C9500-24Q-A Cisco Catalyst 9500 24-Ports Ethernet Switch

Cisco C9500-24Q-A Catalyst 9500 Series Switch  

The Cisco C9500-24Q-A Catalyst 9500 is a high-performance 24-port switch designed for enterprise-grade networks. Engineered for superior speed, reliability, and scalability, this manageable switch delivers advanced networking capabilities for modern digital infrastructures.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: C9500-24Q-A
• Device Type: 24-Port Managed Switch
• Port Speed: 40Gbps per port
• Network License: Network Advantage
• Advanced Routing: Layer 3 support for OSPF, EIGRP, BGP

Key Features and Functionalities

• 24 high-speed 40G Ethernet ports for optimal data throughput
• Support for Network Advantage license features including enhanced routing protocols
• Advanced Layer 3 capabilities for complex network environments
• High-density port configuration suitable for data centers and large campuses
• Energy-efficient design with reduced power consumption and improved cooling

High-Speed Connectivity

• Each port supports 40G uplink for ultra-fast data transfer
• Optimized for cloud-scale networks and large enterprise deployments
• Seamless integration with existing Cisco infrastructure

Advanced Network Management

• Intuitive Cisco DNA Center and CLI for efficient configuration
• Comprehensive monitoring and analytics for proactive network maintenance
• Security features including MACsec encryption, access control lists, and segmentation

High Availability Features

• Redundant supervisor engines for uninterrupted network operation
• Support for StackWise virtual technology to unify multiple switches into a single logical unit
• Automatic recovery from hardware or software faults

Security Capabilities

• MACsec encryption to safeguard data traffic across all ports
• Role-based access control and identity services integration
• Enhanced threat detection and mitigation using Cisco Secure Network Analytics

Ideal Use Cases

• Enterprise campus core networks
• Data center aggregation layers
• High-performance cloud networks
• Large-scale branch office connectivity

Cisco C9500-24Q-A Catalyst 9500 Series 

The Cisco C9500-24Q-A Catalyst 9500 24-Ports Manageable Switch represents the pinnacle of high-performance networking solutions designed for modern enterprise environments. As part of the Catalyst 9500 Series, this switch is engineered to provide uncompromising reliability, scalability, and advanced security features, making it an ideal choice for core and aggregation layers in large networks. The switch supports extensive automation capabilities and programmability, allowing IT teams to efficiently manage complex network infrastructures while reducing operational overhead.

Advanced Switching Architecture

The Cisco C9500-24Q-A is built on a state-of-the-art switching architecture that delivers exceptional throughput and low latency. This architecture leverages high-capacity forwarding engines and optimized ASICs, ensuring that network traffic is processed at wire-speed across all 24 ports. The switch supports multi-gigabit Ethernet connections and high-density 40GbE uplinks, enabling seamless integration with other high-performance network devices. The robust hardware design also includes redundant power supplies and fans, ensuring continuous operation and minimal downtime in mission-critical environments.

High-Density 24-Port Connectivity

Featuring 24 high-speed ports, the Cisco C9500-24Q-A switch allows enterprises to consolidate multiple devices on a single platform. Each port is capable of handling 10Gb, 25Gb, or 40Gb Ethernet connections, providing maximum flexibility for various network requirements. This high-density design is particularly beneficial in data centers, campus networks, and large enterprise environments where performance, scalability, and adaptability are essential. The switch also includes advanced port management capabilities, allowing administrators to configure, monitor, and optimize each port for peak performance.

Comprehensive Layer 3 Functionality

The Catalyst 9500 series, including the C9500-24Q-A, offers advanced Layer 3 routing features that support dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP. These capabilities enable the switch to handle large-scale network routing efficiently while maintaining optimal traffic flow. The integrated routing and switching features reduce the need for multiple devices, simplifying network design and minimizing operational costs. Additionally, the switch supports high-performance multicast routing, ensuring efficient delivery of multimedia content across the network.

Enhanced Security Features

Security is a key component of the Cisco C9500-24Q-A design. The switch incorporates Cisco’s Secure Boot, Trust Anchor technologies, and advanced encryption protocols to protect the network from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Network segmentation using Virtual LANs (VLANs) and access control policies helps safeguard sensitive data while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) integration enables automated policy enforcement, providing granular control over user and device access throughout the network infrastructure.

Automation and Programmability

Designed for modern network automation, the C9500-24Q-A supports Cisco DNA Center integration and programmable interfaces such as REST APIs, NETCONF, and CLI automation. These features enable network administrators to automate configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks, reducing human error and improving operational efficiency. The switch’s programmability also facilitates seamless integration with third-party network management tools, allowing for unified orchestration across the entire IT ecosystem.

High Availability and Resiliency

Reliability is a hallmark of the Cisco C9500-24Q-A switch. Its redundant hardware components, including dual power supplies and hot-swappable fans, ensure continuous operation even in the event of hardware failures. The switch supports Cisco StackWise Virtual technology, allowing multiple Catalyst 9500 switches to operate as a single logical unit for simplified management and high availability. This capability enables organizations to scale their networks without compromising uptime or performance.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

The Cisco C9500-24Q-A is engineered with energy efficiency in mind. Advanced power management features and low-power components minimize energy consumption while maintaining peak performance. The switch complies with strict environmental standards, making it suitable for deployment in eco-conscious enterprises and data centers. Energy-efficient operations also contribute to lower operational costs, making the switch both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

The Catalyst 9500 series integrates seamlessly with other Cisco products, including routers, access points, and security appliances. This integration enables unified network management, consistent policy enforcement, and end-to-end visibility across the entire infrastructure. The switch also supports Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), allowing organizations to implement automated network segmentation and secure connectivity across wired and wireless environments. Such interoperability ensures that enterprises can build a flexible and future-proof network architecture.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

The Cisco C9500-24Q-A switch is particularly suitable for deployment in enterprise campus cores, aggregation layers, and high-density data centers. Its combination of high throughput, Layer 3 routing capabilities, advanced security features, and automation support makes it ideal for handling demanding workloads. Whether deployed as a standalone switch or as part of a stacked environment, the C9500-24Q-A provides the performance and reliability required for mission-critical applications and next-generation network services.

Scalability and Future-Readiness

Scalability is central to the Catalyst 9500 series design philosophy. The C9500-24Q-A switch supports flexible uplink configurations, multi-chassis stacking, and modular software features that allow enterprises to grow their network as business demands increase. The switch is also future-ready, supporting emerging technologies such as IoT, cloud computing, and high-performance analytics. This forward-looking design ensures that organizations can leverage the latest networking innovations without frequent hardware replacements, protecting their investment over time.