C9500-24Y4C-E Cisco Catalyst 9500 24-Ports 40/100G Network Essential Switch

Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switching

The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E Catalyst 9500 Series switch is engineered for high-performance enterprise core and aggregation deployments. Built for scalable Layer 3 networking, this rack-mounted switching solution delivers advanced routing, ultra-low latency, and consistent throughput for modern data-driven infrastructures. With a compact 1U form factor and Network Essentials software, it supports mission-critical campus, branch, and data center edge environments.

General Product Specifications

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: C9500-24Y4C-E
• Product Family: Catalyst 9500 Series
• Device Category: Managed Layer 3 Switch
• Switch Type: Stackable enterprise-class switch
• Intended Use: Core and distribution layer networking

Physical and Mechanical Attributes

• Enclosure type: 1U rack-mount form factor
• Optimized airflow for high-density networking
• Durable enterprise-grade build quality
• Front-facing ports for simplified access

25 Gigabit Ethernet Access Ports

• Total ports: 24 × 25 Gigabit Ethernet SFP28
• Subtype: 25GbE fiber-based connectivity
• Ideal for high-performance access and aggregation layers
• Supports low-latency, high-bandwidth workloads

100 Gigabit Ethernet Interfaces

• Uplink ports: 4 × 100 Gigabit Ethernet
• Designed for core switching and data center interconnects
• Ensures smooth traffic flow across high-capacity backbones

Additional Connectivity Options

• 2 × USB 3.0 ports for storage and system management
• High-speed interfaces for configuration and diagnostics

Performance Metrics

• Switching capacity (full duplex): 1.6 Tbps
• Forwarding rate: Up to 1 billion packets per second (Bpps)
• Optimized ASIC design for predictable latency

Routing and Table Capacity

• Routing table entries: up to 80,000
• Indirect IPv4 routes: 212,000
• Host IPv4 routes: 90,000
• Indirect IPv6 routes: 212,000
• Host IPv6 routes: 90,000

Layer 3 and Multicast Scaling

• Multicast entries: up to 32,000
• VLAN IDs supported: 4,000
• Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs): 4,000

Policy and Flow Monitoring Capacity

• QoS ACL scale: 16,000 entries
• Security ACL scale: 270,000 entries
• Flexible NetFlow (FNF) entries: 96,000

Supported Routing and Control Protocols

• OSPF for scalable interior routing
• RIP v1 and RIP v2 for legacy compatibility
• BGP for advanced inter-domain routing
• EIGRP for Cisco-optimized environments
• RIPng for IPv6 routing

Multicast and High-Availability Protocols

• IGMP for multicast group management
• VRRP for gateway redundancy
• MSDP for multicast source discovery
• Policy-Based Routing (PBR) for traffic control

Supported Management Protocols

• SNMP v1, v2c, and v3 for secure monitoring
• RMON v1 and v2 for traffic analysis
• NETCONF for programmable configuration
• RESTCONF for API-driven automation

Power System Specifications

• Power device type: Internal power supply
• Installed power supplies: 1
• Maximum supported power supplies: 2
• Power redundancy scheme: 1+1 (optional)

Electrical Requirements

• Total power output: 650 Watts
• Input voltage: AC 120V / 230V
• Frequency: 50–60 Hz

Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Fixed-Core Switching Platform

The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E Catalyst 9500 24-Ports 4-Ports 40/100G Network Essential Rack-mountable Switch belongs to the Catalyst 9500 Series, a family of fixed-core enterprise switches engineered for high-performance campus aggregation and core deployments. This category represents a significant evolution in Cisco’s campus networking portfolio by combining advanced hardware architecture, high-density fiber connectivity, and software-defined capabilities within a compact 1U form factor. The platform is purpose-built to meet modern enterprise requirements such as cloud readiness, mobility growth, real-time analytics, and secure access while maintaining predictable performance and operational simplicity.

The Catalyst 9500 category focuses on delivering deterministic throughput, low latency, and scalable forwarding capacity suitable for large campus cores, distribution layers, and collapsed core designs. The C9500-24Y4C-E model exemplifies this category by integrating high-speed 25 Gigabit Ethernet ports alongside ultra-high-bandwidth 40 and 100 Gigabit uplinks, enabling seamless aggregation of access-layer switches and high-capacity interconnections to data centers or WAN edge devices.

High-Density Fiber Connectivity Architecture

Within the Catalyst 9500 category, fiber-based connectivity is a defining characteristic. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E provides twenty-four 25 Gigabit Ethernet SFP28 ports combined with four high-speed uplink ports that support both 40 Gigabit and 100 Gigabit Ethernet. This port configuration positions the switch as an ideal aggregation point for access switches equipped with multi-gigabit and 10G uplinks, while also supporting future-ready bandwidth demands driven by Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and IoT proliferation.

25 Gigabit Ethernet Adoption in Campus Networks

The inclusion of 25G SFP28 ports reflects the industry shift toward higher-speed access aggregation without the cost and power overhead traditionally associated with 40G per port. The Catalyst 9500 category leverages 25G technology to offer a balanced approach between performance and efficiency, allowing organizations to scale bandwidth incrementally while preserving investment protection. This design enables higher oversubscription ratios at the access layer while maintaining sufficient headroom for peak traffic conditions.

40G and 100G

The four uplink ports on the Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E are designed to operate at either 40 Gigabit or 100 Gigabit Ethernet speeds, providing deployment flexibility across diverse network architectures. In campus core environments, these uplinks support high-speed inter-switch links and redundant backbone connections. In aggregation scenarios, they facilitate seamless connectivity to data center switches, metro Ethernet services, or high-capacity routers. The Catalyst 9500 category emphasizes flexibility in uplink design to accommodate evolving network topologies without requiring hardware replacement.

Enterprise-Grade Performance and Forwarding Capabilities

Performance consistency is a cornerstone of the Catalyst 9500 category. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E is engineered with custom ASICs optimized for wire-speed forwarding across all ports, ensuring predictable throughput even under heavy traffic loads. This hardware-based forwarding architecture minimizes latency and jitter, which is critical for applications such as voice, video conferencing, real-time collaboration, and latency-sensitive business workloads.

Advanced ASIC Design and Buffer Management

The switching silicon used in the Catalyst 9500 category incorporates deep buffers and intelligent queue management to handle traffic bursts and microbursts effectively. This capability is particularly valuable in modern enterprise environments where east-west traffic patterns, cloud application access, and virtualization can create sudden spikes in network utilization. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E leverages these hardware enhancements to maintain packet integrity and service quality across all connected devices.

High Availability and Redundancy Mechanisms

High availability is fundamental to campus core and aggregation layers, and the Catalyst 9500 category addresses this requirement through redundant power supplies, advanced failover mechanisms, and support for stateful switchover technologies. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E is designed to operate continuously in mission-critical environments, reducing the risk of downtime and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for business operations.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Feature Integration

The Catalyst 9500 category is recognized for its comprehensive support of both Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking functions. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E integrates advanced switching and routing features that enable organizations to consolidate network layers while maintaining granular control over traffic flows. This capability supports simplified network designs such as collapsed core architectures, which reduce complexity and operational overhead.

Advanced Routing Protocol Support

As a Layer 3-capable platform, the Catalyst 9500 category supports a wide range of dynamic routing protocols that are essential for scalable enterprise networks. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E is suitable for environments requiring fast convergence, resilient routing, and efficient path selection. These features allow network architects to design robust topologies that adapt quickly to link failures and changing traffic patterns.

Segmentation and Traffic Control

Network segmentation is increasingly important for security, compliance, and performance optimization. The Catalyst 9500 category supports advanced segmentation techniques that enable logical separation of traffic without physical network duplication. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E allows enterprises to isolate departments, applications, or user groups while maintaining centralized policy enforcement and simplified management.

Cisco IOS XE Software and Network Essentials Licensing

The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E operates on Cisco IOS XE, a modern, modular operating system designed to support programmability, automation, and continuous innovation. Within the Catalyst 9500 category, IOS XE provides a consistent software experience across campus switching platforms, enabling streamlined operations and reduced learning curves for network teams.

Network Essentials Feature Set

The Network Essentials licensing tier associated with the Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E delivers a robust set of foundational enterprise features tailored for high-performance campus environments. This licensing option focuses on core switching and routing capabilities, essential security features, and automation support, making it well-suited for organizations seeking reliability and scalability without unnecessary complexity.

Programmability and Automation Readiness

Automation is a defining attribute of the Catalyst 9500 category. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E supports open APIs, model-driven programmability, and integration with automation frameworks. These capabilities allow IT teams to automate configuration tasks, monitor network health programmatically, and implement rapid changes with reduced risk of human error. The result is improved operational efficiency and faster response to business demands.

Security Integration Across the Campus Core

Security is deeply embedded into the Catalyst 9500 category, reflecting Cisco’s approach to defense-in-depth within enterprise networks. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E integrates security features directly into the switching fabric, enabling threat detection and policy enforcement at high speeds without compromising performance.

Policy-Based Access and Identity Awareness

The platform supports identity-based networking principles, allowing security policies to be applied based on user identity, device type, or application context. This approach enhances visibility and control across the campus, ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access sensitive resources. The Catalyst 9500 category emphasizes consistent policy enforcement from access to core layers.

Encryption and Secure Communications

To protect data in motion, the Catalyst 9500 category supports secure communication mechanisms that safeguard traffic traversing the network core. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E is designed to integrate seamlessly with broader Cisco security architectures, enabling end-to-end protection across wired and wireless domains.

Scalability for Growing Enterprise Networks

Scalability is a critical requirement for modern enterprises, and the Catalyst 9500 category is engineered to accommodate growth in users, devices, and applications. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E provides ample port density and bandwidth to support expanding access layers, increased east-west traffic, and higher uplink speeds without requiring disruptive upgrades.

Support for Emerging Technologies

The switch category is optimized for emerging technologies such as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, which generate significantly higher traffic volumes compared to previous wireless standards. The high-speed interfaces and advanced forwarding capabilities of the Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E ensure that the network core can handle these demands while maintaining consistent performance.

Future-Proof Design Philosophy

Cisco’s design philosophy for the Catalyst 9500 category emphasizes longevity and investment protection. By supporting multiple interface speeds, modular software updates, and programmable hardware, the Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E enables organizations to adapt to future requirements without replacing core infrastructure. This approach reduces total cost of ownership and aligns network investments with long-term business strategies.

Physical Design and Rack-Mountable Form Factor

The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E features a compact 1U rack-mountable design optimized for data centers and enterprise wiring closets. This form factor allows efficient use of rack space while providing high port density and performance. The Catalyst 9500 category balances physical efficiency with robust thermal management to ensure reliable operation in demanding environments.

Power Efficiency and Thermal Optimization

Energy efficiency is an important consideration in large-scale deployments. The Catalyst 9500 category incorporates power-efficient components and intelligent cooling systems that adapt to workload demands. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E minimizes power consumption while maintaining optimal operating temperatures, contributing to reduced operational costs and improved sustainability.

Use Cases Across Enterprise and Service Environments

The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E and the broader Catalyst 9500 category are suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios. In enterprise campuses, the switch serves as a high-performance aggregation or core device, connecting multiple access switches and providing resilient backbone connectivity. In distributed environments, it supports regional aggregation points that consolidate traffic from branch locations.

Campus Core and Aggregation Deployments

In campus core roles, the Catalyst 9500 category delivers the reliability and performance required to support thousands of users and devices. The Cisco C9500-24Y4C-E enables fast convergence, high availability, and consistent policy enforcement across the entire campus infrastructure.