C9500-32C-E – 32×40/100G QSFP28 Ports – 96×10/25G Breakout – Network Essentials

Brand: Cisco Category: Catalyst 9500 Switches Model: C9500-32C-E
4.818 reviews9 Questions9 sold this month
List Price: $53,716.07 69% OFF
$16,881.30
Available on BackorderLead time confirmed with your quote Brand New
Related models
Cisco SN CheckSN verification before shipment.Verify authenticity3-Year WarrantyExtended, enterprise-gradeWarranty terms14-Day ReturnsStraightforward RMA processReturn policyExpress Shipping2-6 Business Daysvia UPS, FedEx, DHL and more
Trusted & Secure Payments

Shop Expert-Recommended Accessories for the C9500-32C-E

Explore optics, stacking accessories, modules, and power supplies—all verified by our engineers for use with this model.
  • QSFP-40G-SR4-S
    Optics

    QSFP-40G-SR4-S

    40G SR4 S-Class QSFP - MPO-12 MMF - No Breakout
    Original price was: $2,061.70.Current price is: $391.00.
  • QSFP-100G-SR4-S
    Optics

    QSFP-100G-SR4-S

    100G SR4 QSFP - MPO-12 MMF - 100m OM4
    Original price was: $2,433.79.Current price is: $268.00.
  • C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R
    Power & Fans

    C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R

    1600W AC PSU - Catalyst 9500 C9500-32C
    Original price was: $3,549.00.Current price is: $838.00.
  • C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R
    Power & Fans

    C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R

    1600W DC PSU - Catalyst 9500 C9500-32C
    Original price was: $3,549.00.Current price is: $1,984.00.

Why Layer23-Switch

Stocked, Shipped and Supported by One Team

Founded
Customers
Units shipped
Countries
Cisco switches in stock at the Layer23-Switch warehouse
Play

Inventory You Can See

Cisco stock on hand
Models ready to ship
Warehouse space

Ships in 1 Business Day

In-stock orders leave our Hong Kong or U.S. warehouse within 1 business day after payment, with tracking by email.

DHL FedEx UPS Duties included: US · CA · UK

LSCare Warranty

3years on enterprise equipment

  • Advance replacement for in-stock models
  • New unit for dead-on-arrival
  • 14-day returns on sealed items

Free CCIE Support

Certified engineers help before and after you buy. Reply within 1 business day by email or live chat.

Part number check Configuration Troubleshooting

Verify Before You Pay

100%factory-sealed

Get label and serial photos before shipment, and check every serial number with Cisco.

C9500-32C-E Description

The C9500-32C-E is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series fixed core and aggregation switch with Network Essentials licensing for 100G campus aggregation layers. The switch has 32 QSFP28 ports that run at 40G or 100G, up to 96 breakout interfaces at 10G or 25G, 6.4 Tbps of switching capacity, 2 Bpps of forwarding and 82,000 MAC address entries. The -E suffix covers Layer 2, routed access and OSPF up to 1,000 routes, but not BGP, VXLAN or StackWise Virtual.

Quick Specs

Parameter

Specification

Product ID

C9500-32C-E

Product type

High-performance fixed core and aggregation switch

Network license

Network Essentials

Port configuration

32 x 40G/100G QSFP28 ports

Native 100G port density

32 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

Default power supply

C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R 1600W AC

Power supply slots

2

Power supply options

C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R and C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R

Minimum software release

Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a

Product Performance

Switching Capacity
Forwarding Rate
Native 100G QSFP28 Density

Key Features

Network Essentials Feature Scope

The -E suffix covers Layer 2, routed access, OSPF up to 1,000 routes and MACsec-128. BGP, IS-IS, VXLAN and TrustSec are part of Network Advantage instead.

32 Ports At 100G

All 32 QSFP28 ports run at 100G or 40G, so aggregation links can move from 40G to 100G without changing the switch.

Breakout To 10G And 25G

Breakout on 24 of the ports yields up to 96 interfaces at 10G or 25G, which makes the cable and optic plan part of the port design.

6.4 Tbps And 2 Bpps

Switching capacity of up to 6.4 Tbps and forwarding of up to 2 Bpps are double the C9500-32QC-E figures, with no network module slot to add capacity later.

1600W AC Or DC Supplies

The two supply slots take C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R or C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R, not the 650W or 930W supplies used by the C9500-32QC-E.

Fan Tray With Up To Five Fans

The C9K-T2-FANTRAY carries up to five fans and is the tray for the 1600W-supply models, separate from the C9K-T1-FANTRAY.

Application Scenarios

Building Distribution At 100G

In a campus building distribution layer, the switch collects 100G uplinks from access switches and routes between VLANs using OSPF within the 1,000-route Essentials limit.

Routed Access Aggregation

A campus that runs routed access can aggregate access-layer switches on the 32 QSFP28 ports, with Layer 2 and OSPF handled in Network Essentials.

Server Row With 10G Or 25G Hosts

For a server row that connects at 10G or 25G, breakout on the QSFP28 ports fans out up to 96 host-facing interfaces from a single switch.

Product Comparison

Parameter

C9500-32C-E

C9500-32C-A

C9500-32QC-E

C9500-24Y4C-E

Port configuration

32 x 40G/100G QSFP28

32 x 40G/100G QSFP28

32 x 40G QSFP+ or up to 16 x 100G QSFP28

24 x 1G/10G/25G SFP28 + 4 x 40G/100G QSFP28

Breakout support

Up to 96 x 10G/25G

Up to 96 x 10G/25G

Not published

Not supported

Network module support

Not supported

Not supported

Not supported

Not supported

Switching capacity

Up to 6.4 Tbps

Up to 6.4 Tbps

Up to 3.2 Tbps

Up to 2.0 Tbps

Forwarding rate

Up to 2 Bpps

Up to 2 Bpps

Up to 1 Bpps

Up to 1 Bpps

MAC addresses

Up to 82,000

Up to 82,000

Up to 82,000

Up to 82,000

Network license

Network Essentials

Network Advantage

Network Essentials

Network Essentials

Default power supply

C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R 1600W AC

C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R 1600W AC

C9K-PWR-650WAC-R 650W AC

C9K-PWR-650WAC-R 650W AC

Fan modules

C9K-T2-FANTRAY, up to 5 fans

C9K-T2-FANTRAY, up to 5 fans

C9K-T1-FANTRAY, up to 4 fans

C9K-T1-FANTRAY, up to 4 fans

C9500-32C-E and C9500-32C-A share the same 32 QSFP28 ports, 6.4 Tbps, 2 Bpps and 1600W supply, and differ only in the license: C9500-32C-E carries Network Essentials, which covers Layer 2, routed access and OSPF up to 1,000 routes, with MACsec-128. Designs that need full routing such as BGP and IS-IS, VXLAN, TrustSec or MACsec-256 must be ordered as C9500-32C-A. C9500-32QC-E drops to 16 ports at 100G on 3.2 Tbps, 1 Bpps and a 650W supply, and C9500-24Y4C-E is the choice when the access side is 24 SFP28 ports with only four 40G/100G uplinks, at 2.0 Tbps.

Ordering Checklist

  • Subscription and Smart Account: Add a term-based Catalyst Software Subscription or Cisco DNA subscription at the Essentials tier, and name the Smart Account it is placed under. The subscription must match the Network Essentials license on this switch, and the order cannot be completed without a Smart Account.
  • Second power supply: The configurator preselects a second supply; C9500-SPS-NONE removes it. Supplies are C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R or the 1600W DC option. A second supply is added unless removed explicitly.
  • Power cord: Select a power cord for each supply ordered. The configuration cannot be completed without one.
  • RFID: Choose C9500-RFID or C9500-RFID-NONE on the order. RFID cannot be added after the switch ships.

Optional Add-ons

Model

Description

C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R

1600W AC power supply module supported on Catalyst 9500 high-performance switches

C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R

1600W DC power supply module supported on Catalyst 9500 high-performance switches

C9K-T2-FANTRAY=

Fan tray family supported on Catalyst 9500 high-performance switches

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

C9500-4PTH-KIT=

Four-point mounting extension rails and brackets for Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series High-End switches

C9500-DNA-E-3Y

Catalyst 9500 Network and Cisco DNA Essentials 3-year license for 32C-family SKUs

C9500-DNA-E-5Y

Catalyst 9500 Network and Cisco DNA Essentials 5-year license for 32C-family SKUs

C9500-DNA-E-7Y

Catalyst 9500 Network and Cisco DNA Essentials 7-year license for 32C-family SKUs

C9500-32C-E 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-E 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
Product ID C9500-32C-E Product type High-performance fixed core and aggregation switch
Network license Network Essentials Minimum software release Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a
Total ports 32 x 40G/100G QSFP28 ports Port speeds 32 x 100G or 32 x 40G native on the QSFP28 ports
Breakout support Up to 96 x 10G or 25G breakout ports on 24 native ports Switching capacity Up to 6.4 Tbps
Forwarding rate Up to 2 Bpps ASIC Cisco UADP 3.0
DRAM 16 GB Flash 16 GB
SSD storage Optional 240 GB, 480 GB or 960 GB pluggable SATA SSD MAC addresses Up to 82,000
Power supply slots 2 Power supply options C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R, C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R
AC input voltage 90 to 140 VAC and 180 to 264 VAC with C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R DC input voltage -40 to -72 VDC with C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R
Heat dissipation 3,631 BTU/hr with C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R; 3,709 BTU/hr with C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R Fan modules C9K-T2-FANTRAY
Airflow Default front-to-back airflow Acoustic noise No greater than 76.7 LwAd dB
Dimensions (H x W x D) 1.73 x 17.5 x 21.2 in. (4.4 x 44.5 x 56.8 cm) Rack units 1 RU

Quality Certifications

Customer Reviews

Write A Review
4.8
(18 reviews)
5 Stars
15
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
    Joseph Nielsen
    Posted on 30/03/2026
    Verified Buyer
    4.0

    The quote came back with clear line items. Easy for our finance team to approve.

    Carlos Rivera
    Posted on 26/12/2025
    Verified Buyer
    4.0

    Highly recommend Layer23 for anyone in B2B procurement.

    Russell Larsson
    Posted on 23/12/2025
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    I usually stick with big distributors. Layer23 changed my mind.

    Core Network
    Posted on 12/08/2025
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    High value order. Insurance and tracking were handled professionally.

    Pepper Potts
    Posted on 08/07/2025
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    Professional handling of the paperwork. Smooth transaction.

Questions & Answers

  • Does C9500-32C-E support StackWise Virtual?

    No. C9500-32C-E carries Network Essentials, which leaves out StackWise Virtual together with BGP and VXLAN. Its two power supply slots take C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R or C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R, and the switch has no network module slot to add capacity later.

  • What does Network Essentials on C9500-32C-E include?

    Network Essentials on C9500-32C-E covers Layer 2, routed access, OSPF up to 1,000 routes and MACsec-128. BGP, IS-IS, VXLAN and TrustSec are part of Network Advantage. The subscription on the order must match the Network Essentials license, and the order needs a Smart Account.

  • Can C9500-32C-E mix a C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R and a C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R supply?

    Yes. AC, DC and mixed pairs are supported, and the supplies run only in 1+1 redundant load sharing. They are hot-swappable and more than 90 percent efficient at 50 to 100 percent load. The chassis tolerates one failed fan among its 5 fans.

  • Which ACL ranges can a custom SDM template set on C9500-32C-E?

    Custom templates, documented from IOS XE 17.3.1, set the security ACL between 4K and 27K in steps of 2K, with a 4K default. QoS ACL ranges from 1K to 16K. Total ACL resources are 54,000, and the change needs a reload.

  • What multicast limits apply on C9500-32C-E?

    The quoted limits are 2K IGMP snooping groups, 500 PIM neighbors and 250 OIFs per group. IGMP join delay is 30 ms, and 3500 pps of joins and leaves is quoted for 4K groups. These come from Cisco speaker notes for the UADP 3.0 SDM.

  • Can two C9500-32C-E switches form a StackWise Virtual pair?

    No. StackWise Virtual needs Network Advantage on both members, and C9500-32C-E carries Network Essentials. The feature was first supported on the Catalyst 9500 in IOS XE 16.9.1, so both members of a pair must be C9500-32C-A.

  • Does C9500-32C-E support PTP (IEEE 1588v2)?

    No. PTP is a Network Advantage feature on this platform, so C9500-32C-E under Network Essentials does not include it. A timing design needs the Network Advantage tier.

  • What are the Distribution template ACL and PBR/NAT limits on C9500-32C-E?

    The Distribution template sets security ACL at 27,000, QoS ACL at 16,000, PBR/NAT at 3,000 and tunnel/MACsec at 3,000. Switching templates requires a reload, and the SD-Access template was removed from IOS XE 17.3.1.

  • How many Flexible NetFlow entries does C9500-32C-E support?

    C9500-32C-E has hardware Flexible NetFlow with 98K entries per ASIC in the distribution template or 64K in the core, NAT and SD-Access templates, up to 256K in total. Ingress and egress NetFlow cannot share entries.

Warranty

100% Low Price Guarantee:

Layer23-Switch.com offers genuine, high-quality ICT products at competitive wholesale prices—ensuring exceptional value without compromising quality.

100% Quality Assurance:

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.

Free CCIE Technical Support:

Our Cisco CCIE-certified experts provide free professional support via phone, email, online chat, or remote login—helping you deploy and troubleshoot with confidence.

100% Money Back Guarantee:

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.

Flexible & Secure Payment and Shipping:

We support multiple secure payment and logistics options, backed by industry-leading verification:

Visit How to Pay page for more information

Warranty Coverage & RMA Instructions

Extended, Worry-Free Warranty Coverage Factory New Sealed Enterprise Hardware:
· 3 Years Factory New Sealed
Visit Warranty Policy page for more information

FREE NETWORK TOOLS

Verify, plan, and comparewith confidence

Use practical tools to check device details, review lifecyclemilestones, and compare hardware before you buy.

EOL EOSL checker
Check lifecycle dates
cisco switch selector tool

Cisco Switch Selector Tool

Filter Cisco switches by ports, uplinks, PoE, performance, features, license, and budget.

Find matching switches >
cisco sn check tool

Cisco Serial Number Lookup

Verify authenticity and identify exactmodel, coverage, and lifecycle detailsusing a Cisco serial number.

Verify a serial number >

Product Comparison

Compare specifications, capabilitiesand form factors side-by-side tochoose the right hardware.

Cisco Compare products >

DataSheet Downloads

  • C9500-32C-E Datasheet

Related Searches of Catalyst 9500 Switches