C9500-24Y4C-A Cisco Catalyst 24 Ports Managed Switch

Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switching Platform

The Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series represents a next-generation enterprise switching solution designed for core and aggregation layer deployments. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A model delivers advanced Layer 3 switching capabilities combined with ultra-high-speed fiber connectivity, enabling scalable, resilient, and secure network infrastructures. Built for modern digital environments, this managed switch supports demanding workloads, cloud integration, and bandwidth-intensive applications.

Manufacturer and Product Identification

• Brand: Cisco
• Part Number: C9500-24Y4C-A
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Series: 9500
• Device Category: Managed Layer 3 Switch

Layer Support and Manageability

• Supports Layer 3 networking for routing and switching convergence
• Fully manageable for centralized monitoring and configuration
• Ideal for core and aggregation network roles

Total Ports and Expansion Options

• Total Network Ports: 24
• Total Expansion Slots: 28
• Expansion Slot Type: SFP28
• Dedicated Uplink Ports: Yes

Modular Hardware Advantages

• Supports flexible network expansion
• Reduces downtime during upgrades
• Adapts easily to changing enterprise requirements

Supported Ethernet Technologies

• 25 Gigabit Ethernet for high-density access and aggregation
• 100 Gigabit Ethernet for uplinks and backbone connectivity

Network Technology Standards

• 25GBASE-X for high-speed fiber connections
• 100GBASE-X for ultra-fast data transmission

Power and Hardware Reliability

• Powered by an integrated power supply
• Designed for continuous enterprise operation
• Supports high availability network architectures

Enterprise-Class Layer 3 Switching Architecture

The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A 24 Ports Layer 3 Switch with 25 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ connectivity is positioned within the advanced core and aggregation switching category designed for high-density enterprise networks. This category focuses on delivering scalable routing intelligence, deterministic performance, and resilient hardware foundations that support modern digital infrastructures. Layer 3 switches in this class are engineered to unify switching and routing capabilities, allowing organizations to consolidate network layers while maintaining granular control over traffic flows, security policies, and application prioritization.

This category emphasizes hardware-driven forwarding, low-latency packet processing, and support for extensive routing tables. The Cisco Catalyst 9500 family represents a shift toward intent-based networking, where switching platforms are tightly integrated with software-defined controls and automation frameworks. Products in this segment are commonly deployed at campus cores, distribution layers, and data center edge environments where consistent throughput and policy enforcement are critical.

High-Speed 25 Gigabit Ethernet Switching Category

The inclusion of 25 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ interfaces defines a subcategory that addresses growing bandwidth demands without the cost and complexity associated with higher-speed optics across all ports. This switching category enables enterprises to migrate from 10 Gigabit Ethernet infrastructures to 25 Gigabit Ethernet incrementally, preserving existing fiber investments while unlocking higher performance per port.

Within this subcategory, the Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A delivers a balanced port configuration that aligns with modern access and aggregation designs. The focus is on predictable throughput, high port density, and interoperability with a wide range of optical transceivers. Organizations leveraging this category benefit from simplified upgrades, reduced power consumption per gigabit, and improved network efficiency.

Port Density and Flexible Uplink Design

Switches in this category are designed to support dense connectivity scenarios while maintaining flexibility in uplink selection. The 24-port configuration optimized for 25 Gigabit Ethernet enables aggregation of high-performance access switches, servers, and storage endpoints. Additional high-capacity uplink interfaces are integrated to ensure seamless connectivity to backbone or data center fabrics.

This approach allows network architects to design scalable topologies that can adapt to changing bandwidth requirements. By supporting multiple speed tiers and advanced transceiver options, the category addresses both current workloads and future expansion scenarios without disruptive hardware changes.

Advanced Layer 3 Routing Capabilities

The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A belongs to a category of Layer 3 switches that provide full-featured routing capabilities traditionally associated with dedicated routers. This includes support for dynamic routing protocols, extensive route tables, and hardware-accelerated forwarding. These platforms are engineered to handle complex routing decisions at wire speed, ensuring minimal latency even under heavy traffic loads.

Layer 3 switching in this category enables organizations to collapse network tiers while maintaining robust segmentation and traffic engineering. The ability to perform inter-VLAN routing, policy-based routing, and multicast forwarding directly within the switch enhances efficiency and reduces architectural complexity.

Dynamic Routing Protocol Support

Switches in this category are optimized for enterprise and service-provider-grade routing protocols that ensure fast convergence and high availability. Support for industry-standard routing mechanisms allows seamless integration into existing network environments. The focus is on stability, scalability, and consistent performance across diverse deployment scenarios.

By leveraging advanced routing features, organizations can implement resilient network designs that automatically adapt to link failures or topology changes. This capability is essential for mission-critical applications that require uninterrupted connectivity.

Hardware-Based Forwarding Intelligence

The category emphasizes the use of purpose-built ASICs to offload routing and switching tasks from software to hardware. This ensures deterministic forwarding performance and predictable latency regardless of traffic patterns. Hardware-based forwarding also enhances security and reliability by reducing the attack surface associated with software-only packet processing.

Platforms such as the Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A are designed to sustain high packet rates while maintaining consistent throughput. This makes them suitable for environments with demanding workloads, including real-time communications, cloud applications, and large-scale data transfers.

Security-Focused Switching Category

Enterprise Layer 3 switches in this category integrate security directly into the network fabric. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A aligns with a security-first design philosophy that embeds threat detection, segmentation, and policy enforcement at the switching layer. This approach reduces reliance on perimeter-only security models and enables zero-trust networking architectures.

Security features are implemented in hardware and software, providing comprehensive protection without compromising performance. This category is particularly relevant for organizations seeking to safeguard sensitive data, comply with regulatory requirements, and mitigate evolving cyber threats.

Integrated Network Segmentation

Network segmentation capabilities allow administrators to isolate traffic between different user groups, applications, and devices. This category supports advanced segmentation techniques that extend across wired and wireless domains, ensuring consistent policy enforcement. Segmentation enhances security by limiting lateral movement within the network.

By embedding segmentation at the switching level, organizations can simplify network design while maintaining strict access controls. This capability is essential for environments with diverse user populations and varying security requirements.

Policy Enforcement and Visibility

Switches in this category provide granular visibility into network traffic and user behavior. Integrated telemetry and analytics features enable real-time monitoring and proactive threat detection. Policy enforcement mechanisms ensure that network access aligns with organizational security policies.

This level of visibility allows network teams to identify anomalies, optimize performance, and respond quickly to security incidents. The integration of analytics within the switching platform reduces the need for external monitoring tools.

Automation and Software-Defined Networking Integration

The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A is part of a category that emphasizes automation and software-defined networking capabilities. These switches are designed to integrate with centralized management platforms and controllers that enable intent-based networking. Automation reduces operational complexity and minimizes the risk of configuration errors.

This category supports programmable interfaces and APIs that allow network administrators to automate provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks. By embracing automation, organizations can accelerate deployment timelines and improve overall network agility.

Centralized Management and Orchestration

Centralized management platforms provide a single pane of glass for configuring and monitoring switches across the network. This category leverages centralized orchestration to ensure consistent policy deployment and configuration compliance. Administrators can define network intent at a high level and rely on the system to implement it accurately.

Such capabilities are particularly valuable in large-scale deployments where manual configuration would be time-consuming and error-prone. Centralized management enhances operational efficiency and reduces total cost of ownership.

Programmability and API Support

Programmability is a defining characteristic of this switching category. Support for open APIs and automation frameworks enables integration with third-party tools and custom workflows. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor network behavior to specific business requirements.

By exposing programmable interfaces, switches like the Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A empower network teams to innovate and adapt quickly. Automation scripts can be used to implement changes consistently across the infrastructure, reducing downtime and operational risk.

High Availability and Resilient Network Design

Resilience is a core focus of the enterprise Layer 3 switching category. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A is engineered to support high availability through redundant components, fast convergence protocols, and advanced failover mechanisms. These features ensure continuous network operation even in the event of hardware or link failures.

High availability capabilities are critical for organizations that rely on uninterrupted connectivity to support business-critical applications. This category is designed to meet stringent uptime requirements across a wide range of industries.

Redundant Hardware Architecture

Switches in this category are built with redundancy in mind, incorporating features such as dual power supplies and resilient cooling systems. These design elements minimize single points of failure and enhance overall system reliability. Hardware redundancy ensures that maintenance activities can be performed without disrupting network operations.

The robust construction of the Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A supports deployment in demanding environments where reliability is paramount. This makes it suitable for core network roles where downtime is unacceptable.

Fast Convergence and Fault Recovery

Advanced fault detection and fast convergence mechanisms enable rapid recovery from network disruptions. This category supports protocols and technologies that minimize traffic loss during failover events. Fast convergence is essential for maintaining application performance and user experience.

By combining hardware resilience with intelligent software features, these switches deliver a highly reliable networking foundation that supports continuous business operations.

Scalability for Growing Network Demands

The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A belongs to a category designed for scalability and long-term investment protection. As network demands evolve, these switches provide the performance headroom and feature extensibility required to support growth. Scalability is achieved through high-capacity switching fabrics, modular software architectures, and support for emerging technologies.

This category enables organizations to expand their networks without frequent hardware replacements. By supporting higher-speed interfaces and advanced features through software updates, these switches offer a future-ready platform.

Support for Emerging Applications

Modern enterprise networks must accommodate applications with diverse performance requirements, including cloud services, collaboration tools, and data-intensive workloads. The high-throughput capabilities of this switching category ensure that emerging applications can be supported without compromising existing services.

The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-A provides the bandwidth and intelligence needed to prioritize critical traffic and maintain consistent performance across the network.