C9500-12Q-E Cisco Catalyst 9500 12-Port 40G QSFP Switch | Network Essentials

BRAND NEW. FACTORY SEALED. FULL CISCO WARRANTY INCLUDED. FROM CHICAGO COMPUTER SUPPLY

Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9500-12Q-E is a high-performance core and aggregation Layer 3 switch designed for enterprise campus networks that need fast, predictable 40 Gigabit throughput. With 12 × 40G QSFP ports, this model delivers the bandwidth you need for high-speed uplinks, distribution-to-core connectivity, and data-intensive campus backbones.

Since it includes Network Essentials and a 3-year license, it’s a practical choice for teams upgrading to 40G while keeping licensing clear and compliant from day one. It also runs on x86 architecture with ample memory, so your network stays ready for automation, segmentation, and modern enterprise switching demands.

Key Features

• 12 × 40G QSFP ports for high-speed core and aggregation switching
• Network Essentials with a 3-year license included for streamlined deployment
• Switching capacity up to 480 Gbps (full duplex) for high-throughput networks
• Forwarding rate up to 720 Mpps for fast packet processing
• Jumbo frame support up to 9,198 bytes for efficient large-packet handling
• Advanced Layer 3 switching with policy-based routing support
• Strong encryption with 256-bit AES for secure enterprise traffic
• Stackable design for flexible campus scaling

Technical Specifications

General

• Brand: Cisco
• Product Line: Cisco Catalyst
• Model: 9500
• Edition: Network Essentials
• Packaged Quantity: 1
• Product Type: Managed Switch
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable
• Stackable: Yes

Performance

• Switching capacity (full duplex): 480 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 720 Mpps

Capacity

• Indirect IPv4 routes: 64,000
• Host IPv4 routes: 32,000
• Indirect IPv6 routes: 32,000
• Host IPv6 routes: 16,000
• Flexible NetFlow (FNF) entries: 512,000
• VLAN IDs: 4,000
• Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs): 4,000
• QoS ACL scale: 18,000
• Security ACL scale: 18,000
• Multicast scale: 48,000

Ports & Interfaces

• Ports Qty: 12
• Port Type: 40 Gigabit QSFP
• Interfaces: 12 × 40Gbit LAN QSFP

Switching & Management

• Advanced Switching: Layer 3
• MAC Address Table Size: 64K entries
• Jumbo Frame Support: 9,198 bytes
• Manageable: Yes
• Remote Management Protocol: RESTCONF, NETCONF, SNMP 1, SNMP 2c, SNMP 3, RMON 1, RMON 2
• Status Indicators: Status

Routing Protocols

• OSPF, VRRP, IGMP
• PIM-SM, PIM-SSM
• RIP-1, RIP-2, RIPng
• Policy-based routing (PBR)

Hardware

• Clock Speed: 2.4 GHz
• RAM Installed Size: 16 GB
• Flash Memory Installed Size: 16 GB
• Built-in Devices: RFID tag

Power

• Power Redundancy: Optional
• Power Redundancy Scheme: 1+1
• Power Supplies Installed: 2
• Max Supported Qty: 2
• Power Provided: 950 watts
• Nominal Voltage: AC 120/230 V
• Frequency Required: 50–60 Hz
• Hot-Plug: Hot-plug

Included Accessories

• 2 × North America AC Type A power cables

Physical

• Color Category: Gray
• Height (Rack Units): 1
• Width: 17.5 inches
• Depth: 21.5 inches
• Height: 1.7 inches
• Weight: 25.75 lbs

Security

• Encryption Algorithm: 256-bit AES

UPC: 00889728035408

Use Cases

The C9500-12Q-E fits best in environments where 40G switching becomes the backbone of the network. It works well for campus core upgrades, high-speed aggregation, and distribution uplinks where consistent bandwidth and routing control matter. It also supports enterprise-grade scaling with large VLAN capacity, strong routing table support, and deep NetFlow visibility for modern traffic monitoring.

Why Buy from Chicago Computer Supply

You get a brand-new, factory-sealed Cisco Catalyst 9500 switch with full Cisco warranty coverage. That means fewer procurement risks, cleaner deployments, and faster network upgrades without second-guessing hardware condition or licensing readiness.

FAQs

Is the Network Essentials license included with the C9500-12Q-E?

Yes. This model includes Network Essentials with a 3-year license, so you can deploy it without hunting for separate licensing on day one.

What type of ports does the C9500-12Q-E have?

It includes 12 × 40 Gigabit QSFP ports, built for high-speed backbone and uplink connectivity.

Is the C9500-12Q-E a Layer 3 switch?

Yes. It supports Layer 3 switching and routing features, including OSPF, VRRP, and policy-based routing (PBR).

Does this switch support jumbo frames?

Yes. It supports jumbo frames up to 9,198 bytes, which helps reduce overhead in large-packet environments.

Can I use this switch in a campus core role?

Absolutely. The Catalyst 9500 Series is for enterprise campus core and aggregation, especially for high-bandwidth deployments like 40G.