C9500X-28C8D-A – 28×40/100G QSFP28 – 8x400G QSFP-DD
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C9500X-28C8D-A Description
C9500X-28C8D-A is a Cisco Catalyst 9500X Series fixed core and aggregation switch for high-density fiber campus core and distribution designs, pairing Network Advantage licensing with the C9500X-28C8D hardware profile. It provides 28 40/100G QSFP28 ports and 8 40/100/200/400G QSFP-DD ports, uses the Cisco Silicon One Q200 ASIC, includes two power supply slots, and requires Cisco IOS XE 17.7.1 or later for the C9500X-28C8D platform.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500X-28C8D-A |
|
Product type |
Fixed core and aggregation switch |
|
Base PID |
C9500X-28C8D |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
|
QSFP28 ports |
28 x 40G/100G QSFP28 |
|
QSFP-DD ports |
8 x 40G/100G/200G/400G QSFP-DD |
|
Breakout support |
Odd-numbered QSFP28 ports and all QSFP-DD ports |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 12 Tbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
8 Bpps |
|
Power supply slots |
2 slots |
|
Default power supply |
C9K-PWR-1500WAC 1500W AC |
|
Fan modules |
6 field-replaceable fan modules |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.7.1 |
Product Performance
Key Features
The C9500X-28C8D hardware model supports 28 QSFP28 ports that can be used for 40G or 100G modules, making the SKU suitable for aggregation designs that are standardizing on high-speed fiber links.
Cisco documentation confirms 8 QSFP-DD ports that support 40G, 100G, 200G, and 400G modules, so the uplink plan can include 400G capacity without moving to a modular chassis.
The -A orderable SKU maps to Network Advantage, and Cisco lists matching Catalyst 9500X Cisco DNA Advantage term licenses for the C9500X-28C8D hardware family.
Cisco identifies the Catalyst 9500X models with the Q200 ASIC profile, 32 GB DRAM, 32 GB flash, 12 Tbps switching capacity, and 8 Bpps forwarding performance.
Cisco hardware guidance confirms breakout support on all QSFP-DD ports and the odd-numbered QSFP28 ports on C9500X-28C8D, so breakout cabling should be checked port by port before release.
The chassis has two power supply slots, six field-replaceable fan modules, and Catalyst 9500X SSD accessory options, allowing the quote to account for power redundancy, airflow direction, and container-hosting storage needs.
Application Scenarios
Use C9500X-28C8D-A when a fixed 1RU switch needs a large 40G/100G QSFP28 port count with 400G QSFP-DD uplinks for aggregation or core-facing links.
Choose this SKU when the approved software tier is Network Advantage and the procurement team wants the hardware PID to align with Catalyst 9500X Cisco DNA Advantage term licensing.
The mix of 28 QSFP28 ports and 8 QSFP-DD ports fits projects that need current 100G aggregation while reserving 400G-capable interfaces for spine, core, or interconnect growth.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500X-28C8D-A | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Base PID |
C9500X-28C8D |
C9500X-28C8D |
C9500X-60L4D |
|
Form Factor |
1RU fixed switch |
1RU fixed switch |
1RU fixed switch |
|
QSFP28 Port Count |
28 |
28 |
0 |
|
SFP56 Port Count |
0 |
0 |
60 |
|
QSFP-DD Port Count |
8 |
8 |
4 |
|
Supported QSFP28 Speeds |
40G/100G |
40G/100G |
Not applicable |
|
Supported SFP56 Speeds |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
10G/25G/50G |
|
Supported QSFP-DD Speeds |
40G/100G/200G/400G |
40G/100G/200G/400G |
40G/100G/200G/400G |
|
ASIC |
Cisco Silicon One Q200 |
Cisco Silicon One Q200 |
Cisco Silicon One Q200 |
|
Switching capacity |
Up to 12 Tbps |
Up to 12 Tbps |
Up to 9.2 Tbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
8 Bpps |
8 Bpps |
8 Bpps |
|
DRAM |
32 GB |
32 GB |
32 GB |
|
Flash |
32 GB |
32 GB |
32 GB |
|
Network license |
Network Advantage |
Network Essentials |
Network Advantage |
|
Default power supply |
C9K-PWR-1500WAC 1500W AC |
C9K-PWR-1500WAC 1500W AC |
C9K-PWR-1500WAC 1500W AC |
|
Power supply slots |
2 slots |
2 slots |
2 slots |
|
Fan modules |
6 |
6 |
6 |
- C9500X-28C8D-A and C9500X-28C8D-E use the same 28x100G plus 8x400G hardware profile; the main orderable difference is the default network license tier.
- C9500X-28C8D-A is the Advantage-tier choice for projects that need the C9500X-28C8D hardware model with Network Advantage and Cisco DNA Advantage alignment.
- C9500X-60L4D-A changes the access-facing port mix to 60 SFP56 ports and 4 QSFP-DD ports, so it should be compared only when the design is based on 10G/25G/50G SFP56 density.
Selection Guide
1. Choose C9500X-28C8D-A for Advantage-tier 100G and 400G builds
Select this SKU when the port plan requires 28 QSFP28 ports, 8 QSFP-DD ports, and the approved Catalyst 9500X software tier is Network Advantage.
2. Compare C9500X-28C8D-E when Essentials is enough
If the hardware requirement is fixed but the required feature tier maps to Network Essentials, review the -E SKU before the purchase order is finalized.
3. Move to C9500X-60L4D-A for SFP56 density
Use the C9500X-60L4D hardware model when the design needs many 10G/25G/50G SFP56 links and fewer 400G QSFP-DD ports instead of the C9500X-28C8D QSFP28-heavy layout.
4. Validate optics, breakout, power, and airflow together
Before release, confirm Cisco-supported transceivers, breakout cabling on the correct ports, AC or DC power supplies, matching fan airflow, SSD requirements, and Cisco DNA term licensing.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Exact SKU |
Confirm C9500X-28C8D-A |
The -A suffix maps the order to Network Advantage, not Network Essentials |
|
Port Plan |
Confirm 28 x QSFP28 and 8 x QSFP-DD ports |
The SKU is built for high 40G/100G density with 400G-capable uplinks |
|
License tier |
Confirm Network Advantage and Cisco DNA Advantage term |
Keeps the hardware PID and subscription entitlement aligned |
|
Optics Plan |
Validate Cisco-supported QSFP28 and QSFP-DD modules |
Interface operation depends on the selected transceivers and cable types |
|
Breakout Cabling |
Confirm odd-numbered QSFP28 ports and all QSFP-DD ports for breakout use |
Breakout support is not identical across every port position |
|
Power Supplies |
Choose C9K-PWR-1500WAC, C9K-PWR-1500WDC, or an approved AC/DC mix |
The chassis has two power supply slots and supports redundant operation |
|
Fan Airflow |
Choose one airflow type across all six fan modules |
Cisco states that mixing Catalyst 9500X fan airflow types is not supported |
|
Storage Option |
Decide whether C9K-F3 SSD storage is required |
SSD storage is an optional Catalyst 9500X accessory, not something to assume on every order |
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
1500W AC power supply for Cisco Catalyst 9500X switches | |
|
1500W DC power supply for Cisco Catalyst 9500X switches | |
|
C9500X-FAN-1U-R |
Catalyst 9500X front-to-back cooling fan, maximum 6 per switch |
|
C9500X-FAN-1U-F |
Catalyst 9500X back-to-front cooling fan, maximum 6 per switch |
|
C9500X-ACCKIT-19I= |
19-inch rack mount accessory kit for Cisco Catalyst 9500X switches |
|
C9500X-ACCKIT-23I= |
23-inch rack mount accessory kit for Cisco Catalyst 9500X switches |
|
C9500X-4PTH-KIT= |
Four-point mounting extension rails and brackets for Cisco Catalyst 9500X switches |
|
240 GB pluggable SSD storage for Catalyst 9500X | |
|
480 GB pluggable SSD storage for Catalyst 9500X | |
|
960 GB pluggable SSD storage for Catalyst 9500X |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C9500X-28C8D-A | Product type | Fixed core and aggregation switch |
| Base PID | C9500X-28C8D | Network license | Network Advantage |
| ASIC | Cisco Silicon One Q200 | QSFP28 ports | 28 x 40G/100G QSFP28 |
| QSFP-DD ports | 8 x 40G/100G/200G/400G QSFP-DD | Breakout support | Odd-numbered QSFP28 ports and all QSFP-DD ports |
| Network Modules | C9500-NM-8X and C9500-NM-2Q are not supported on C9500X-28C8D | Switching capacity | Up to 12 Tbps |
| Forwarding rate | 8 Bpps | DRAM | 32 GB |
| Flash | 32 GB | Power supply slots | 2 slots |
| Power supply options | C9K-PWR-1500WAC, C9K-PWR-1500WDC | Power Supply Mix | Two AC, two DC, AC-DC, one AC, or one DC power supply |
| Input voltage | 90 to 264 VAC | Fan modules | 6 field-replaceable fan modules |
| Airflow options | C9500X-FAN-1U-R or C9500X-FAN-1U-F; all six fans must use the same airflow type | Rack units | 1 RU |
| Dimensions | 1.73 x 17.5 x 21.8 in. (4.4 x 44.5 x 55.4 cm) | Weight | 29.27 lb (13.28 kg), chassis with 2 power supplies and built-in fan |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 6000 ft (1800 m) | Operating temperature | 32 to 104 deg F (0 to 40 deg C) with C9500X-FAN-1U-R fans |
| Acoustic noise | No greater than 68.7 LwAd dB with C9500X-FAN-1U-R fans | BTU Output | 4,034 BTU/hr with AC or DC PSU |
| Minimum software release | Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.7.1 |
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