Cisco Catalyst C9500-16X-A

Catalyst C9500-16X-A 16-Port 10G SFP+ Switch for Enterprise Edge Network (New Sealed)

The Cisco Catalyst C9500-16X-A is a fixed-configuration switch designed for enterprise access networks. It offers 16 ports that support 1G or 10G, all packed into a compact 1U rack unit. This model delivers strong performance using a non-blocking architecture, supporting up to 480 Gbps of switching capacity and 360 million packets per second (Mpps) in forwarding speed. Its custom ASIC enables advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 processing, thanks to a programmable pipeline and microengine functionality. Features like MACsec encryption enhance network security, while container hosting support adds flexibility for custom services. The switch runs Cisco IOS XE, comes with Smart Licensing, and includes the Network Advantage feature set.

Key Features and Benefits

• High-density 16×1/10G ports in a compact 1RU form factor
• Non-blocking architecture delivering up to 480 Gbps switching capacity
• MACsec 128-bit encryption for securing connectivity
• Energy Efficiency: Reduce operational costs with intelligent power management.
• Extensive L2 and L3 feature support including VXLAN and EVPN
• Container hosting for third-party and custom applications
• Cisco DNA Support: Simplify network automation and management through Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture
• Redundant hot-swappable power supplies and fans
• Cisco IOS XE operating system with smart licensing
• Network Advantage license enabled out of the box, Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW)
• Cisco Plug and Play (PnP) enabled: A simple, secure, unified, and integrated offering to ease new branch or
  campus device rollouts or updates to an existing network

Why Choose Cisco C9500-16X-A Catalyst 

• Performance Tailored for Growth: Handle large volumes of data traffic effortlessly, supporting industries like finance, healthcare, and technology.
• Reliable Support: Access Cisco’s robust support services available in Kenya.
• Customizable Configurations: Tailor the switch to your unique business needs with flexible licensing options.

Supported Modules and Accessories (Reworded)

• Network Expansion: You can add optional modules for either 8x 1/10G ports or 2x 40G ports to increase uplink capacity.
• Storage Option: A 120GB USB 3.0 SSD is available for extra onboard storage.
• Power Supply: Supports 950W AC or DC power supplies, with the ability to run in a redundant setup.
• Cooling: Comes with five hot-swappable fans designed for front-to-back airflow.
• Rack Mounting: Compatible with both 19-inch and 23-inch rack mount kits for flexible installation.

Power Supplies (PSUs)

The C9500‑16X‑A supports redundant power with dual hot-swappable units, you can install up to two power supplies in a 1+1 redundant configuration. The system ships with one PSU by default, and if only one is used, it must be placed in Power Supply Bay #1. Supported models include:

• PWR‑C4‑950WAC‑R (950 W AC)
• PWR‑C4‑950WDC‑R (950 W DC)

Fans & Cooling Configuration

• The C9500‑16X‑A uses five hot-swappable fan modules (FAN‑T4‑R) arranged for front‑to‑back airflow. Up to one fan failure can be tolerated (N+1 redundancy).
• These fans support online insertion/removal (OIR) and can spin up to 24,000 rpm.
• The switch can operate safely provided at least four fans remain operational. If the number falls below that, the system may shut down to avoid overheating

Security Features

Network Advantage (C9500-16X-A) Unlocks full enterprise capabilities like MPLS, BGP, advanced QoS, and SD-Access. Ideal for large-scale, segmented networks. The C9500‑16X‑A supports a robust set of security capabilities:

• Secure Segmentation: Enabled through Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), allowing policy-based segmentation across the network.
• Advanced ACLs: Supports up to 18,000 security Access Control List entries for granular traffic filtering.
• MPLS VPN Support: Offers Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs, including Multicast VPN (MVPN), for secure traffic isolation.
• Network Advantage License: Includes enhanced security features like TrustSec, MACsec encryption, and flexible NetFlow for traffic visibility.
• ROMMON Protection: Includes password-recovery disable features to prevent unauthorized configuration recovery

Resiliency and high availability

The Cisco Catalyst C9500‑16X‑A switch is built for enterprise-grade resiliency and high availability, making it a powerhouse for core and aggregation layer deployments.

Resiliency Features

• Redundant Power Supplies: Supports dual redundant power supplies (AC or DC), ensuring uninterrupted operation during power failures.
• High MTBF: Designed with a high Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), contributing to long-term reliability even in demanding environments.
• Fail-Safe Mechanisms: Includes hardware and software failover capabilities to maintain uptime during component failures

High Availability Capabilities

• Cisco StackWise Virtual: Enables two switches to operate as a single logical unit, providing active-active redundancy and seamless failover. This boosts Layer 2 and Layer 3 availability and simplifies management.
• Hot Swappable Components: Power supplies and fan trays can be replaced without shutting down the system, minimizing downtime.
• Advanced Routing & Redundancy Protocols: Supports protocols like VRRP, HSRP, and MPLS for robust network failover and traffic rerouting.
• SD-Access Integration: Offers secure segmentation and policy-based automation, enhancing fault isolation and recovery speed.

Performance Under Pressure

• Switching Capacity: Up to 480 Gbps with a forwarding rate of 360 Mpps, ensuring high throughput even during failover scenarios.
• Rich QoS and ACL Scaling: Supports up to 18,000 QoS and security ACLs, allowing granular traffic control and prioritization during congestion or recovery

Warranty and Support

The C9500-16X-A comes with an Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW) that includes next business day delivery of replacement hardware. It also includes 90 days of 8×5 Cisco TAC support.