C9500-32C-A – 32×40/100G QSFP28 Ports – 96×10/25G Breakout – Network Advantage
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C9500-32C-A Description
C9500-32C-A is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series high-performance fixed switch with 32 QSFP28 ports for 40G and 100G core or aggregation connectivity.
This SKU fits designs that need the full C9500-32C 100G port profile with Network Advantage licensing. C9500-32C-E keeps the same 32-port hardware but changes the network license to Network Essentials, while C9500-32QC-A reduces the 100G density to 16 ports and uses a different power and fan-tray family.
Procurement review should tie the exact -A SKU to the approved license tier, Cisco IOS XE baseline, QSFP28 optics, breakout plan, 1600W AC or DC power supply choice, fan-tray sparing, rack depth, price request, stock check, warranty support, and shipping destination.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500-32C-A |
|
Product family |
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series |
|
Product type |
High-performance fixed core and aggregation switch |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
|
Port configuration |
32 x 40G/100G QSFP28 ports |
|
Breakout support |
Up to 96 x 10G or 25G breakout ports |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 6.4 Tbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 2 Bpps |
|
DRAM and flash |
16 GB DRAM and 16 GB flash |
|
Power supply slots |
2 |
|
Power supply options |
C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R and C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R |
|
Fan tray |
C9K-T2-FANTRAY, up to 5 fans |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a |
Product Performance
Key Features
The -A suffix maps C9500-32C-A to the Network Advantage license tier, so the switch line item should not be swapped with the Essentials PID without a software review.
Cisco identifies C9500-32C as the Catalyst 9500 high-performance model with 32 ports of 40G and 100G connectivity for dense aggregation or core uplinks.
The C9500-32C model supports breakout to 10G or 25G on Cisco-documented port groups, which makes the cable and optic plan part of the hardware review.
This switch uses the C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R or C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R power supply family, not the 650W or 930W supplies used by several other Catalyst 9500 high-performance models.
Cisco maps C9500-32C to the C9K-T2-FANTRAY family with up to five fans, so replacement planning should keep the fan tray separate from C9K-T1 models.
Cisco release notes list C9500-32C-A with Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a, which gives the deployment team a confirmed minimum release reference.
Application Scenarios
C9500-32C-A belongs in designs that need a fixed Catalyst platform with 32 QSFP28 ports for high-count 40G or 100G uplink aggregation.
This SKU supports BOMs that combine native 40G/100G links with Cisco-validated 10G or 25G breakout groups on the C9500-32C hardware.
The model fits organizations that require Network Advantage on the 32C hardware profile instead of the Essentials tier used by C9500-32C-E.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500-32C-A | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Product family |
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series |
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series |
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series |
|
Product type |
High-performance fixed switch |
High-performance fixed switch |
High-performance fixed switch |
|
Base hardware model |
C9500-32C |
C9500-32C |
C9500-32QC |
|
QSFP28 port count |
32 |
32 |
32 |
|
40G port density |
32 |
32 |
32 |
|
100G port density |
32 |
32 |
16 |
|
Breakout support |
Up to 96 x 10G/25G ports |
Up to 96 x 10G/25G ports |
Not listed for C9500-32QC |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 6.4 Tbps |
Up to 6.4 Tbps |
Up to 3.2 Tbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 2 Bpps |
Up to 2 Bpps |
Up to 1 Bpps |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
Network Essentials |
Network Advantage |
|
Power supply options |
C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R, C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R |
C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R, C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R |
C9K-PWR-650WAC-R, C9K-PWR-650WACL-R, C9K-PWR-930WDC-R |
|
Fan tray |
C9K-T2-FANTRAY, up to 5 fans |
C9K-T2-FANTRAY, up to 5 fans |
C9K-T1-FANTRAY, up to 4 fans |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a |
- In a C9500-32C-A vs C9500-32C-E comparison, the base hardware, 32-port QSFP28 layout, 6.4 Tbps switching capacity, 2 Bpps forwarding rate, and 1600W power family stay the same; the difference is Network Advantage versus Network Essentials.
- The C9500-32C-A vs C9500-32QC-A difference is 100G density, switching capacity, forwarding rate, breakout support, and power/fan-tray family, while both remain Catalyst 9500 high-performance fixed switches.
- For buyers deciding which model to choose, keep C9500-32C-A on the BOM when the order requires the C9500-32C 32-port 100G hardware profile with the Advantage license tier.
Selection Guide
1. Select it for 32-port 100G Advantage designs
C9500-32C-A is the correct line item when the project requires 32 QSFP28 ports that support 40G and 100G with Network Advantage.
2. Use C9500-32C-E only for Essentials licensing
Move to C9500-32C-E when the hardware requirement is unchanged but the approved network license tier is Network Essentials.
3. Compare C9500-32QC-A for lower 100G density
Review C9500-32QC-A only when the design can use 16 100G ports and the different 650W or 930W power supply family documented for that model.
4. Validate breakout, power, and software together
Check the QSFP28 module list, breakout groups, Cisco IOS XE release plan, 1600W PSU type, fan-tray spare, rack depth, and subscription requirements before the quote is finalized.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Orderable PID |
Keep C9500-32C-A on the purchase line |
Avoids replacing the Advantage SKU with the Essentials C9500-32C-E line |
|
QSFP28 layout |
Match the design to 32 ports that run 40G or 100G |
The 32C hardware is the full 100G-density member in this comparison set |
|
Breakout groups |
Decide which links stay native QSFP28 and which use 10G or 25G breakout |
Cable and optic quantities change when the C9500-32C breakout feature is used |
|
IOS XE release |
Use Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a or a supported later release |
This is the Cisco release-note introduction point for the SKU |
|
PSU selection |
Choose the 1600W AC or 1600W DC supply path |
The C9500-32C bill of materials should not inherit 650W or 930W supplies from 32QC or 24Y4C models |
|
Cooling spare |
Source the C9K-T2-FANTRAY family |
The fan-tray order path is different from the C9K-T1 hardware used on several neighboring models |
|
Cabinet clearance |
Reserve 1 RU height and 21.2 in. chassis depth |
The deeper chassis should be checked before final rack allocation |
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R |
1600W AC power supply supported on C9500-32C |
|
C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R |
1600W DC power supply supported on C9500-32C |
|
C9K-T2-FANTRAY |
Fan tray supported on C9500-32C with up to five fans |
|
C9500-ACCKITH-19I= |
19-inch rack mount accessory kit for Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series High-End switches |
|
C9500-ACCKITH-23I= |
23-inch rack mount accessory kit for Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series High-End switches |
C9500-32C-A Switch Front Panel
|
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.
|
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.
Specifications
Packaging weight and dimensions included:| Weight | 19.69 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 70 × 58 × 19 cm |
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C9500-32C-A | Brand | Cisco |
| Product family | Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series | Product type | High-performance fixed core and aggregation switch |
| Network license | Network Advantage | Base hardware model | C9500-32C |
| Port configuration | 32 x 40G/100G QSFP28 ports | Breakout support | Up to 96 x 10G or 25G breakout ports |
| Switching capacity | Up to 6.4 Tbps | Forwarding rate | Up to 2 Bpps |
| DRAM | 16 GB | Flash | 16 GB |
| Power supply slots | 2 | Power supply options | C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R, C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R |
| AC PSU input range | 90 to 140 VAC and 180 to 264 VAC with C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R | DC PSU input range | -40 to -72 VDC with C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R |
| Fan tray | C9K-T2-FANTRAY, up to 5 fans | Rack units | 1 RU |
| Dimensions | 1.73 x 17.5 x 21.2 in. (4.4 x 44.5 x 56.8 cm) | Weight | 35.05 lbs (15.90 kg) with 2 power supplies and 5 fans |
| Acoustic noise | No greater than 77 LwAd dB | BTU output | 3,631 BTU/hr with C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R; 3,709 BTU/hr with C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R |
| Minimum software release | Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a |
Get More Information
Need pricing, stock, or shipping details for the C9500-32C-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 Cisco C9500-32C-A designed for?
-
How is C9500-32C-A different from C9500-32C-E?
-
Can C9500-32C-A support 40G connections?
-
Can C9500-32C-A break out 100G ports to 25G?
-
How is C9500-32C-A different from C9500-48Y4C-A?
-
Does C9500-32C-A use modular uplink cards?
-
What should be checked before buying C9500-32C-A?
-
When should I choose C9500X instead of C9500-32C-A?
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