C9500-24Q-E Cisco Catalyst 9500 Switch 24 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet Ports.

Cisco C9500-24Q-E Catalyst 9500 Series 24-Port 40G Switch

The Cisco C9500-24Q-E Catalyst 9500 switch is a high-performance network solution designed for enterprise-grade connectivity. This 24-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet switch delivers robust Layer 3 managed capabilities and is part of Cisco’s Network Essentials portfolio, providing reliable, scalable, and secure network infrastructure for modern data centers and campus environments.

General Specifications and Manufacturer Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: C9500-24Q-E
• Device Category: Managed Stackable Switch
• Number of Ports: 24 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet

Port Architecture and Performance

• 24 high-speed 40G Ethernet ports for intensive data transfers
• Non-PoE device, focusing purely on high-throughput networking without power over Ethernet requirements
• Stackable design enables simplified network management and redundancy

Interfaces and Interconnectivity

• No additional interfaces required for standard deployment
• Seamless integration into existing Cisco network ecosystems

Scalability and High Availability

• Supports stackable configurations for improved redundancy
• Facilitates horizontal scaling of network architecture
• Ideal for mission-critical data center and campus deployments

Campus Networking Essentials

• Secure and efficient access layer switch
• Supports advanced segmentation and network automation
• Optimized for energy-efficient, high-density campus deployments

Key Benefits and Advantages

• Reliable 40G connectivity across 24 ports for high-demand environments
• Scalable architecture with stackable capabilities and expansion slot support
• Robust Layer 3 routing features for seamless network traffic management
• Energy-efficient rack-mountable 1U form factor, ideal for space-constrained setups
• Trusted Cisco technology with enterprise-grade support and updates

Cisco C9500-24Q-E Catalyst 9500 24-Ports 40G Switch

The Cisco C9500-24Q-E Catalyst 9500 24-Ports 40G Switch, Network Essentials edition, represents a pivotal advancement in enterprise networking infrastructure. Designed to meet the growing demands of modern data centers and campus networks, this switch delivers unmatched performance, reliability, and scalability. As part of the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series, the C9500-24Q-E provides robust Layer 3 capabilities, high-speed connectivity, and comprehensive security features that support complex network topologies and evolving digital workloads.

High-Performance Networking for Modern Enterprises

The Catalyst 9500-24Q-E switch is engineered for high-throughput networking, offering twenty-four 40-Gigabit Ethernet ports that facilitate rapid data transfer across enterprise networks. This level of performance is critical for organizations that require low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity to support data-intensive applications such as cloud computing, virtualization, big data analytics, and real-time collaboration. With a throughput capacity that handles significant traffic loads, the C9500-24Q-E ensures network efficiency even during peak operational hours.

Advanced Switching Architecture

The underlying architecture of the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series integrates Cisco’s Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), enabling high-speed switching with minimal packet loss. These ASICs provide deterministic performance for both Layer 2 and Layer 3 traffic, ensuring that critical business applications remain highly available. The switch architecture supports up to terabits of switching capacity, empowering enterprises to manage dense traffic environments without compromising network responsiveness or stability.

Layer 3 Routing and Network Essentials Capabilities

Equipped with Network Essentials software, the C9500-24Q-E delivers comprehensive Layer 3 routing features, including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and RIP. These capabilities allow seamless integration with existing enterprise networks while providing scalable routing solutions for campus and data center deployments. Network Essentials also incorporates basic automation and programmability features, enabling administrators to optimize traffic flow and simplify routine network operations.

Scalability and Future-Proof Design

The Cisco C9500-24Q-E is built with scalability in mind, providing organizations the ability to expand network capacity without significant infrastructure changes. The modular design allows for flexible deployment scenarios, supporting stacking with other Catalyst 9500 switches to create a unified network fabric. This stackable architecture simplifies network management, reduces operational complexity, and enhances redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for critical enterprise services.

Flexible Deployment Options

Enterprises can deploy the C9500-24Q-E in various environments, from core campus distribution layers to high-performance data center top-of-rack configurations. Its compact form factor and front-to-back airflow design make it suitable for dense data center racks, while the enhanced cooling system maintains optimal operating temperatures even in high-density deployments. The switch supports both fixed and redundant power supply options, enabling uninterrupted operation during maintenance or power fluctuations.

High-Density 40G Connectivity

The switch’s 24-port 40-Gigabit Ethernet configuration allows for high-density connectivity with minimal cabling complexity. This high-speed port density is ideal for connecting multiple servers, storage devices, and aggregation switches while maintaining low latency and high throughput. By leveraging 40G uplinks, organizations can consolidate network traffic, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall network efficiency, supporting next-generation applications and workloads.

Enterprise-Grade Security Features

Security is a cornerstone of the Cisco Catalyst 9500-24Q-E, designed to protect enterprise networks from internal and external threats. The Network Essentials software integrates essential security capabilities, including access control lists, port security, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and basic threat mitigation. These features enable administrators to control user access, prevent unauthorized device connectivity, and secure sensitive network segments, creating a resilient security posture.

Segmentation and Traffic Control

With support for VLANs, Private VLANs, and enhanced traffic management, the Catalyst 9500-24Q-E enables granular network segmentation to optimize traffic flow and isolate sensitive data streams. Traffic prioritization and quality of service (QoS) capabilities ensure that mission-critical applications receive consistent bandwidth, while less sensitive traffic is managed efficiently. This segmentation capability is particularly valuable in environments where multiple departments, applications, or tenants share network resources.

Integration with Cisco DNA Center

For administrators seeking simplified network operations, the C9500-24Q-E integrates seamlessly with Cisco DNA Center, providing centralized automation, analytics, and assurance capabilities. DNA Center allows IT teams to deploy network policies consistently, monitor network health, and proactively resolve performance issues. Even with Network Essentials, administrators benefit from simplified management through automation templates, device lifecycle management, and centralized monitoring dashboards, streamlining operational workflows and reducing manual intervention.

Reliability and High Availability

Enterprises rely on uninterrupted network services, and the Cisco C9500-24Q-E is designed to deliver exceptional reliability. Redundant power supply options, field-replaceable fans, and resilient hardware components contribute to high availability, reducing downtime and ensuring continuous business operations. StackWise Virtual technology enables multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit, providing redundancy and failover capabilities that maintain connectivity even during hardware failures.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

Cisco has designed the C9500-24Q-E with energy efficiency in mind, reducing operational costs while maintaining high performance. The switch uses optimized power management, intelligent fan controls, and low-power components to minimize energy consumption without compromising throughput or reliability. These features align with modern sustainability initiatives and allow enterprises to achieve greener data center operations, contributing to reduced environmental impact.

Support for Modern Workloads

The 24-port 40G switch is optimized for modern enterprise workloads, including high-performance computing, large-scale virtualization, and cloud services. With substantial bandwidth and low-latency connectivity, it ensures smooth operation of resource-intensive applications and supports real-time data transfer between servers, storage arrays, and edge devices. The Catalyst 9500-24Q-E is an ideal choice for organizations undergoing digital transformation, providing the network foundation necessary for advanced analytics, IoT integration, and AI-driven workloads.

Advanced QoS and Traffic Engineering

Quality of Service mechanisms in the Catalyst 9500-24Q-E allow precise traffic engineering, ensuring that latency-sensitive applications like VoIP, video conferencing, and financial transactions are prioritized. Administrators can configure traffic shaping policies, allocate bandwidth dynamically, and enforce service-level agreements, maintaining optimal performance across the network. These capabilities are crucial in environments where multiple applications compete for network resources and consistent service delivery is critical.

Compatibility and Interoperability

The Cisco Catalyst 9500-24Q-E switch is fully compatible with other Cisco network devices, including the Catalyst 9300, 9400, and 9500 series, enabling seamless integration into existing infrastructures. This interoperability simplifies network expansion, reduces deployment complexity, and allows organizations to leverage existing investments in Cisco hardware and software. The switch supports standard networking protocols and interfaces, facilitating integration with multi-vendor environments while maintaining enterprise-grade performance and security.

Redundancy and Failover Capabilities

Designed for mission-critical deployments, the Catalyst 9500-24Q-E supports multiple redundancy mechanisms, including dual power supplies, StackWise Virtual technology, and hot-swappable components. These features ensure continuous operation even in the event of hardware failure, providing high availability and protecting enterprise applications from downtime. Failover mechanisms are essential for financial institutions, healthcare providers, and large enterprises where network interruptions can result in significant operational and financial impact.

Optimized for Campus and Data Center Deployments

The C9500-24Q-E Catalyst 9500 switch is versatile, supporting both campus distribution layers and top-of-rack data center applications. Its high port density, 40G uplinks, and modular architecture make it suitable for connecting aggregation switches, core networks, and server clusters. The switch’s performance, reliability, and security features provide the foundation for scalable, resilient, and high-speed networking environments that meet the demands of modern enterprises and data-driven organizations.