C9500-24Q-A – 24x40G QSFP+ Ports – 96x10G Breakout
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C9500-24Q-A Description
C9500-24Q-A is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series fixed core and aggregation switch for high-density 40G campus core, distribution, or aggregation designs. This Network Advantage model is based on the C9500-24Q platform and provides 24 x 40G QSFP+ ports, 96 configurable 10G ports when used with supported breakout cables, up to 1,920 Gbps switching capacity, up to 1,440 Mpps forwarding rate, two power supply slots, and a default PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC power supply for redundant power planning.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500-24Q-A |
|
Product type |
Fixed core and aggregation switch |
|
Base PID |
C9500-24Q |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
|
Downlink ports |
24 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ |
|
10G breakout support |
96 configurable 10G ports with breakout cables |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 1,920 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 1,440 Mpps |
|
Default power supply |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
|
Power supply slots |
2 |
|
Introductory release |
Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.5.1a |
Product Performance
Key Features
The C9500-24Q-A hardware profile gives buyers a fixed 1RU Catalyst 9500 option for higher-density 40G aggregation than the 12-port C9500-12Q models.
The -A suffix maps this orderable PID to Network Advantage, so the software tier should match an Advantage subscription plan rather than an Essentials term.
Cisco port mapping shows each of the 24 native 40G ports mapping to four configurable 10G ports when supported breakout cabling is used.
Cisco release documentation places the standard Catalyst 9500 models on UADP 2.0, with C9500-24Q-A listed in the supported base PID table.
The chassis has two power supply slots and supports the 950W AC or 950W DC Config 4 power supply family for redundant power planning.
Cisco lists FAN-T4-R for C9500-24Q, giving procurement teams a confirmed cooling spare reference for this non-high-performance Catalyst 9500 model.
Application Scenarios
C9500-24Q-A fits campus core or distribution designs that need 24 native 40G QSFP+ links in a fixed Catalyst 9500 switch rather than a lower-density 12-port option.
Select this SKU when the design requires the same 24-port 40G hardware profile as C9500-24Q-E but the network feature tier must be Network Advantage.
Use the C9500-24Q port mapping when a refresh needs 40G aggregation now while keeping a Cisco-documented path to 96 configurable 10G breakout interfaces.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500-24Q-A | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Form factor |
Fixed 1RU switch |
Fixed 1RU switch |
Fixed 1RU switch |
|
Base PID |
C9500-24Q |
C9500-24Q |
C9500-12Q |
|
Downlink ports |
24 |
24 |
12 |
|
Downlink media |
QSFP+ |
QSFP+ |
QSFP+ |
|
Downlink speed |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
|
10G breakout density |
96 configurable ports |
96 configurable ports |
48 configurable ports |
|
ASIC |
UADP 2.0 |
UADP 2.0 |
UADP 2.0 |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 1,920 Gbps |
Up to 1,920 Gbps |
Up to 960 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 1,440 Mpps |
Up to 1,440 Mpps |
Up to 720 Mpps |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
Network Essentials |
Network Advantage |
|
Default power supply |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
|
Introductory release |
Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.5.1a |
Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.5.1a |
Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1 |
|
Power supply slots |
2 |
2 |
2 |
- In a C9500-24Q-A vs C9500-24Q-E comparison, the documented hardware profile is the same 24-port 40G QSFP+ base platform, while the orderable license tier changes from Network Essentials to Network Advantage.
- The C9500-24Q-A vs C9500-12Q-A difference is port density: C9500-24Q-A provides 24 native 40G ports and 96 configurable 10G breakout ports, while C9500-12Q-A provides 12 native 40G ports and 48 configurable 10G breakout ports.
- For buyers comparing C9500-24Q-A with both alternatives, the model to choose should match the required 40G port count and the required Network Advantage or Essentials tier.
Selection Guide
1. Choose it for 24-port 40G Advantage designs
Select C9500-24Q-A when the BOM requires a fixed Catalyst 9500 switch with 24 native 40G QSFP+ ports and Network Advantage licensing.
2. Compare Essentials only when the feature tier changes
Review C9500-24Q-E if the same 24-port 40G hardware profile is acceptable but the deployment standard calls for Network Essentials.
3. Step down to C9500-12Q only when density allows
Use C9500-12Q-A only when 12 native 40G ports and 48 breakout 10G ports cover the aggregation plan.
4. Lock software and optics before procurement
Confirm the Advantage subscription term, Smart Account, Cisco-supported QSFP+ optics or breakout cables, PSU type, and power cord region before the purchase order is finalized.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Exact product ID |
C9500-24Q-A |
Confirms the 24-port 40G Catalyst 9500 switch with Network Advantage |
|
License tier |
Network Advantage with Cisco DNA or Catalyst Advantage subscription |
Keeps the hardware PID and required subscription tier aligned |
|
Port plan |
24 native 40G QSFP+ ports or 96 configurable 10G breakout ports |
Prevents a mismatch between native 40G aggregation and breakout requirements |
|
Optics and cables |
Cisco-supported QSFP+ modules and breakout cables |
Transceiver and cable support must be verified against Cisco compatibility tools |
|
Power design |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R or PWR-C4-950WDC-R with the required redundancy |
The chassis has two power supply slots and site power must match the BOM |
|
Power cords |
Country-specific AC power cord selection |
Cisco ordering flow requires power cable selection for AC-input power supplies |
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
PWR-C4-950WAC-R |
950W AC Config 4 power supply for supported Catalyst 9500 Series switches |
|
PWR-C4-950WAC-R/2 |
Redundant 950W AC Config 4 power supply for supported Catalyst 9500 Series switches |
|
PWR-C4-950WDC-R |
950W DC power supply module for supported Catalyst 9500 Series switches |
|
FAN-T4-R |
Catalyst 9500 Type 4 front-to-back cooling fan for C9500-24Q, C9500-12Q, C9500-40X, and C9500-16X |
|
Catalyst 9500 Network and Cisco DNA Advantage license term for C9500-24Q SKU | |
|
C9500-DNA-A-5Y |
Catalyst 9500 Network and Cisco DNA Advantage license term for C9500-24Q SKU |
|
C9500-DNA-A-7Y |
Catalyst 9500 Network and Cisco DNA Advantage license term for C9500-24Q SKU |
C9500-24Q-A Switch Front Panel
|
1 |
24 40G QSFP ports |
6 |
USB mini Type B console port |
|
2 |
RFID (Optional) |
7 |
Mode button |
|
3 |
Console port (RJ-45 Serial) |
8 |
USB 2.0 host port |
|
4 |
Blue beacon LED |
9 |
Ethernet management RJ-45 port |
|
5 |
10G Status LEDs |
C9500-24Q-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 | C9500-24Q-A | Product type | Fixed core and aggregation switch |
| Base PID | C9500-24Q | Network license | Network Advantage |
| Cisco DNA term SKUs | C9500-DNA-A-3Y, C9500-DNA-A-5Y, C9500-DNA-A-7Y | Downlink ports | 24 ports |
| Downlink media | QSFP+ | Downlink speed | 40 Gigabit Ethernet |
| 10G breakout density | 96 configurable 10G ports with breakout cables | ASIC | Cisco UADP 2.0 |
| Switching capacity | Up to 1,920 Gbps | Forwarding rate | Up to 1,440 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 | 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) with 2 power supplies and built-in fan |
| Operating temperature | 32 to 104 deg F (0 to 40 deg C) | Input voltage | 115 to 230 VAC |
| Acoustic noise | No greater than 70.4 LwAd dB | Introductory release | Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.5.1a |
| Optics reference | Cisco Transceiver Module Group compatibility matrix |
Get More Information
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Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
-
What is C9500-24Q-A used for?
-
What does Network Advantage mean on C9500-24Q-A?
-
Can C9500-24Q-A connect to 10G devices?
-
How is C9500-24Q-A different from C9500-40X-E?
-
Does C9500-24Q-A use optional C9500 network modules?
-
What lifecycle check matters for C9500-24Q-A?
-
When does C9500-24Q-A make sense over C9500-24X-A?
-
What redundancy design applies to C9500-24Q-A?
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