Description
Product Overview for the Cisco C9500-32C-A 32 Ports Managed Switch
The Cisco C9500-32C-A Catalyst 9500 Series is a high-performance network switch designed to meet the demands of modern business networks. With its 32 ports and support for 100 Gigabit Ethernet, this switch is a powerful solution for organizations that require fast and reliable network connectivity.
The Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series is a family of network switches designed to deliver advanced networking capabilities to enterprises, data centers, and service providers. These switches are known for their reliability, performance, and scalability. The C9500-32C-A is one of the models in this series, and it offers a range of features that make it a versatile choice for various network environments.
High Performance
The high-performance aspect of the Cisco C9500-32C-A is one of its key highlights. It comes with 32 ports, each supporting 100 Gigabit Ethernet. This means that it can handle large volumes of data with ease, making it suitable for organizations with high bandwidth requirements. Whether it’s streaming high-definition video, transferring large files, or running data-intensive applications, this switch can handle it all.
100 Gigabit Ethernet Advantage
The 100 Gigabit Ethernet support is a significant advantage of the Cisco C9500-32C-A. Ethernet is the standard technology for wired local area networks (LANs), and having 100 Gigabit speed ensures that your network can handle the increasing demands of modern business applications. This speed is particularly valuable for data centers, where rapid data transfer and low latency are crucial.
1U High Rack Mountable
The Cisco C9500-32C-A is designed to fit in a standard 1U (1 Rack Unit) of rack space. This compact form factor makes it easy to install in standard server racks, maximizing space efficiency in data centers and server rooms. It also simplifies the cabling and organization of network equipment, leading to a cleaner and more manageable network infrastructure.
Expansion Slot
The switch features an expansion slot, which adds versatility to the device. This slot allows for the addition of various modules and cards to enhance the switch’s capabilities. Whether you need additional ports, security features, or specialized connectivity options, the expansion slot ensures that the Cisco C9500-32C-A can adapt to your specific network requirements.
Manageable
The Cisco C9500-32C-A is designed with manageability in mind. Network administrators need the tools to configure and monitor their network devices efficiently. This switch offers a range of management options, including a user-friendly web interface and support for industry-standard network management protocols like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).
Optical Fiber Support
Fiber-optic technology has become increasingly important in modern networks due to its ability to transmit data over long distances and at high speeds. The Cisco C9500-32C-A is equipped to handle optical fiber connections, which is a valuable feature for organizations that need to extend their network connectivity beyond the limitations of traditional copper cabling.
Optical Fiber Modular
The Cisco C9500-32C-A is a modular switch, which means it can accommodate various modules for different connectivity options. When it comes to optical fiber, you can add fiber modules to the switch to support different types of fiber-optic connections. Whether you need single-mode or multi-mode fiber, this switch can adapt to your requirements.
Layer 3 Supported
Layer 3 (L3) support is a fundamental feature for routing in modern networks. The Cisco C9500-32C-A is equipped with Layer 3 capabilities, allowing it to make routing decisions based on IP addresses. This is crucial for segmenting and managing traffic in large networks, enabling efficient data routing and ensuring that data reaches its intended destination.
Port Management and Switching Capabilities
The Cisco C9500-32C-A is not just about having numerous ports; it also offers advanced switching capabilities that enhance the performance and efficiency of network traffic.
32 Ports
The switch features 32 ports, providing ample connectivity options for various devices, servers, and clients. These ports can be used to connect computers, servers, access points, and other network devices. The high port count is particularly beneficial for large organizations with extensive networking needs.
Managed Switch
Being a managed switch, the Cisco C9500-32C-A gives network administrators extensive control over the network environment. This means that administrators can configure, monitor, and optimize the switch’s operation according to the organization’s specific requirements. Managed switches offer greater flexibility and security compared to unmanaged switches.
Network Security and QoS
Network security and Quality of Service (QoS) are essential aspects of any network infrastructure. The Cisco C9500-32C-A comes with features to help enhance both security and QoS.
Security Features
This switch is equipped with a range of security features to protect your network from threats. It supports advanced security protocols, access control lists (ACLs), and port security. Additionally, it is compatible with Cisco’s TrustSec, which provides identity-based access control to enhance network security.
Quality of Service
Quality of Service (QoS) is a critical aspect of network performance. It allows network administrators to prioritize certain types of traffic, ensuring that critical applications and services receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency. The Cisco C9500-32C-A supports QoS features, including traffic classification, marking, and traffic shaping, to optimize the network for both critical and non-critical data.
Redundancy and High Availability
In mission-critical network environments, redundancy and high availability are paramount. The Cisco C9500-32C-A offers features that help maintain network uptime and minimize downtime in the event of failures.
Redundant Power Supplies
The switch supports redundant power supplies, meaning it can be powered by two separate power sources simultaneously. In the event of a power supply failure, the second power supply takes over, ensuring continuous operation. Redundant power supplies reduce the risk of unplanned downtime due to power-related issues.
Hot-Swappable Components
The Cisco C9500-32C-A is designed with hot-swappable components, which means that critical components like power supplies and fan trays can be replaced without powering down the switch. This feature minimizes service disruption during maintenance or hardware replacement, enhancing network availability.
Energy-Efficient Design
The switch is designed with energy efficiency in mind. It meets industry standards for energy efficiency, which not only reduces operational costs but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly network infrastructure.
Advantages of the Cisco C9500-32C-A
Now that we understand the technical specifications and key features of the Cisco C9500-32C-A, let’s explore the advantages of choosing this switch for your business.
Speed and Performance
The most prominent advantage of the Cisco C9500-32C-A is its high-speed performance. With 100 Gigabit Ethernet ports, it can handle massive data transfer with ease. This makes it perfect for businesses with data-intensive applications and high traffic loads.
Future-Proofing
The 32 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet expansion slots offer unparalleled scalability. As your business grows and your network demands increase, you won’t need to invest in new switches or infrastructure. The Cisco C9500-32C-A can accommodate your expansion needs, making it a future-proof investment.
Network Efficiency
Layer 3 (L3) support is a crucial advantage for ensuring network efficiency. It allows for intelligent routing and management of network traffic, optimizing data flow and minimizing bottlenecks. This results in a smoother and more responsive network.
Manageability
Network management is simplified with Cisco’s advanced management tools. You can configure and monitor the switch with ease, ensuring that it operates at its best. This reduces the complexity of network administration and minimizes the risk of downtime due to misconfigurations.
Space Efficiency
The 1U high rack-mountable design is perfect for businesses with limited space in their data centers. It enables efficient organization of networking equipment, saving valuable floor space.
Use Cases
To better understand how the Cisco C9500-32C-A can benefit your business, let’s explore some common use cases where this high-performance switch shines.
Data Centers
Data centers are the heart of many businesses, where large volumes of data are processed and stored. The Cisco C9500-32C-A is an excellent choice for data centers with its high-speed connectivity, scalability, and efficient rack-mountable design. Whether you’re managing cloud services, big data analytics, or high-traffic websites, this switch can handle the demands of a data center environment.
Enterprise Networking
Large enterprises often require extensive networking capabilities to connect various departments, locations, and services. The Cisco C9500-32C-A is well-suited for such environments, where scalability, performance, and efficient management are paramount. It can support the communication needs of a diverse and complex enterprise network.
Service Providers
Service providers, including internet service providers (ISPs), telecommunications companies, and cloud service providers, rely on high-performance switches to meet the demands of their customers. The Cisco C9500-32C-A’s high-speed ports and Layer 3 support make it a valuable asset for service providers, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity for end-users.
Main Specifications about this Cisco C9500-32C-A
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# C9500-32C-A
- Product Type: Managed Switch
- Product Series: 9500
Technical Information of the 32 Ports Switch
- Modular: Yes
- Stack Port: Yes
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 32 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- Media Type Supported: Optical Fiber
- Ethernet Technology: 100 Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 100GBase-X
- Layer Supported: 3
- Manageable: Yes
Power Description
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply Supported: Yes
- Power Consumption: 1600 W
In summary, the Cisco C9500-32C-A Catalyst 9500 Series switch offers a range of high-performance features that make it a valuable asset in modern network environments. Its 100 Gigabit Ethernet support, manageability, optical fiber compatibility, and advanced features such as Layer 3 support, network security, and high availability, ensure that it can meet the demands of even the most data-intensive and critical network infrastructures.
Whether you are looking to upgrade your data center, improve your network’s performance, or enhance security and manageability, the Cisco C9500-32C-A Catalyst 9500 Series switch provides a robust solution. Its ability to adapt to changing networking needs, support for modern technologies like SDN, and environmentally conscious design further underscore its suitability for a wide range of organizations.
Investing in a high-performance and adaptable network switch like the Cisco C9500-32C-A is a strategic decision that can help your organization stay competitive in today’s digital landscape. With its powerful capabilities and advanced features, it is a key building block for building a modern and efficient network infrastructure.







