encryption, providing baseline encryption for uplinks without the MACsec-256 and WAN MACsec strength reserved for the Network Advantage license tier.
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.
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.
Each of the 16 fixed SFP/SFP+ ports on C9500-16X negotiates independently at 1 Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet, so one chassis aggregates a mix of 1G and 10G links from downstream switches without dedicating separate ports or hardware to each speed.
Application Scenarios
Aggregates access-switch uplinks at Layer 2 in a campus block where an upstream core handles the advanced routing, so the Essentials feature set covers everything this tier is asked to do.
Runs a small routed-access design on RIP, EIGRP Stub, or OSPF within the 1,000-route Essentials boundary, terminating fiber from wiring closets in a self-contained building block.
Collects additional access-closet fiber on the optional 8x 10G module and hands traffic off upstream, keeping a growing Layer 2 aggregation tier on the same chassis.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500-16X-E | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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) |
8-Port 10G SFP (bundled) |
2-Port 40G QSFP (bundled) |
|
Network license |
Network Essentials |
Network Advantage |
Network Essentials |
Network Essentials |
|
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 step up from C9500-16X-E to C9500-16X-A matters as soon as the design calls for full BGP and OSPF routing, VXLAN segmentation, or StackWise Virtual: those entitlements sit in the Network Advantage tier on identical C9500-16X hardware, so the -E holds only while the role stays inside Layer 2 and basic routed access.
- Ordering C9500-24X-E instead of the base C9500-16X-E folds the 8x 10G uplink module into a single bundle PID; the base model keeps its module bay empty, which suits an order that runs without uplink modules or picks one as a separate line item later.
- C9500-16X-2Q-E plays the same bundling role for 40G: the 2-port 40G module ships inside that PID, so a design already committed to 40G uplinks can skip the separate module line the base C9500-16X-E would otherwise need.
- The ordering sequence that falls out of this group: settle first whether the Essentials boundary holds for the role, then decide whether an uplink module belongs in the same PID, because switching capacity, forwarding rate, and minimum software release never separate these models.
Selection Guide
1. Layer 3 Or High-Availability Needs Force C9500-16X-A
Network Essentials on this hardware stops at RIP, EIGRP Stub, and OSPF within 1,000 routes plus MACsec-128, and none of the full BGP/OSPF routing, VXLAN segmentation, or StackWise Virtual entitlements are reachable on that tier; once the role needs any one of those capabilities, the order has to move to C9500-16X-A rather than staying on Essentials and running into the routed-access ceiling later.
2. Upgrade Through C9500-DNA-16X-E-A Instead Of A Hardware Swap
If Advantage-tier routing turns out to be needed after this switch is already deployed, the C9500-DNA-16X-E-A upgrade PID applies to the C9500-16X port-count subscription and moves the license tier without a chassis replacement, since Essentials and Advantage run on identical C9500-16X base hardware.
3. Bundled Uplink PIDs Stay On Network Essentials Too
C9500-24X-E and C9500-16X-2Q-E carry Network Essentials with the 8x 10G or 2x 40G module already folded into the PID, so a buyer who needs a bundled uplink module does not have to pair that convenience with a jump to Network Advantage; the module bundle and the license tier are independent choices on this hardware.
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-E 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 Essentials tier, using PIDs such as C9500-DNX-E-16X-3Y/5Y/7Y. |
A mismatched subscription tier can block license activation against the Network Essentials hardware. |
|
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-E 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-E | Network license | Network Essentials |
| 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 | Minimum software release | Cisco IOS XE 16.8.1 |
Get More Information
Need pricing, stock, or shipping details for the C9500-16X-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 sales@layer23-switch.com for a fast quotation.
Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
-
What is C9500-16X-E used for?
-
Does C9500-16X-E have 40G ports?
-
How is C9500-16X-E different from C9500-24X-E?
-
What does the E suffix mean on C9500-16X-E?
-
Can C9500-16X-E run StackWise Virtual?
-
What optics are relevant to C9500-16X-E?
-
Is C9500-16X-E a campus access switch?
-
What migration detail matters for C9500-16X-E?
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.
Came with all the original tags and identifiers. Everything we’d expect from a genuine product.
Product was recent production, not sitting in a warehouse for years.
Layer23 understands what customers value, and they deliver on it.
Discreet and efficient. The package arrived safely.
Consistent service. We buy from you regularly because we trust you.