C9500-40X-A Cisco Catalyst 9500 40-Port Managed Switch

Cisco C9500-40X-A Catalyst 9500 40-Port Managed Switch

The Cisco C9500-40X-A Catalyst 9500 series switch is a high-performance Layer 3 managed switch, designed to deliver exceptional network reliability, scalability, and security for enterprise and data center environments. With 40 high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, it ensures robust connectivity for modern networking demands.

General Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C9500-40X-A
• Device Type: 40-Port Layer 3 Managed Switch
• Enclosure Type: 1U Rack-mountable
• Port Subtype: 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Power Over Ethernet: UPOE supported

Performance and Connectivity

• Switching Capacity (Full Duplex): 480 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 720 Mpps
• Interfaces: 40 x 10G SFP+ ports, 2 x USB 3.0 ports
• High-speed uplinks: Optimized for data-intensive applications

Network Standards Compliance

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3z
• IEEE 802.1d, 802.1q, 802.1p
• IEEE 802.3x, 802.3ad (LACP)
• IEEE 802.1w, 802.1x, 802.3ae
• IEEE 802.1s, 802.1ae

Power and Redundancy Features

• Power Device: Internal hot-plug power supply
• Installed Units: 1 (supports up to 2)
• Redundancy Scheme: 1+1 optional
• Power Output: 950 Watts
• Voltage Requirements: AC 120/230 V, 50-60 Hz

Security and Management Capabilities

• Advanced Layer 3 routing protocols support
• IEEE 802.1x network access control
• Policy-based QoS for traffic prioritization
• Enhanced redundancy with optional power supply backup

Key Advantages of the Cisco C9500-40X-A

• High-density 40-port 10G SFP+ configuration for maximum throughput
• Scalable network architecture with modular design
• Optional UPOE support for device power delivery over Ethernet
• Robust Layer 3 switching for enterprise and data center deployment
• Comprehensive support for IEEE standards ensuring network compatibility

Cisco C9500-40X-A Catalyst 9500 40-Port Managed Switch 

The Cisco C9500-40X-A Catalyst 9500 40-Port Managed Switch represents the pinnacle of enterprise-grade network switching. Designed to support high-performance, secure, and scalable network environments, this switch is ideal for modern data centers and campus networks. With 40 high-speed ports and advanced Layer 3 capabilities, the Cisco Catalyst 9500 series delivers consistent, low-latency connectivity while providing comprehensive network visibility and control.

High-Performance Switching and Architecture

The Catalyst 9500-40X-A is engineered with cutting-edge switching architecture, providing high throughput and low latency for demanding applications. Its hardware-accelerated forwarding enables wire-speed performance across all 40 ports, supporting simultaneous traffic flows with minimal congestion. The device supports advanced features such as Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) and software-defined access, allowing seamless integration into hybrid network environments.

Advanced Layer 3 Capabilities

Equipped with full Layer 3 routing functionality, the Cisco C9500-40X-A provides scalable routing solutions for large enterprise networks. It supports dynamic routing protocols including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and IS-IS, ensuring optimal path selection and network redundancy. The switch is capable of performing high-performance inter-VLAN routing, making it a core component of enterprise campus networks.

Multigigabit and High-Speed Connectivity

This managed switch includes 40 10/25 Gigabit Ethernet ports with support for 40G uplinks, offering flexible connectivity options for high-bandwidth applications. The multigigabit ports allow the network to adapt to varying traffic demands without compromising performance. In addition, the switch supports Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) on select ports, enabling connectivity for IP telephony, wireless access points, and surveillance devices.

Enhanced Security Features

Security is a core component of the Catalyst 9500 series. The Cisco C9500-40X-A incorporates advanced threat protection mechanisms, including encrypted traffic analytics and secure boot processes. The switch supports role-based access control, MACsec encryption, and 802.1X authentication, ensuring that both internal and external threats are mitigated. These capabilities make it ideal for organizations prioritizing secure digital transformation.

Automation and Programmability

The switch is fully programmable with Cisco DNA Center, offering network automation capabilities that reduce operational complexity. Administrators can automate routine tasks, monitor network performance in real time, and implement policy-based segmentation with ease. Programmable interfaces such as REST APIs and Python scripting support enable custom network management solutions for large-scale deployments.

Resiliency and Redundancy

The Cisco C9500-40X-A is designed for mission-critical environments where uptime is essential. It includes dual redundant power supplies and fans, ensuring uninterrupted operation even during component failure. The switch supports StackWise Virtual technology, allowing multiple switches to be interconnected and managed as a single entity. This provides high availability, simplified management, and seamless failover during maintenance or unexpected outages.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Design

Built with sustainability in mind, the Catalyst 9500-40X-A consumes minimal energy without sacrificing performance. Its intelligent power management adjusts power usage based on network load, reducing operational costs while maintaining peak efficiency. The device complies with industry environmental standards and supports advanced cooling techniques to optimize airflow and thermal performance.

Comprehensive Network Analytics

The switch offers robust network telemetry and analytics, enabling administrators to gain real-time insights into network health and performance. Tools such as Flexible NetFlow, Cisco IOS XR analytics, and SNMP monitoring allow detailed traffic analysis and proactive issue detection. These features enhance network troubleshooting capabilities and help maintain optimal service levels for critical business applications.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

The Cisco Catalyst 9500-40X-A integrates seamlessly with the broader Cisco ecosystem, including wireless LAN controllers, security appliances, and cloud management platforms. This interoperability allows enterprises to implement end-to-end network solutions with consistent policy enforcement and centralized management. Integration with Cisco DNA and Meraki dashboards provides additional visibility, simplifying network operations across hybrid environments.

Use Cases for Enterprise and Data Center Networks

The Catalyst 9500-40X-A is ideally suited for high-density enterprise deployments, campus backbones, and data center aggregation layers. It supports virtualization, cloud connectivity, and high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming, cloud computing, and IoT infrastructure. Organizations leveraging this switch benefit from scalable network architectures, enhanced security, and reduced operational complexity.

Support for Future Technologies

Future-proof network deployment is a priority for the Catalyst 9500 series. The C9500-40X-A supports upcoming networking technologies, including software-defined WAN, network segmentation, and advanced telemetry for AI-driven network optimization. Its modular design allows upgrades and expansion without requiring complete hardware replacement, providing a long-term investment for evolving network needs.

Operational Simplicity and Management

Management of the Cisco C9500-40X-A is simplified through intuitive interfaces and centralized tools. Cisco Prime and DNA Center offer comprehensive monitoring, policy enforcement, and automated provisioning. The switch supports zero-touch deployment, allowing rapid installation in large-scale environments with minimal manual configuration. This operational simplicity reduces downtime and accelerates network provisioning across multiple sites.

Technical Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst 9500-40X-A includes a variety of technical features designed to maximize network performance and reliability. It offers a switching capacity capable of handling multi-terabit traffic, low-latency packet forwarding, and advanced QoS features. The switch supports IPv4 and IPv6 routing, multicast traffic management, and hardware-based ACLs for fine-grained traffic control. Additionally, its comprehensive diagnostic tools and built-in redundancy enhance overall network resilience.

Scalability and Expansion

Scalability is a key strength of the Catalyst 9500-40X-A. The switch can be stacked with other Catalyst 9500 devices to form a highly resilient and scalable network core. Network operators can add capacity without downtime, maintaining seamless connectivity and service availability. The flexible uplink architecture supports 40G and 100G connections for connecting to aggregation switches and data center networks.

Comparisons with Other Catalyst Models

Compared to other models in the Catalyst 9500 series, the 40X-A variant offers higher port density and advanced Layer 3 capabilities suitable for large-scale enterprise deployments. It outperforms earlier 24-port models in terms of throughput, redundancy, and multigigabit support. Organizations seeking a high-capacity, feature-rich switch for next-generation networks will find the C9500-40X-A a compelling choice for both campus and data center environments.

Deployment Scenarios

Deployment scenarios for the Catalyst 9500-40X-A include campus aggregation layers, data center access, and high-performance enterprise backbones. It is particularly effective for organizations implementing software-defined networking, secure segmentation, and converged wired and wireless networks. The switch provides a reliable foundation for cloud connectivity, hybrid workloads, and modern business-critical applications.