C9500-40X-2Q-E – 40x10G SFP/SFP+ Ports – 2x40G QSFP+ Module
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C9500-40X-2Q-E Description
C9500-40X-2Q-E is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series fixed core and aggregation switch bundle for campus core and aggregation designs that need dense 10G fiber aggregation with 40G uplink capacity. The SKU combines a C9500-40X base switch with 40 10G SFP/SFP+ ports, a bundled C9500-NM-2Q network module with two 40G QSFP+ uplink ports, Network Essentials licensing, and a Cisco-published performance profile of up to 960 Gbps switching capacity and 720 Mpps forwarding rate.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500-40X-2Q-E |
|
Product type |
Fixed core and aggregation switch bundle |
|
Network license |
Network Essentials |
|
Base PID |
C9500-40X |
|
Bundled network module |
C9500-NM-2Q |
|
Base switch ports |
40 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP/SFP+ |
|
Network module ports |
2 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ |
|
ASIC |
Cisco UADP 2.0 |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 960 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 720 Mpps |
|
Release-note support |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.x lists the bundled PID |
|
Default power supply |
PWR-C4-950WAC-R 950W AC |
Product Performance
Key Features
C9500-40X-2Q-E keeps the forty-port C9500-40X hardware, the C9500-NM-2Q module, and Network Essentials licensing under one orderable PID.
The C9500-40X base switch provides forty 10G SFP/SFP+ ports, making this bundle a fiber aggregation choice rather than a copper access-switch SKU.
The included C9500-NM-2Q module is the hardware distinction from C9500-48X-E, which uses C9500-NM-8X for eight additional 10G SFP/SFP+ module ports.
Cisco catalog data places the C9500-40X family in the UADP 2.0 model group and publishes the 960 Gbps and 720 Mpps sizing figures.
Cisco ordering guidance requires a Catalyst Software Subscription or Cisco DNA term license at purchase, and the tier must align with the -E Network Essentials hardware PID.
The C9500-40X hardware has two power supply slots, and Cisco documentation lists FAN-T4-R front-to-back cooling for Catalyst 9500 service planning.
Application Scenarios
C9500-40X-2Q-E suits a campus distribution or aggregation block that needs forty 10G fiber-facing ports plus two 40G QSFP+ uplinks while staying on Network Essentials.
The SKU is the practical counterpart to C9500-40X-2Q-A when the bill of materials keeps the same C9500-40X base and 2Q module but does not require Network Advantage.
This bundle is preferable to C9500-48X-E when the design depends on bundled 40G QSFP+ uplinks instead of expanding the chassis with eight more 10G SFP/SFP+ module ports.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500-40X-2Q-E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Form factor |
Fixed 1 RU switch bundle |
Fixed 1 RU switch bundle |
Fixed 1 RU switch bundle |
|
Base PID |
C9500-40X |
C9500-40X |
C9500-40X |
|
Base switch ports |
40 x 10G SFP/SFP+ |
40 x 10G SFP/SFP+ |
40 x 10G SFP/SFP+ |
|
Bundled network module |
C9500-NM-2Q |
C9500-NM-2Q |
C9500-NM-8X |
|
Network module port type |
2 x 40G QSFP+ |
2 x 40G QSFP+ |
8 x 10G SFP/SFP+ |
|
Bundled 40G module ports |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Total 10G SFP/SFP+ ports |
40 |
40 |
48 |
|
ASIC |
UADP 2.0 |
UADP 2.0 |
UADP 2.0 |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 960 Gbps |
Up to 960 Gbps |
Up to 960 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 720 Mpps |
Up to 720 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 |
|
Release-note support |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.x bundled PID |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.x bundled PID |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.x bundled PID |
|
Power supply slots |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Rack units |
1 RU |
1 RU |
1 RU |
- In a C9500-40X-2Q-E vs C9500-40X-2Q-A comparison, the decisive difference is the license tier: C9500-40X-2Q-E maps to Network Essentials while C9500-40X-2Q-A maps to Network Advantage.
- The C9500-40X-2Q-E difference from C9500-48X-E is the bundled network module, so the comparison is two 40G QSFP+ module ports versus eight added 10G SFP/SFP+ module ports.
- For buyers deciding which model to choose, keep C9500-40X-2Q-E when both the 2Q hardware plan and Essentials software scope are already approved.
Selection Guide
1. Start with the uplink module
Keep C9500-40X-2Q-E on the BOM only when the two 40G QSFP+ module ports are part of the approved topology.
2. Check the Essentials boundary
The -E PID is the correct line when Network Essentials and Cisco DNA Essentials match the entitlement plan; Advantage requirements belong on C9500-40X-2Q-A.
3. Separate 40G uplink orders from 48-port 10G orders
If the request is extra SFP/SFP+ density, C9500-48X-E changes the module to C9500-NM-8X and removes the bundled 40G module ports.
4. Close the physical and license review
Validate Smart Account handling, the selected software term, Cisco-supported optics, power supply type, power cords, and 21.5 in. depth before releasing the BOM.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Exact PID |
Confirm C9500-40X-2Q-E rather than C9500-40X-2Q-A |
The suffix sets Network Essentials instead of Network Advantage |
|
Bundled module |
Confirm C9500-NM-2Q is required |
This module provides two 40G QSFP+ ports instead of eight 10G SFP/SFP+ ports |
|
Cisco DNA term |
Select the matching Cisco DNA Essentials term |
Cisco ordering guidance requires a same-tier software subscription with hardware purchase |
|
Smart Account |
Check Smart Account readiness for license deposit and tracking |
Cisco ordering guidance ties Catalyst 9500 software entitlements to Smart Account handling |
|
Optics plan |
Validate SFP/SFP+ and QSFP+ optics in Cisco compatibility tools |
Unsupported optics can change the usable bill of materials even when the switch PID is correct |
|
Power and rack plan |
Confirm AC or DC power supply choice, redundancy, power cords, 1 RU space, and 21.5 in. chassis depth |
Physical installation issues are easier to resolve before purchase approval |
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
PWR-C4-950WAC-R/2 |
950W AC Config 4 redundant power supply with front-to-back cooling |
|
FAN-T4-R |
Catalyst 9500 Type 4 front-to-back cooling fan for C9500-40X |
|
C9500-ACC-KIT-19I= |
19-inch rack mount accessory kit for Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C9500-40X-2Q-E | Series | Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series |
| Product type | Fixed core and aggregation switch bundle | Network license | Network Essentials |
| Base PID | C9500-40X | Bundled network module | C9500-NM-2Q |
| Base switch ports | 40 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP/SFP+ ports | Network module ports | 2 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ ports |
| ASIC | Cisco UADP 2.0 | Switching capacity | Up to 960 Gbps |
| Forwarding rate | Up to 720 Mpps | Power supply slots | 2 |
| Power supply class | 950W AC or 950W DC | Fan support | FAN-T4-R Type 4 front-to-back cooling fan |
| Rack units | 1 RU | Dimensions | 1.73 x 17.5 x 21.5 in. (4.4 x 44.5 x 56.7 cm) |
| Acoustic noise | No greater than 68.3 LwAd dB | Release-note support | Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.x lists C9500-40X-2Q-E as a bundled PID |
Get More Information
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Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
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What does C9500-40X-2Q-E include?
-
How is port density arranged on C9500-40X-2Q-E?
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Which license tier comes with C9500-40X-2Q-E?
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Is C9500-40X-2Q-E equivalent to C9500-48X-E?
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What capacity does C9500-40X-2Q-E deliver?
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Which Cisco IOS XE release lists C9500-40X-2Q-E?
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How should C9500-40X-2Q-E power and rack space be planned?
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When should C9500-40X-2Q-E be replaced by another bundle?
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