The Cisco Catalyst C9500-24Y4C-A is a high-performance campus aggregation switch. Featuring 24x 25G SFP28 ports, 4x 100G uplinks, and the Network Advantage license, it delivers advanced BGP routing, SD-Access, and MACsec-256 security for next-generation enterprise cores.
Quick Specs:
· Downlinks: 24 x 1/10/25G SFP28 (Fiber)
· Uplinks: 4 x 40/100G QSFP28 (Fiber)
· Throughput: Up to 2.0 Tbps
· Software: Cisco IOS XE Network Advantage
· High Availability: StackWise Virtual support
· Form Factor: 1RU Rack-mountable
Comprehensive Product Overview
The Cisco Catalyst C9500-24Y4C-A represents the next generation of enterprise-class core and aggregation layer switching. As part of the Catalyst 9500 Series—Cisco’s first purpose-built 100G/40G/25G fixed enterprise platform—it is powered by the custom-built Cisco UADP 3.0 Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). This allows the switch to deliver immense forwarding capacities while enabling deep programmability and rich telemetry. Specifically designed for environments transitioning from 10G to 25G at the aggregation layer, this switch seamlessly bridges high-density Catalyst 9300 access switches to a 100G backbone. Packaged with the premium Network Advantage software license, the C9500-24Y4C-A unlocks full Layer 3 routing capabilities (including BGP, OSPF, and VRF) and serves as a foundational Control Plane and Border Node in a Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) architecture.
Key Features & Business Benefits
High-Speed 25G/100G Architecture: Eliminate network bottlenecks. With 24 dedicated 25-Gigabit SFP28 ports and four 100-Gigabit QSFP28 uplinks, the switch provides up to 2.0 Tbps of switching capacity, perf
Premium Routing & SD-Access: The included Network Advantage (-A) license empowers your enterprise with advanced routing protocols (BGP, IS-IS, full OSPF) and network segmentation capabilities (EVPN, VXLAN). It is fully DNA Center-ready for zero-touch provisioning and automated policy enforcement.
StackWise Virtual Technology: Achieve chassis-like high availability in a fixed form factor. StackWise Virtual allows two physical C9500 switches to operate as a single logical unit, simplifying spanning-tree topologies and ensuring Non-Stop Forwarding (NSF) if a link or device fails.
Enterprise-Grade Security: Protect sensitive corporate data at wire speed. The switch supports hardware-based MACsec-256 encryption, Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) to identify malware in encrypted traffic, and Cisco TrustSec for identity-based access control.
Resilient Hardware Design: Built for maximum uptime in critical Main Distribution Frames (MDFs), featuring dual redundant hot-swappable AC/DC power supplies and N+1 redundant hot-swappable fan trays.
Technical Specifications
Specification
Details for C9500-24Y4C-A
Product Series
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series
Downlink Ports
24 x 1/10/25-Gbps SFP28
Uplink Ports
4 x 40/100-Gbps QSFP28
Software License
Cisco IOS XE Network Advantage (Perpetual)
Switching Capacity
Up to 2.0 Tbps
Forwarding Rate
Up to 1 Bpps (Billion packets per second)
MAC Addresses
Up to 82,000
IPv4 Routing Entries
Up to 212,000
ASIC Processor
Cisco UADP 3.0
Power Supplies
Dual redundant hot-swappable (e.g., 650W AC)
Cooling
5 hot-swappable redundant fans
Dimensions (H x W x D)
1.73 x 17.5 x 18.0 in. (4.4 x 44.5 x 45.7 cm)
Ideal Application Scenarios
Campus Core and Aggregation: The ultimate middle-tier switch. Aggregates 10G or 25G fiber uplinks from multiple access-layer switches (like the Catalyst 9200/9300) and routes them via 100G uplinks to the data center core.
Cisco SD-Access Fabric Nodes: Operates flawlessly as a Fabric Border or Control Plane node in a Cisco DNA-driven Software-Defined Access network, managing endpoint mobility and external routing policies.
High-Speed Colocation / MDF Connections: Provides highly secure, low-latency 25G server and storage connectivity in localized IT closets or mid-sized enterprise server rooms outside the primary data center.
Supported Accessories & Optics
To guarantee maximum performance and compatibility, utilize these genuine Cisco optical transceivers and components: SFP-10/25G-CSR-S: 10/25G dual-rate SFP28 transceivers for high-speed access layer connections. QSFP-100G-SR4-S: 100GBASE-SR4 transceivers for fiber core uplinks. C9K-PWR-650WAC-R / F: 650W AC Power Supply (Redundant). FAN-T4-R: Catalyst 9500 Type 4 Fan Tray (5 required per chassis). C9500-ACC-KIT-19I=: Standard 19-inch rack mount accessory kit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between Network Essentials (-E) and Network Advantage (-A) for this switch?
A1: The C9500-24Y4C-A includes the Network Advantage license. Unlike Essentials (which is limited to basic L3 routing), Advantage unlocks advanced routing (BGP, full OSPF, IS-IS), VRF, VXLAN, and the ability to function as an SD-Access Border/Control Plane node.
Q2: Are the 25G SFP28 ports backwards compatible with 10G and 1G?
A2: Yes. The 24 SFP28 downlink ports natively support 25G optics, but they are fully backwards compatible with standard 10G SFP+ and 1G SFP transceivers, allowing you to migrate your network speeds at your own pace.
Q3: Can the 100G uplink ports be used for 40G connections?
A3: Absolutely. The four 100G QSFP28 uplink slots will accept backwards-compatible 40G QSFP+ transceivers to connect with legacy core architectures.
Q4: Does the Catalyst 9500 support StackWise Virtual?
A4: Yes. StackWise Virtual is Cisco’s next-generation clustering technology (replacing VSS). It allows you to connect two C9500-24Y4C-A switches using standard 100G or 25G cables, combining them into a single logical switch for superior High Availability and simplified management.
Q5: Is this switch designed for Data Centers or Enterprise Campus networks?
A5: The Catalyst 9500 series is explicitly designed as a Core and Aggregation platform for Enterprise Campus networks (running Cisco IOS XE). For true Data Center Top-of-Rack deployments, Cisco recommends the Nexus 9000 series (running NX-OS).
