Description
Product Overview for the Cisco C9500-40X-E Ethernet Switch
In the ever-evolving landscape of networking solutions, the Cisco C9500-40X-E Catalyst 9500 emerges as a formidable player, offering a robust and scalable solution for diverse networking needs. Specifically designed as a Layer 3 switch with a rack-mountable form factor, the C9500-40X-E is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance, flexibility, and ease of management. This comprehensive guide aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the Cisco C9500-40X-E, elucidating its key features, specifications, and its role in advancing network infrastructures.
Unveiling the Basics Catalyst 9500
The Cisco C9500-40X-E is a member of the Catalyst 9500 Series, renowned for its cutting-edge technology and capabilities. As a Layer 3 40-port switch, it operates at the network layer, providing advanced routing functionalities in addition to traditional Layer 2 switching. With a rack-mountable design, this switch is tailor-made for data centers, enterprises, and service providers seeking a high-performance networking solution.
Layer 3 Switching
At the heart of the C9500-40X-E lies its Layer 3 switching capabilities. Unlike conventional Layer 2 switches that operate primarily at the data-link layer, Layer 3 switches can make routing decisions based on IP addresses, offering enhanced intelligence and flexibility in directing traffic within a network. This makes the C9500-40X-E an ideal choice for environments requiring dynamic routing and efficient IP address management.
40 Ports for Unmatched Connectivity
One of the standout features of the C9500-40X-E is its impressive port configuration. With a total of 40 ports, this switch provides extensive connectivity options, accommodating a wide range of devices and applications. Whether in a data center, enterprise, or service provider setting, the ample number of ports ensures that the switch can handle the demands of a bustling network.
Scalability for Growing Networks
Scalability is a critical consideration in modern network design, and the C9500-40X-E excels in this aspect. Its 40 ports not only offer immediate connectivity but also allow for seamless expansion as network requirements evolve. This scalability ensures that the switch can grow in tandem with an organization’s needs, eliminating the need for frequent infrastructure overhauls.
Advanced Layer 3 Routing Protocols
As a Layer 3 switch, the C9500-40X-E supports a comprehensive set of routing protocols. From standard protocols like RIP (Routing Information Protocol) to more advanced options like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), this switch empowers network administrators with the tools to optimize routing decisions based on the specific needs of their environment.
High-Speed Data Transfer with Multigigabit Technology
In the era of data-intensive applications and high-definition multimedia, the need for faster data transfer is paramount. The C9500-40X-E addresses this demand with its support for multigigabit technology. This feature enables the switch to deliver higher data transfer speeds, catering to the bandwidth requirements of modern applications and ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) for Simplified Device Connectivity
Simplifying device connectivity is a key consideration in network design. The C9500-40X-E incorporates Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, allowing it to deliver power to connected devices such as IP cameras, phones, and access points over the same Ethernet cable used for data transfer. This not only reduces cable clutter but also streamlines the deployment of devices in areas where power outlets may be limited.
Quality of Service (QoS) Optimization
Ensuring a consistent and reliable user experience is a priority in network management. The C9500-40X-E addresses this need through its advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features. These features enable administrators to prioritize and allocate bandwidth based on the specific requirements of different applications, ensuring that critical tasks receive the necessary resources for optimal performance.
Security Measures for Network Integrity
Security is a paramount concern in networking, and the C9500-40X-E includes a suite of security features to safeguard network integrity. This may include access control lists (ACLs) for controlling traffic, encryption protocols for securing data in transit, and robust authentication mechanisms to control access to the network.
Rack-Mountable Design for Efficient Space Utilization
The rack-mountable design of the C9500-40X-E makes it well-suited for deployment in data center environments where space efficiency is crucial. By fitting seamlessly into standard server racks, this switch optimizes space utilization, allowing organizations to make the most of their available infrastructure.
Redundancy and High Availability
Downtime in a network can have significant consequences, and the C9500-40X-E addresses this concern with features that ensure high availability. Redundant power supplies and hot-swappable components contribute to a resilient network architecture, minimizing the impact of hardware failures and contributing to uninterrupted network operations.
Use Cases
Data Center Networks
The C9500-40X-E’s high port density, multigigabit technology, and Layer 3 capabilities make it an excellent fit for data center networks. It can efficiently handle the diverse traffic patterns within a data center environment and provide the necessary scalability for evolving infrastructure needs.
Enterprise Networking
Enterprises with diverse connectivity requirements can leverage the C9500-40X-E for its scalability and advanced features. Whether supporting a multitude of devices in a corporate office or optimizing traffic flow in a large campus setting, this switch adapts to the dynamic needs of enterprise networking.
Service Provider Networks
In service provider networks, where reliability, scalability, and performance are paramount, the C9500-40X-E shines. Its support for advanced routing protocols and high-speed data transfer positions it as a key component in delivering seamless connectivity to a broad customer base.
More Information
The Cisco Catalyst 9500 40-port SFP+ switch (C9500-40X-E) is a high-performance, modular, and scalable switch designed for enterprise and service provider networks. It supports 40 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBase-X) using SFP+ transceivers. The switch is also manageable, which means it can be configured and monitored through a web-based interface or command-line interface.
The switch supports advanced features such as security, Quality of Service (QoS), and link aggregation. It also supports Layer 3 routing protocols, providing advanced routing capabilities, including OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, making it suitable for use in both core and distribution layers of the network.
This model is also designed for high availability, with features such as redundancy and failover to ensure that the network remains up and running even in the event of a hardware failure or other disruption.
Additionally, the switch supports hardware-based encryption for sensitive data, and support for Cisco DNA Center, Cisco’s network management platform, which provides a single pane of glass for configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting the network.
Extraordinary Performance
The Cisco Catalyst 9500 40-port SFP+ switch is designed for high performance and reliability. Some of the key features that contribute to this include:
- High-speed switching and routing: The switch supports 40 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBase-X) using SFP+ transceivers, providing a high-bandwidth backbone for data centers and other high-performance networks.
- Modular design: The switch is designed with a modular architecture that allows for flexible deployment and easy scaling as network demands change.
- Advanced QoS: The switch supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features such as traffic shaping, congestion management, and prioritization to ensure that mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they need.
- Security: The switch supports a wide range of security features such as access control lists (ACLs), network segmentation, and denial-of-service (DoS) protection to help secure the network against unauthorized access and attacks.
- High availability: The switch supports a range of high availability features such as link aggregation, redundancy, and failover to ensure that the network remains up and running even in the event of a hardware failure or other disruption.
Interface Provided for Digital Workplace
The Cisco Catalyst 9500 40-port SFP+ switch (C9500-40X-E) provides a number of interfaces that can be used to manage and monitor the switch in a digital workplace environment. Some of the key interfaces provided include:
- Command-line interface (CLI): The switch provides a command-line interface (CLI) that can be accessed through a console or remote connection using a terminal emulator such as Telnet or SSH. The CLI allows for detailed configuration and monitoring of the switch using text-based commands.
- Web-based interface: The switch also provides a web-based interface that can be accessed through a web browser. The web interface allows for a more graphical and user-friendly way to manage and monitor the switch, and it includes a number of tools such as wizards, troubleshooting guides, and real-time monitoring dashboards.
- SNMP: The switch supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) which is used to manage and monitor network devices. The switch can be managed and monitored by a network management system (NMS) using SNMP.
- Cisco DNA Center: Cisco DNA Center is Cisco’s network management platform, which provides a single pane of glass for configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting the network. The switch can be integrated with Cisco DNA Center, which provides centralized management and automation of the switch, and it also provides advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities to optimize network performance.
- APIs: The switch also provides APIs that allow for programmatic access to the switch’s features and functions. This enables integration with other systems and automation of tasks such as configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
More Specifications about this Cisco C9500-40X-E
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# C9500-40X-E
- Product Type: Ethernet Shared Port Adapter
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 9500
Interfaces/Ports for Ethernet Switch
- Uplink Port: No
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 40 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- Modular: Yes
Media & Performance of Layer 3 Switch
- Media Type Supported: Optical Fiber
- Ethernet Technology: 40 Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 40GBase-X
I/O Expansions for SFP+ Switch
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 40
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP+
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
- Number of SFP+ Slots: 40
Features
- Access Control List (ACL) support, Built-in ASIC
- Cisco StackWise Virtual, Flexible NetFlow (FNF)
- IGMP snooping, IPv6 support, LLDP support
- Location ID Separation Protocol (LISP)
- MACsec support, MLD snooping, NetFlow
- Non-Stop Forwarding (NSF), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
- Quality of Service (QoS), Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN)
- Stateful switchover (SSO), Switched Port Analyzer (SPAN)
- Syslog support, Virtual Route Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) support
- VLAN Double Tagging (Q-in-Q), Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED)
- Zero-touch provisioning (ZTP)
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 3
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
Power Description
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply Supported: Yes
- Frequency Required: 50 – 60 Hz
- Power Provided: 950 Watt
- Installed Qty: 1
- Max Supported Qty: 2
- Nominal Voltage: AC 120/230 V
- Power Redundancy: Optional
- Power Redundancy Scheme: 1+1
Overall, the Cisco C9500-40X-E Catalyst 9500 stands as a powerful solution for organizations seeking a high-performance Layer 3 switch with rack-mountable convenience. Its extensive port configuration, advanced routing capabilities, and feature-rich design make it a versatile choice for a variety of networking environments. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the C9500-40X-E remains at the forefront, providing a foundation for resilient, scalable, and high-performing networks. Whether in data centers, enterprises, or service provider networks, this switch exemplifies Cisco’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that elevate the standards of modern networking.







