C9500-32QC-A – 32x40G QSFP+ or 16x100G QSFP28 Ports – Catalyst 9500
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C9500-32QC-A Description
The C9500-32QC-A is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series high-performance fixed core and aggregation switch for campus or enterprise aggregation roles that need dense QSFP connectivity with Network Advantage licensing. Cisco identifies the orderable PID as a 32-port 40G switch, and the C9500-32QC hardware profile supports 32 x 40G QSFP+ ports, up to 16 x 100G QSFP28 ports, UADP 3.0 forwarding silicon, and published performance of up to 3.2 Tbps switching capacity with up to 1 Bpps forwarding rate.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500-32QC-A |
|
Product type |
High-performance fixed core and aggregation switch |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
|
Port configuration |
32 x 40G QSFP+ or up to 16 x 100G QSFP28 |
|
40G port density |
32 |
|
100G port density |
16 |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 3.2 Tbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 1 Bpps |
|
ASIC and memory |
Cisco UADP 3.0 with 16 GB DRAM and 16 GB flash |
|
Default power supply |
C9K-PWR-650WAC-R 650W AC |
|
Power and cooling |
C9K-PWR-650WAC-R, C9K-PWR-650WACL-R, C9K-PWR-930WDC-R, and C9K-T1-FANTRAY |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a |
Product Performance
Key Features
The -A suffix maps C9500-32QC-A to Network Advantage, so the hardware line should stay aligned with an Advantage subscription rather than the Essentials license path.
The C9500-32QC hardware supports Cisco-documented 40G and 100G operating modes, making the optics plan and interface mode part of the purchase review.
Buyers comparing C9500-32QC against C9500-32C should note that C9500-32QC supports up to 16 100G ports, while the C9500-32C hardware profile supports 32 100G ports.
C9500-32QC belongs to the Catalyst 9500 high-performance family built on Cisco UADP 3.0, the same platform group used by C9500-32C, C9500-48Y4C, and C9500-24Y4C models.
Cisco maps this model to C9K-PWR-650WAC-R, C9K-PWR-650WACL-R, and C9K-PWR-930WDC-R rather than the 1600W supplies used by C9500-32C.
The supported fan tray is C9K-T1-FANTRAY, so replacement planning should not reuse the C9K-T2 fan tray documented for C9500-32C.
Application Scenarios
C9500-32QC-A fits campus core or distribution designs that mostly require 40G QSFP aggregation while reserving a Cisco-documented path for selected 100G QSFP28 interfaces.
This SKU supports hardware standardization on the C9500-32QC platform when the software requirement is Network Advantage with Cisco DNA or Catalyst Advantage subscription coverage.
Use this SKU in BOMs where the C9K-PWR-650WAC-R, C9K-PWR-650WACL-R, C9K-PWR-930WDC-R, and C9K-T1-FANTRAY spare path is already approved for the site.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500-32QC-A | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Product type |
High-performance fixed switch |
High-performance fixed switch |
High-performance fixed switch |
|
Orderable PID |
C9500-32QC-A |
C9500-32QC-E |
C9500-32C-A |
|
40G port density |
32 |
32 |
32 |
|
100G port density |
16 |
16 |
32 |
|
Documented port modes |
32 x 40G, 16 x 100G, or 24 x 40G plus 4 x 100G |
32 x 40G, 16 x 100G, or 24 x 40G plus 4 x 100G |
32 x 40G or 32 x 100G |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 3.2 Tbps |
Up to 3.2 Tbps |
Up to 6.4 Tbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 1 Bpps |
Up to 1 Bpps |
Up to 2 Bpps |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
Network Essentials |
Network Advantage |
|
Default power supply |
C9K-PWR-650WAC-R 650W AC |
C9K-PWR-650WAC-R 650W AC |
C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R 1600W AC |
|
Cisco DNA term license |
C9500-DNA-A-3Y, C9500-DNA-A-5Y, C9500-DNA-A-7Y |
C9500-DNA-E-3Y, C9500-DNA-E-5Y, C9500-DNA-E-7Y |
C9500-DNA-A-3Y, C9500-DNA-A-5Y, C9500-DNA-A-7Y |
|
Power supply options |
C9K-PWR-650WAC-R, C9K-PWR-650WACL-R, C9K-PWR-930WDC-R |
C9K-PWR-650WAC-R, C9K-PWR-650WACL-R, C9K-PWR-930WDC-R |
C9K-PWR-1600WAC-R, C9K-PWR-1600WDC-R |
|
Fan tray |
C9K-T1-FANTRAY |
C9K-T1-FANTRAY |
C9K-T2-FANTRAY |
|
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 C9500-32QC-A vs C9500-32QC-E comparison, the base C9500-32QC hardware, port densities, power supplies, fan tray, and minimum software release stay the same; the difference is Network Advantage versus Network Essentials.
- The C9500-32QC-A vs C9500-32C-A difference is the hardware profile: C9500-32QC-A supports 16-port 100G density with 3.2 Tbps switching capacity, while C9500-32C-A supports 32-port 100G density with 6.4 Tbps switching capacity.
- For buyers deciding which model to choose, keep C9500-32QC-A on the BOM when the required comparison point is the C9500-32QC high-performance port-mode profile with the Advantage tier.
Selection Guide
1. Choose it for C9500-32QC Advantage orders
Select C9500-32QC-A when the approved design calls for the C9500-32QC hardware profile and Network Advantage licensing.
2. Use C9500-32QC-E only for Essentials licensing
Move to C9500-32QC-E when the port mode, power family, and fan tray remain the same but the required network license tier is Network Essentials.
3. Compare C9500-32C-A before committing to 100G density
Review C9500-32C-A when the design needs 32 100G ports, 6.4 Tbps switching capacity, or the 1600W power supply family.
4. Lock port mode and optics together
Confirm whether the deployment will run 32 40G ports, 16 100G ports, or the mixed 24 x 40G plus 4 x 100G mode before the quote and transceiver list are finalized.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Exact product ID |
C9500-32QC-A |
Confirms the C9500-32QC hardware profile with Network Advantage |
|
Port operating mode |
32 x 40G, 16 x 100G, or 24 x 40G plus 4 x 100G |
The selected mode changes which 40G and 100G interfaces are active |
|
Optics plan |
QSFP, QSFP28, or Cisco-supported CVR adapter use |
Interface speed depends on the inserted module and Cisco compatibility support |
|
Subscription term |
C9500-DNA-A-3Y, C9500-DNA-A-5Y, C9500-DNA-A-7Y, or matching Catalyst Advantage term |
A software subscription term is required when ordering a Catalyst 9500 switch |
|
Software baseline |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a or a supported later release |
This is the Cisco-published minimum software requirement for C9500-32QC |
|
Power supply family |
C9K-PWR-650WAC-R, C9K-PWR-650WACL-R, or C9K-PWR-930WDC-R |
The C9500-32QC BOM should not inherit the 1600W C9500-32C power path |
|
Cooling spare |
C9K-T1-FANTRAY |
The fan-tray spare differs from the C9K-T2 family used by C9500-32C |
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
650W AC power supply supported on C9500-32QC | |
|
650W AC low-line power supply supported on C9500-32QC | |
|
930W DC power supply supported on C9500-32QC | |
|
C9K-T1-FANTRAY |
Catalyst 9500 fan tray for C9500-32QC, C9500-48Y4C, and C9500-24Y4C |
|
Catalyst 9500 Network and Cisco DNA Advantage 3-year license for C9500-32QC SKU | |
|
C9500-DNA-A-5Y |
Catalyst 9500 Network and Cisco DNA Advantage 5-year license for C9500-32QC SKU |
|
C9500-DNA-A-7Y |
Catalyst 9500 Network and Cisco DNA Advantage 7-year license for C9500-32QC SKU |
|
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 |
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 | C9500-32QC-A | Product type | High-performance fixed core and aggregation switch |
| Network license | Network Advantage | Cisco DNA term SKUs | C9500-DNA-A-3Y, C9500-DNA-A-5Y, C9500-DNA-A-7Y |
| Port configuration | 32 x 40G QSFP+ or up to 16 x 100G QSFP28 | Mixed C9500-32QC mode | 24 x 40G plus 4 x 100G |
| 40G port density | 32 | 100G port density | 16 |
| Interface media | QSFP or QSFP28 transceiver module, with 1G or 10G through CVR-QSFP-SFP10G | Network module support | No optional network module support for C9500-32QC |
| Switching capacity | Up to 3.2 Tbps | Forwarding rate | Up to 1 Bpps |
| ASIC | Cisco UADP 3.0 | DRAM | 16 GB |
| Flash | 16 GB | Power supply slots | 2 |
| Power supply options | C9K-PWR-650WAC-R, C9K-PWR-650WACL-R, C9K-PWR-930WDC-R | Fan tray | C9K-T1-FANTRAY |
| AC PSU input range | 90 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz | DC PSU input range | -40 to -72 VDC with C9K-PWR-930WDC-R |
| BTU output | 1,815 BTU/hr with 650W AC supplies; 1,856 BTU/hr with 930W DC supply | Rack units | 1 RU |
| Dimensions | 1.73 x 17.5 x 18.0 in. (4.39 x 44.45 x 45.72 cm) | Weight | 21.85 lb (9.91 kg) with 2 power supplies and built-in fan |
| Acoustic noise | No greater than 72.1 LwAd dB | Operating temperature | 32 to 104 deg F (0 to 40 deg C) up to 10,000 ft |
| Minimum software release | Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a | Optics compatibility reference | Cisco Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix |
Get More Information
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Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
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What is Cisco C9500-32QC-A designed for?
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How is C9500-32QC-A different from C9500-32QC-E?
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Can C9500-32QC-A be used for 100G?
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How is C9500-32QC-A different from C9500-32C-A?
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Does C9500-32QC-A require an uplink module?
-
Can C9500-32QC-A form a StackWise Virtual pair?
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What should be checked before buying C9500-32QC-A?
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When should I choose another model instead of C9500-32QC-A?
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