C9500-12Q-A Cisco Catalyst 9500 12 Ports Switch

Cisco C9500-12Q-A Catalyst 9500 12 Ports Manageable Switch

The Cisco C9500-12Q-A Catalyst 9500 series switch is a high-performance, stackable, Layer 3 managed network device designed for enterprise networks, data centers, and high-demand environments. It provides advanced connectivity, robust performance, and extensive scalability for modern network infrastructures.

Manufacturer and Model Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C9500-12Q-A
• Device Type: 12 Ports L3 Managed Stackable Switch

Technical Specifications

• Enclosure Type: 1U Rack-mountable
• Airflow Direction: Front-to-rear for optimal cooling
• Subtype: 40 Gigabit Ethernet Switch

Port 

• Number of Ports: 12 x 40 Gigabit QSFP
• Interface Type: High-speed LAN connectivity for large-scale network traffic

Performance and Throughput

• Switching Capacity (Full Duplex): 480 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 720 Mpps

Routing and Network Capacity

• Indirect IPv4 Routes: 64,000
• Host IPv4 Routes: 32,000
• Indirect IPv6 Routes: 32,000
• Host IPv6 Routes: 16,000
• Multicast Scale: 48,000
• Quality of Service ACL Scale: 18,000
• Security ACL Scale: 18,000
• Flexible NetFlow (FNF) Entries: 512,000
• VLAN IDs Supported: 4,000
• Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs): 4,000

Connectivity and Expansion Options

• Supports 12 x 40Gb QSFP interfaces for high-speed LAN connectivity
• Enables flexible expansion to meet growing network demands

Power and Redundancy Features

• Installed Power Supply: 2 internal hot-pluggable units
• Maximum Supported Units: 2
• Redundancy: Yes, ensures continuous operation in case of failure
• Voltage Requirement: AC 120/230 V (50–60 Hz)

Energy Efficiency and Reliability

• Optimized power consumption for reduced energy costs
• Hot-swappable components minimize downtime during maintenance
• Front-to-rear airflow enhances cooling efficiency for long-term reliability

Key Advantages of Cisco C9500-12Q-A Switch

• High-performance Layer 3 routing for demanding enterprise applications
• Scalable network capacity supporting thousands of routes and VLANs
• Advanced QoS and security features for traffic management and protection
• Redundant power and efficient cooling for uninterrupted operation
• Compact 1U rack-mount design suitable for modern data center environments

Cisco C9500-12Q-A Catalyst 9500 Series 

The Cisco C9500-12Q-A Catalyst 9500 12 Ports Manageable Switch represents the pinnacle of enterprise-class network performance and security. Engineered for high-density deployments, this modular switch offers advanced Layer 3 capabilities, enabling seamless routing and switching across modern enterprise networks. Designed with future-proof scalability in mind, the Catalyst 9500 series supports high-throughput 40G ports, allowing organizations to manage complex network environments with efficiency and precision. This switch is ideal for campus cores, distribution layers, and high-performance data centers, delivering unmatched reliability and operational consistency.

Advanced Network Performance and Scalability

The Catalyst 9500-12Q-A is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance in enterprise network deployments. With its 12 high-capacity 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports, this switch can accommodate the growing demands of modern data traffic while maintaining ultra-low latency. The modular design allows for future expansion, ensuring that businesses can scale their network without replacing core infrastructure. The C9500 series supports advanced routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and IS-IS, providing flexible Layer 3 deployment options and robust traffic management capabilities.

High-Density Connectivity

With 12 high-speed 40G ports, the C9500-12Q-A switch ensures high-density connectivity for enterprise applications, data center uplinks, and inter-switch links. This configuration supports multi-gigabit aggregation and allows seamless integration with existing network topologies. The switch provides advanced load-balancing features, optimizing the utilization of available bandwidth and minimizing congestion during peak network usage. This ensures consistent performance for latency-sensitive applications, such as real-time collaboration, cloud computing, and virtualization environments.

Flexible Deployment Options

The Catalyst 9500-12Q-A supports diverse deployment scenarios, from campus aggregation to data center core operations. Its compact yet high-capacity design enables network architects to deploy it in tight rack spaces without compromising performance. The switch can operate in standalone mode or as part of a stack, allowing enterprises to simplify network management while increasing redundancy and resiliency. StackWise Virtual technology enables multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit, providing simplified management and uninterrupted uptime even during maintenance or upgrades.

Enterprise-Grade Security Features

Security is a cornerstone of the Cisco Catalyst 9500 series, and the C9500-12Q-A incorporates a broad range of advanced protection mechanisms. The switch supports Cisco TrustSec, offering network segmentation and access control to protect sensitive data. Integrated security features such as MACsec encryption provide line-rate data protection, ensuring that traffic is safeguarded from unauthorized interception. Additional features like DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and IP source guard prevent common network attacks, making the switch a secure foundation for enterprise and campus networks.

Comprehensive Network Segmentation

The Catalyst 9500-12Q-A enables administrators to implement robust network segmentation strategies to protect critical resources and reduce attack surfaces. VLANs, private VLANs, and VRFs allow the creation of logical network boundaries, ensuring that sensitive applications are isolated from general network traffic. By combining segmentation with Cisco's advanced security protocols, enterprises can enforce strict access policies and maintain regulatory compliance across their network infrastructure.

Enhanced Threat Detection and Mitigation

Integrated security features in the C9500-12Q-A switch provide real-time threat detection and mitigation. Cisco DNA Center and Cisco IOS XE software allow administrators to monitor network behavior, identify anomalies, and respond to potential threats proactively. Automated policy enforcement ensures that endpoints comply with network access rules, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. By combining robust encryption with proactive security measures, the Catalyst 9500 series ensures a resilient and secure enterprise environment.

Advanced Layer 3 Routing Capabilities

The C9500-12Q-A switch offers advanced Layer 3 routing features that enable efficient inter-VLAN routing and enterprise network optimization. Support for dynamic routing protocols, such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, allows seamless integration into complex multi-site networks. This ensures high availability and traffic redundancy, minimizing the risk of network outages. The switch also supports Policy-Based Routing (PBR) and route maps, allowing administrators to implement traffic engineering strategies for optimized data flow and performance.

High Availability and Redundancy

Enterprise networks require consistent uptime, and the Catalyst 9500-12Q-A is designed to deliver maximum reliability. Redundant power supplies, fans, and StackWise Virtual interconnections provide failover capabilities that minimize downtime. In addition, the switch supports Stateful Switchover (SSO) and Nonstop Forwarding (NSF) to ensure continuous packet forwarding even during software upgrades or hardware failures. These features make the C9500-12Q-A an ideal choice for mission-critical network deployments.

Optimized Network Automation

The Cisco Catalyst 9500-12Q-A integrates advanced automation tools to simplify network management and reduce operational costs. With support for Cisco DNA Center, administrators can automate provisioning, configuration, and software updates across the network. RESTful APIs, NETCONF, and YANG models provide programmability and interoperability with third-party network management solutions. Automation enables faster deployment of new services, consistent policy enforcement, and rapid response to changing business requirements.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability

The Catalyst 9500 series incorporates energy-efficient design principles to reduce power consumption without compromising performance. Features such as Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and intelligent power management allow the switch to minimize energy usage during low-traffic periods. By optimizing cooling and power distribution, the C9500-12Q-A reduces the overall environmental footprint of enterprise networks while lowering operational expenses. This makes the switch a sustainable choice for organizations seeking green IT solutions.

Integration with Modern Network Architectures

As networks evolve toward software-defined and cloud-integrated architectures, the C9500-12Q-A ensures seamless integration with modern infrastructure. Support for SD-Access, VXLAN, and EVPN allows organizations to extend campus networks to cloud and data center environments securely. The switch provides a foundation for network segmentation, automated policy enforcement, and end-to-end visibility across distributed networks. These capabilities make the Catalyst 9500 series a versatile solution for hybrid enterprise networks.

Operational Excellence and Management

Effective network management is critical for enterprise operations, and the Cisco C9500-12Q-A excels in this domain. With Cisco DNA Center, administrators can visualize network topology, monitor device performance, and implement automated configuration management. The switch supports granular role-based access control, ensuring that management responsibilities are securely delegated across teams. Additionally, the Catalyst 9500 series supports software-defined management, reducing manual interventions and streamlining daily network operations.

Software Features and Upgradability

The C9500-12Q-A runs Cisco IOS XE, providing a robust, feature-rich operating system with continuous updates and security patches. Advanced features such as flexible NetFlow, multicast routing, and QoS policies enhance network performance and control. The modular nature of the switch allows administrators to upgrade software and add new features without disrupting network services. This future-proof approach ensures that enterprises can adapt to evolving network demands and technology advancements.

Enhanced User Experience

The combination of high-speed connectivity, advanced routing, and automated management features enhances the overall user experience. End users benefit from uninterrupted access to applications, faster data transfers, and reduced latency. IT teams gain simplified management, proactive monitoring, and predictive analytics, ensuring a seamless operational workflow. The Catalyst 9500-12Q-A switch delivers a high-quality network experience that supports productivity, collaboration, and innovation across the organization.

Reliability and Resiliency in Enterprise Deployments

The C9500-12Q-A is built for mission-critical environments, offering exceptional reliability and resiliency. Redundant components, rapid failover mechanisms, and StackWise Virtual technology contribute to near-zero downtime in enterprise networks. The switch is designed to maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads, providing a dependable platform for essential business operations. Organizations can deploy the Catalyst 9500 series with confidence, knowing that network reliability and uptime are fully supported.

Optimized for Data-Intensive Applications

High-performance computing, virtualization, and cloud-based applications demand switches that can handle massive data throughput with minimal latency. The Catalyst 9500-12Q-A meets these requirements with its high-speed ports, advanced QoS, and traffic prioritization capabilities. The switch ensures that data-intensive applications such as video conferencing, AI workloads, and large-scale file transfers operate smoothly, supporting enterprise productivity and collaboration. Its robust performance ensures a reliable foundation for modern business applications.

Comprehensive Support and Service Options

Cisco provides extensive support and service options for the Catalyst 9500 series, including software updates, technical assistance, and hardware replacement programs. Organizations can leverage Cisco Smart Net Total Care for proactive maintenance, ensuring continuous network availability. Training resources and certification programs further enable IT teams to maximize the switch’s capabilities and maintain operational excellence. This comprehensive support ecosystem ensures that enterprises can deploy, manage, and scale their networks effectively.