C9500-32QC-A Cisco Catalyst 9500 32-Ports SFP+ Rack-mountable Switch.

Cisco C9500-32QC-A Catalyst 9500 Series Managed Switch

The Cisco C9500-32QC-A Catalyst 9500 Series switch is a high-performance, rack-mountable Layer 3 Ethernet switch designed for enterprise-grade networks. It provides robust connectivity, advanced manageability, and extensive scalability, making it ideal for large-scale network environments and data center deployments.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C9500-32QC-A
• Device Type: Managed Layer 3 Switch with 32 Ports

Technical Specifications

• Total Ports: 32 SFP+ optical ports
• Expansion Slot Type: QSFP+ modules for high-speed uplinks
• Shared SFP Slots: Not available
• Device Type: Managed Layer 3 Ethernet switch
• Stackable: Yes, supports multi-switch stacking

Network Standards and Media Support

• Ethernet Standard: 40 Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed data transfer
• Network Standard: 40GBase-X for optical fiber compatibility
• Media Compatibility: Fully compatible with optical fiber media

Advanced Management Features

• Support for Cisco DNA Center for network automation and management
• Enhanced security protocols including ACLs, 802.1X, and segment routing
• Real-time traffic monitoring and analytics for proactive network maintenance
• QoS (Quality of Service) for prioritizing critical applications and services

Ideal Applications

• Enterprise core and distribution layer networks
• High-density data center connectivity
• Campus networks requiring high-performance Layer 3 routing
• Networks requiring reliable optical fiber connections and stacking

Cisco C9500-32QC-A Catalyst 9500 Series 

The Cisco C9500-32QC-A Catalyst 9500 is a high-performance Layer 3 rack-mountable Ethernet switch designed for enterprise core and aggregation layers. This switch provides 32 ports of SFP+ 10GBase-X connectivity, enabling businesses to scale their network infrastructure with exceptional reliability and speed. With advanced hardware and software features, the C9500-32QC-A delivers superior performance for data centers, campus networks, and service provider environments, offering high throughput, low latency, and comprehensive security measures.

Advanced Switching Architecture and Layer 3 Capabilities

The Catalyst 9500 series, including the 32QC-A model, supports advanced Layer 3 routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and RIP. This ensures seamless integration with complex enterprise networks and allows for efficient traffic management across multiple subnets. Its high-performance architecture leverages Cisco’s unified access control and policy enforcement, enabling administrators to segment traffic and prioritize critical applications for optimized network performance. The switch’s hardware-accelerated routing further reduces latency while maintaining consistent throughput across all 32 SFP+ ports.

High-Density 10GBase-X Connectivity

Equipped with 32 high-speed SFP+ ports, the C9500-32QC-A supports 10GBase-X connections for uplinks, server access, and aggregation tasks. This high-density design allows enterprises to consolidate networking equipment while maintaining full redundancy and resilience. The SFP+ interfaces are compatible with a wide range of transceivers, including SR, LR, and LRM modules, providing flexibility for both short-range and long-range connectivity requirements. Network engineers can scale their infrastructure with minimal downtime, leveraging the modularity and compatibility of Cisco’s optical solutions.

Reliability, Redundancy, and Resiliency

Cisco designed the Catalyst 9500 series for maximum uptime and fault tolerance. The C9500-32QC-A supports dual redundant power supplies and fans, ensuring uninterrupted operation even during hardware failures. Its system-level redundancy allows traffic to be rerouted dynamically in the event of link or device failure, minimizing the risk of network disruption. With support for Virtual Switching System (VSS) technology, two Catalyst 9500 switches can operate as a single logical device, enhancing redundancy, simplifying management, and improving overall network resiliency.

Enhanced Security and Threat Mitigation

The security capabilities of the Cisco C9500-32QC-A are built to safeguard enterprise networks against modern threats. It incorporates advanced segmentation, identity-based access control, and policy enforcement to protect critical resources. The switch integrates Cisco TrustSec technology, allowing network administrators to classify and enforce security policies dynamically. In addition, it supports advanced threat detection and mitigation through Cisco Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), enabling proactive identification of malicious activity without affecting network performance. These security features ensure that sensitive data remains protected while maintaining high-speed connectivity.

Software and Automation Features

The Catalyst 9500 series is powered by Cisco IOS XE, a modular operating system that provides enhanced programmability and automation. Network engineers can leverage software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities to automate network configuration, monitor performance, and orchestrate traffic flows across the infrastructure. Advanced telemetry features provide real-time insights into network health, allowing for predictive maintenance and rapid troubleshooting. Additionally, integration with Cisco DNA Center simplifies deployment and lifecycle management, enabling enterprises to achieve operational efficiency and faster network provisioning.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

The C9500-32QC-A is engineered with energy efficiency in mind. Intelligent power management reduces energy consumption during low-traffic periods without compromising performance. Fan and power supply redundancy are optimized for low energy usage while maintaining high reliability. Cisco’s EnergyWise technology allows administrators to monitor and manage power consumption across the network infrastructure, promoting sustainable operations and reducing operational costs. This switch not only delivers high-speed connectivity but also aligns with enterprise goals for environmental responsibility.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

Designed for the modern enterprise, the Cisco C9500-32QC-A offers scalability that supports growth in both network size and bandwidth requirements. The 32 SFP+ ports can be aggregated to higher-speed uplinks using 40G and 100G modules where necessary, ensuring the switch remains relevant as network demands evolve. Its modular architecture supports software upgrades without service disruption, allowing businesses to implement new features and protocols as networking standards advance. The Catalyst 9500 series is a future-ready platform that grows alongside enterprise requirements while maintaining robust performance and security.

Integration with Campus and Data Center Networks

The C9500-32QC-A Catalyst 9500 switch is optimized for seamless integration with both campus and data center environments. Its Layer 3 capabilities support routing between multiple VLANs, while its high-speed uplinks connect efficiently to core routers and distribution switches. The switch’s policy-driven management enables consistent application of security and QoS policies across the network. Additionally, integration with Cisco DNA Center allows unified visibility and control of the network infrastructure, simplifying management and reducing operational complexity.

Performance Optimization and Quality of Service

Performance optimization is a key aspect of the C9500-32QC-A Catalyst 9500 series. The switch supports advanced QoS features, including traffic shaping, prioritization, and policy-based routing. This ensures critical applications, such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud workloads, receive prioritized bandwidth, reducing latency and improving overall user experience. Hardware-based forwarding accelerates packet processing, while intelligent buffering and congestion management prevent packet loss during peak traffic periods. These performance enhancements make the C9500-32QC-A ideal for demanding enterprise and data center environments.

Comprehensive Support for Multicast and High-Bandwidth Applications

The Catalyst 9500 series supports extensive multicast routing protocols, including PIM-SM, PIM-DM, and IGMP snooping, enabling efficient distribution of video, IPTV, and streaming services across the network. Its high-bandwidth architecture ensures simultaneous support for multiple data-intensive applications, maintaining network stability even under peak loads. Organizations deploying cloud services, virtualization, and high-performance computing benefit from the switch’s ability to handle large-scale multicast and unicast traffic without degradation of service quality.

Compliance, Standards, and Interoperability

The Cisco C9500-32QC-A adheres to industry standards for networking, including IEEE 802.3ae, 802.1Q, 802.1D, and 802.1w, ensuring seamless interoperability with existing network infrastructures. Its compatibility with a wide range of transceivers, network modules, and management platforms allows organizations to integrate the switch into heterogeneous environments effortlessly. Compliance with international safety, environmental, and energy standards guarantees reliable operation and supports global deployment strategies.