The Cisco Catalyst C9404R-E is a compact 4-slot modular chassis for high-availability enterprise networks. Featuring dual supervisor support and Network Essentials software, it delivers scalable, secure, and resilient aggregation or access-layer connectivity for space-constrained wiring closets.
Quick Specs:
· Total Slots: 4 (2 for Supervisors, 2 for Line Cards)
· Max Port Density: Up to 96 Gigabit ports
· High Availability: Dual Supervisor & Redundant Power
· Software: Cisco IOS XE Network Essentials
· orm Factor: 7RU Rack-mountable
Comprehensive Product Overview
The Cisco Catalyst C9404R-E serves as the foundational 4-slot chassis for the premier Catalyst 9400 Series modular switching platform. Engineered to bring intent-based networking to the enterprise campus access and aggregation layers, this highly resilient chassis is designed for space-constrained environments that still require the ultimate reliability of a modular architecture. Unlike fixed-configuration switches, the C9404R-E protects your infrastructure investment for up to a decade. By allowing IT administrators to seamlessly upgrade Supervisor engines, add advanced multi-gigabit line cards, and expand PoE capabilities without ever ripping and replacing the core chassis, it dramatically lowers Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This “-E” model includes the foundational Cisco IOS XE Network Essentials software license.
Key Features & Business Benefits
Compact High Availability: At just 7 Rack Units (7RU) tall, it perfectly fits into standard wiring closets. Despite its size, it supports dual redundant Supervisor Engines (Stateful Switchover/NSF) to ensure zero downtime during software upgrades or hardware failures.
Scalable Port Density: Features 2 dedicated line card slots. Depending on the line cards chosen, it can support up to 96 ports of 10/100/1000 copper, multi-gigabit (mGig), or high-speed fiber, scaling effortlessly as your business grows.
Advanced Power Delivery: Supports highly efficient, redundant AC or DC power supplies. The chassis is fully capable of delivering up to 90W Cisco UPOE+ per port to power modern IoT devices, Wi-Fi 6E/7 Access Points, and smart building lighting.
Enhanced Cooling Efficiency: Features a highly resilient, field-replaceable fan tray with dual-fan redundancy. It provides front-to-back airflow, ensuring optimal thermal management even in densely packed networking racks.
Secure & Automated Foundation: Built for Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), the chassis supports MACsec AES-256 encryption, Trustworthy Systems, and rapid provisioning via Cisco DNA Center.
Technical Specifications
Specification
Details for C9404R-E
Product Series
Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series
Chassis Type
4-Slot Modular Chassis
Supervisor Slots
2 dedicated slots (Slots 2 and 3)
Line Card Slots
2 dedicated slots (Slots 1 and 4)
Software License
Cisco IOS XE Network Essentials (Perpetual)
Maximum Port Density
Up to 96 ports (with two 48-port line cards)
System Bandwidth
Up to 1.6 Tbps (Depending on installed Supervisor)
Power Supply Slots
Up to 4 redundant power supply bays
Fan Tray
1 field-replaceable fan tray (N+1 redundant fans)
Rack Units (RU)
7 RU
Dimensions (H x W x D)
12.2 x 17.3 x 16.3 in. (31.0 x 43.9 x 41.4 cm)
Ideal Application Scenarios
Space-Constrained Wiring Closets: The 7RU footprint makes it the ideal modular access switch for branch offices, hospital floors, or university buildings that require high availability but lack the space for a larger 7-slot or 10-slot chassis.
High-Availability Campus Aggregation: By installing two Supervisor Engines, this chassis serves as a bulletproof aggregation point, collecting traffic from smaller Top-of-Rack switches and securely routing it to the core.
Heavy PoE/IoT Environments: When populated with UPOE+ line cards and robust power supplies, it becomes a centralized power hub for hundreds of IP cameras, smart displays, and PoE-powered workstations.
Required Components (Build Your BOM)
Critical Note: The C9404R-E is an empty chassis bundled with software. To build a functional switch, you must add the following components to your order: · Supervisor Engines: At least one (preferably two for redundancy) Catalyst 9400 Supervisor (e.g., C9400-SUP-1, C9400-SUP-1XL, or C9400-SUP-2). · Line Cards: Up to two business line cards (e.g., C9400-LC-48U for 48-port UPOE, or C9400-LC-24S for 24-port SFP). · Power Supplies: Minimum of one power supply (e.g., C9400-PWR-3200AC). · Cisco DNA License: A 3, 5, or 7-year DNA term subscription is required upon initial hardware purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does the “-E” mean in C9404R-E?
A1: The “-E” indicates that this chassis bundle includes the Cisco IOS XE Network Essentials perpetual software license. This license provides robust Layer 2/3 switching capabilities. If your network requires advanced routing (BGP, IS-IS) or full Cisco SD-Access features, you will need the Network Advantage (“-A”) version.
Q2: How many line cards can I install in the C9404R chassis?
A2: The 4-slot chassis allocates two slots specifically for Supervisor Engines (Slots 2 and 3) to ensure redundancy. This leaves two slots (Slots 1 and 4) available for operational line cards.
Q3: Can this chassis power my wireless access points and IP cameras?
A3: Yes, absolutely. While the chassis itself does not dictate PoE capabilities, it supports Cisco’s advanced PoE+, UPOE, and 90W UPOE+ line cards. Combined with sufficient power supplies, it can power high-draw devices across all active ports.
Q4: Is the fan tray included with the chassis?
A4: Yes. The base chassis (C9404R) includes the metal enclosure and the heavy-duty, field-replaceable fan tray assembly. Supervisors, line cards, and power supplies must be ordered separately.
Q5: What is the maximum throughput of the C9404R-E?
A5: The maximum bandwidth and throughput are entirely determined by the Supervisor Engine you install. For example, installing a newer generation Supervisor (like the Sup-2) will yield significantly higher per-slot bandwidth than a first-generation Supervisor.
