C9500-24Q-E – 24x40G QSFP+ Ports – 96x10G Breakout
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C9500-24Q-E Description
C9500-24Q-E is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series fixed core and aggregation switch for campus and enterprise aggregation designs that need high-density 40G fiber connectivity. It provides 24 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ ports, supports up to 96 configurable 10G ports through breakout cables, runs with the Network Essentials license, and is documented with up to 1,920 Gbps switching capacity and up to 1,440 Mpps forwarding performance. The platform uses the C9500-24Q base hardware with two power-supply slots and a default PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC power supply, with Cisco-supported AC or DC power-supply options for deployment planning.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500-24Q-E |
|
Product type |
Fixed core and aggregation switch |
|
Base PID |
C9500-24Q |
|
Network license |
Network Essentials |
|
Cisco DNA term SKUs |
C9500-DNA-E-3Y, C9500-DNA-E-5Y, C9500-DNA-E-7Y |
|
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 |
|
Supported power supplies |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R and PWR-C4-950WDC-R |
Product Performance
Key Features
The -E suffix aligns C9500-24Q-E with Network Essentials and Cisco DNA Essentials, so the software term must not be quoted as an Advantage bundle.
The C9500-24Q base platform supplies 24 native 40G QSFP+ ports and does not use the optional C9500 network modules used by C9500-16X and C9500-40X models.
Cisco port-density data for C9500-24Q supports 96 configurable 10G ports with breakout cables, useful when a 40G core refresh still needs mapped 10G links.
Cisco release documentation lists C9500-24Q-E as supported hardware for the Catalyst 9500 Series and identifies the platform family around UADP 2.0.
The Catalyst 9500 Series supports dual 1+1 redundant power supplies, and the C9500-24Q power matrix supports the 950W AC and 950W DC Config 4 supplies.
Cisco lists FAN-T4-R for C9500-24Q models and standard Catalyst 9500 rack accessory options for this non-high-performance chassis group.
Application Scenarios
C9500-24Q-E suits campus core or distribution refresh projects where the design requires 24 native 40G QSFP+ links and the approved software position is Network Essentials.
Use this SKU when a BOM has been built around the 24-port C9500-24Q platform but does not require the Network Advantage tier carried by C9500-24Q-A.
The 96-port breakout mapping makes C9500-24Q-E relevant when a site wants 40G aggregation as the primary design while still allocating compatible breakout cables for 10G handoffs.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500-24Q-E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
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 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 |
|
Power supply slots |
2 |
2 |
2 |
- In a C9500-24Q-E vs C9500-24Q-A comparison, the hardware rows stay aligned on 24 QSFP+ ports, 96 breakout 10G ports, and the same C9500-24Q base PID; the difference is Network Essentials versus Network Advantage.
- The C9500-24Q-E vs C9500-12Q-E difference is port density: C9500-24Q-E has 24 native 40G ports and 96 breakout 10G ports, while C9500-12Q-E has 12 native 40G ports and 48 breakout 10G ports.
- For a C9500-24Q-E comparison, match the order to the required 40G port count first, then verify whether the software standard calls for Essentials or Advantage.
Selection Guide
1. Use it for Essentials-based 24-port 40G designs
Choose C9500-24Q-E when the site standard allows Network Essentials and the aggregation design requires the full 24-port C9500-24Q hardware profile.
2. Move to C9500-24Q-A only for the higher network tier
Select C9500-24Q-A when the deployment standard requires Network Advantage while keeping the same native 40G port count and breakout density.
3. Check C9500-12Q-E only when 12 ports are enough
Use C9500-12Q-E for smaller 40G aggregation plans that can accept half the native port count and half the documented breakout density.
4. Close the BOM around licensing and optics
Confirm the Cisco DNA Essentials term, Smart Account, supported QSFP+ optics or breakout cables, power supply type, redundant PSU need, and regional power cord before purchase approval.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Exact product ID |
C9500-24Q-E |
Confirms the 24-port 40G Catalyst 9500 switch with Network Essentials |
|
Software tier |
Network Essentials with Cisco DNA Essentials |
Keeps the -E hardware PID and term subscription aligned |
|
Port plan |
24 native 40G QSFP+ ports or 96 configurable 10G breakout ports |
Prevents under-sizing the 40G aggregation or breakout design |
|
Similar SKU review |
C9500-24Q-A or C9500-12Q-E |
Separates license-tier changes from port-density changes |
|
Optics and breakout media |
Cisco-supported QSFP+ modules and breakout cables |
Port use depends on Cisco-compatible optics and cabling |
|
Power configuration |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R or PWR-C4-950WDC-R with optional second PSU |
The chassis has two power supply slots and site power must match the chosen PSU |
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 Config 4 power supply supported on C9500-24Q |
|
FAN-T4-R |
Catalyst 9500 Type 4 front-to-back cooling fan for C9500-24Q, C9500-12Q, C9500-40X, and C9500-16X |
|
Cisco DNA Essentials license term for C9500-24Q-E | |
|
C9500-DNA-E-5Y |
Cisco DNA Essentials license term for C9500-24Q-E |
|
C9500-DNA-E-7Y |
Cisco DNA Essentials license term for C9500-24Q-E |
C9500-24Q-E 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-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 | C9500-24Q-E | Product type | Fixed core and aggregation switch |
| Base PID | C9500-24Q | Network license | Network Essentials |
| Cisco DNA term SKUs | C9500-DNA-E-3Y, C9500-DNA-E-5Y, C9500-DNA-E-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 |
| Total MAC addresses | Up to 64,000 | 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) |
| Acoustic noise | No greater than 70.4 LwAd dB |
Get More Information
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Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
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What is C9500-24Q-E used for?
-
Does C9500-24Q-E use SFP+ ports?
-
How is C9500-24Q-E different from C9500-24X-E?
-
What does the E suffix mean on C9500-24Q-E?
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Can C9500-24Q-E be used in StackWise Virtual?
-
What lifecycle status matters for C9500-24Q-E?
-
What migration path is checked for C9500-24Q-E?
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Where does C9500-24Q-E not fit?
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