C9500-32C-A – 24 Ports – 4×100G uplinks – core and distribution switch

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C9500-32C-A

(13 customer reviews)
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List Price: $30821 $5048.28
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C9500-32C-A Description

Cisco C9500-32C-A is the Network Advantage variant of the 32-port 100G model in the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series. Built on the UADP 3.0 ASIC, the C9500-32C platform delivers up to 6.4 Tbps switching and up to 2 Bpps forwarding with flexible breakout to 10/25G for smooth migration. It supports StackWise Virtual for nonstop campus-core resiliency and offers large Layer-3/Layer-2 table scale for IPv4/IPv6 and multicast workloads. Compared with the C9500-32C-E (Network Essentials), the “-A” license enables advanced routing/segmentation features required in complex enterprise cores and data-center aggregation.

Product Performance

Ethernet Ports
Switching capacity
Forwarding rate

Key Features

Enterprise-Grade 100G Core Switching Power

Provides 32 × 100G QSFP28 ports with non-blocking architecture and 6.4 Tbps switching capacity, delivering massive throughput for enterprise backbone and high-density aggregation environments.

Network Advantage Feature Set for Advanced Routing

Enables full Layer 3 enterprise routing, MPLS VPN, VRF-Lite, and advanced segmentation, making it ideal for large networks requiring complex traffic engineering and policy-based routing.

StackWise Virtual High Availability

Two physical switches can operate as a single logical unit, ensuring nonstop core operation with SSO/ISSU redundancy and simplified management across distributed chassis.

Enhanced Security and Encryption Capabilities

Integrates Trust Anchor, Secure Boot, and hardware-based MACsec 256-bit encryption on 100G ports, providing strong data protection for critical enterprise and government networks.

Automation and SDN-Ready Architecture

Built on Cisco IOS XE with open APIs (NETCONF/RESTCONF) and model-driven telemetry, supporting Cisco DNA Center and other SDN platforms for intent-based automation and deep visibility.

Flexible Deployment and Investment Protection

Offers breakout support to 10/25G, modular 1600 W PSUs, and front-to-back airflow design—future-proofing existing 100G networks and enabling seamless migration to evolving campus or data-center architectures.

Applications Scenarios

Large Enterprise Campus Core

Serves as the central switching core interconnecting multiple distribution layers, ensuring deterministic 100G performance, Layer 3 segmentation, and nonstop availability for corporate headquarters or university backbones.

Data-Center Aggregation and Spine Layer

Deployed as a high-density spine or aggregation switch in data-center fabrics, where low-latency forwarding, VRF-based multi-tenant segmentation, and automation integration are critical.

Service Provider Metro and 5G Edge Infrastructure

Applied in carrier or metro environments for MPLS, segment-routing, and timing-sensitive services, supporting multi-gig backbone links and secure interconnects between core and access layers.

Product Comparison

Parameter

C9500-32C-A

C9500-32QC-A

C9500-24Y4C-A

Port configuration

32 × 100G QSFP28

32 × 40G QSFP+ (or 16 × 100G)

24 × 1/10/25G SFP28 + 4 × 40/100G

Breakout capability

Up to 96 × 10/25G

—

—

ASIC

UADP 3.0

UADP 3.0

UADP 3.0

Switching capacity

Up to 6.4 Tbps

Up to 3.2 Tbps

Up to 2.0 Tbps

Forwarding rate

Up to 2 Bpps

Up to 1 Bpps

Up to 1 Bpps

MAC table (max)

~82k

~82k

~82k

IPv4 routes (max)

up to 256k (indirect+direct)

up to 256k

up to 256k

Jumbo frames

9216 bytes

9216 bytes

9216 bytes

VLAN IDs

4094

4094

4094

Fan tray

C9K-T2-FANTRAY (×5)

C9K-T1-FANTRAY (×4)

C9K-T1-FANTRAY (×4)

PSU options

1600W AC/DC

650W AC/ACL/930W DC

650W AC/ACL/930W DC

License tier

Network Advantage

Network Advantage

Network Advantage

C9500-32C-A Switch Front Panel

C9500-32C-E

1

32 40G/100G QSFP28 ports

5

RFID (Optional)

2

Ethernet management port

6

Console port (RJ-45 Serial)

3

Reset button

7

USB 3.0 host port

4

USB mini Type B console port

–

C9500-32C-A Switch Rear Panel

The switch rear panel includes StackWise connectors, StackPower or XPS connectors, ports, fan modules, and power supply modules.
Rear Panel of a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switch

1

Power supply modules

7

Fan 3

2

Fan modules

8

Fan 2

3

Grounding pad

9

Fan 1

4

SATA SSD module

10

Fan 0

5

PSU 1

11

PSU 0

6

Fan 4

–

–

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.

1

Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series switch with optional network module1 (power supply and fan modules not shown)

7

Eight number-8 Phillips flat-head 0.312″ long screws

2

Product documentation and compliance document

8

Two M4.0 x 20mm Phillips pan-head screws (Black color)

3

Two 19-inch mounting brackets

9

Ground lug and two M4.0 x 8mm Phillips pan-head screws

4

Two Cable guides

10

(Optional) AC power cord2

5

Four number-12 pan-head 0.50″ long screws

11

(Optional) RJ-45 console cable1

6

Four number-10 pan-head 0.625″ long screws

12

(Optional) USB console cable1

cisco-catalyst-9500-switch-shipping-box

Specifications

Parameter Specification Parameter Specification
Model C9500-32C-A (Catalyst 9500 High-Performance 32 × 100G) Product type Fixed core/distribution switch with QSFP28 100G/40G
Front-panel ports 32 × QSFP28; each supports 100G or 40G Breakout options 100G → 4×25G; 40G → 4×10G (Cisco-qualified optics/DAC/AOC)
Switching capacity Up to 6.4 Tbps Forwarding rate Up to 2 Bpps
CPU / Memory x86 multi-core CPU, 16 GB DRAM Flash 16 GB
Operating system Cisco IOS XE (modular) Virtualization / Overlay SD-Access, EVPN/VXLAN gateway (where supported), VRF
Layer 3 features BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, EIGRP, PBR, uRPF, Multicast (PIM/IGMP/MLD) MPLS L3VPN/6PE/6VPE (license/IOS XE dependent)
Security 802.1X, TrustSec/SGT, CoPP, uACLs, Encrypted Traffic Analytics MACsec Hardware-based (license/port dependent)
QoS & buffers Per-port/queue shaping & policing, DWRR, PFC, ECN Telemetry NetFlow/IPFIX, ERSPAN, model-driven telemetry
Timing IEEE 1588v2 PTP, SyncE (profile dependent) High availability NSF/SSO, ISSU (in-service software upgrade)
Redundancy Dual hot-swappable PSUs; N+1 hot-swappable fans Airflow options Front-to-Back (-B) or Back-to-Front (-F) SKUs
Power supply options Field-replaceable AC (e.g., 1600W/650W) or DC PSUs Input range 100–240 VAC (AC) or –48 VDC (DC)
Physical 1RU fixed chassis; standard 19-inch rack mount Environment Operating 0°C–40°C; 5%–95% RH non-condensing
Management CLI, NETCONF/RESTCONF, SNMP, gNMI; Ansible/Python automation Mgmt/console OOB 10/100/1000 RJ-45 mgmt; RJ-45/USB console
Software license Network Advantage (-A) perpetual Subscriptions Optional DNA Essentials/Advantage term licenses
Use cases Campus core/distribution; 10/25G fan-out via QSFP28 breakout Ordering PID C9500-32C-A

Get More Information

Discover unbeatable prices and fast shipping for the C9500-32C-A Access the detailed C9500-32C-A datasheet and ensure you’re getting the best deal with our reliable delivery service. Need assistance? Our free live chat support is here to help. For more information about the product and pricing, contact us via Live chat or email us at [email protected]

Quality Certifications

Customer Reviews

Write A Review
4.9
(13 reviews)
5 Stars
12
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
    Bruce Banner
    Posted on 30/05/2025
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    Genuine product. No issues with verification.

    Procurement
    Posted on 10/02/2025
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    Competitive quote. Shipping was prompt.

    Roselyn King
    Posted on 14/06/2024
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    No problems during migration, easy deployment.

    Madden Scott
    Posted on 01/04/2024
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    Support answered all questions, product arrived well packed.

    Isaiah Foster
    Posted on 23/03/2024
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    Fast shipping, all ports work as expected.

Questions & Answers

  • What troubleshooting steps fix failed ports on a C9500-32C-A?

    Check port status with “show interfaces”, reseat the cable or transceiver, and test with a different port.

  • Which power supplies come standard with the 32C-A model?

    Typically ships with dual 1600W or 2200W AC power supplies for redundancy.

  • What advanced features unlock with the Advantage tier on 32C?

    Features like SD-Access, advanced routing protocols, and segmentation policies are enabled.

  • Can the 32C-A be substituted by 32C-E plus a license upgrade?

    No, hardware editions are fixed; only licensed features change per tier.

  • What is the best practice for VRF deployment on 32x100G?

    Assign a unique VRF to each tenant or department and segment routing via dedicated uplinks.

  • How do you install and bootstrap Catalyst Software Subscription on 32C-A?

    Activate Smart Licensing, register the switch, and apply your purchased subscription key.

  • What licensing commands verify DNA Advantage on the switch?

    Use “show license summary” and “show license status” for current entitlements.

  • Which optics are bundled in DNA Advantage kits for 100G?

    Typically includes QSFP-100G-SR4 or QSFP-100G-LR4 transceivers, depending on kit.

  • What real-time telemetry features are available on 32C-A?

    NetFlow, model-driven telemetry, and streaming gRPC sensors are available with DNA Advantage.

  • How do I configure Cisco TrustSec on this model?

    Enable TrustSec globally, create SGTs, and apply on interfaces per Cisco config guides.

  • Which CLI command shows fabric link status on 32C?

    Use “show fabric status” or “show interfaces” for link and channel info.

  • Can the 32C-A run ACI+ full control-plane integration?

    Full ACI is not supported, but integration with policy-based SDN is possible.

  • What high-density deployment guides exist for 32C-A?

    Cisco’s CVD (Validated Designs) and high-density 100G deployment whitepapers are recommended.

  • How do I perform an in-place software upgrade?

    Use “install add file” then “install activate” to minimize downtime and preserve config.

  • Compare the 32C-A with the 24Y4C-A for performance per watt.

    32C-A offers higher aggregate throughput, but 24Y4C-A may be more energy efficient per port.

  • What replacement modules work if a 100G port fails?

    Replace with Cisco QSFP modules; see hardware guide for part numbers.

  • How do I enable DNA Center automation workflows on this switch?

    Onboard to Cisco DNA Center and enable Plug and Play/automation policies.

  • What are the recommended fan speeds for data-center deployment?

    Run fans at medium/high if ambient temp exceeds 35°C; monitor via “show environment.”

  • Which backup power topologies integrate with the 32C-A?

    Dual PSUs, UPS systems, and redundant power shelves are common.

  • How do I stage a recovery boot image on 32C-A flash?

    Copy a new image to flash and set as BOOT variable with “boot system flash:filename.bin.”

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Resources Downloads

  • C9500-32C-A Datasheet

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