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C9500-12Q-A
Cisco C9500-12Q-A Catalyst 9500 12-Port 40 Gigabit Ethernet...
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C9500-12Q-A is a managed Layer 3 enterprise core switch with twelve fixed 40G QSFP+ interfaces and the Network Advantage software license. The optical interfaces provide aggregation connections rather than powered copper access, so endpoint power belongs elsewhere in the network. Its full-width 1U chassis places the Catalyst 9500 in the equipment rack rather than at the desktop. The discontinued C9500-12Q-E uses Network Essentials on the same port configuration; the Advantage model adds advanced routing and network virtualization capabilities. This member of the Catalyst 9000 family combines fixed-port hardware with Cisco IOS XE software for campus core and distribution deployments. No removable uplink card expands the chassis, so the installed interface configuration must cover the intended physical connections.
C9500-12Q-A price for new stock is $9,980.75. C9500-12Q-A refurb price is $1,766.58. C9500-12Q-A is in stock and available for free next-day delivery. (terms applied)
Request bulk order quote for C9500-12Q-A for additional pricing. Browse the full Cisco 9500 Catalyst Switches series or explore all Cisco products.
960 Gbps switching capacity and 720 Mpps forwarding provide the published performance ceilings for aggregate traffic planning. UADP 2.0 handles packet forwarding, while 16 GB of DRAM and 16 GB of flash support the control plane and local software storage. C9500-12Q-A supports OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and IS-IS with Network Advantage, allowing the routing design to extend beyond the restricted routed-access feature set. The default distribution template accommodates 64000 MAC addresses; changing resource templates changes the allocation available to individual functions. Embedded WebUI provides local graphical administration, and NETCONF and RESTCONF support programmatic configuration. Five FAN-T4-R fans move air from front to back, making rack airflow direction part of the installation check. Native 100G operation is absent, and a software license does not change that physical interface limit.
C9500-12Q-A is offered new sealed or certified refurbished; refurbished units are inspected and bench-tested for power-on, POST, rated-speed port links, optics bay recognition, PSU status, fan status, and clean boot, with firmware verified and configuration wiped to factory default. Specify the required condition and included accessories on the purchase order. ORM provides up to a 3-year extended warranty on new units, up to 1 year on certified refurbished units, and 30-day returns on every condition, with terms applying; Cisco’s separate original-owner warranty and service eligibility end no later than April 30, 2029. Enterprise and volume orders can use accepted POs, government Net-30, regional stock and RMA coverage across the UK, EU, US, and MEA, and RMA with advance replacement.
| Key Specs | Key Spec Values |
|---|---|
Operating System | Cisco IOS XE |
License Tier | Network Advantage |
Port Configuration | 12 x 40G QSFP+ |
Stacking | StackWise Virtual, 2 members |
Lifecycle Status | End of sale April 30, 2024. |
Replacement PID | C9500-32QC / Cisco-remanufactured C9500-12Q-A-RF. |
Scenario: A global e-commerce data center requires ultra-low latency, high-throughput spine switching for real-time analytics and AI workloads. Deployment: Implement the C9500-12Q-A Catalyst 9500 12-port 40G Switch with the Advantage license for EVPN-VXLAN overlays, segment routing, and advanced telemetry. Outcome: Delivers sub-microsecond latency at 480 Gbps full-duplex per device, simplifies network segmentation, and scales dynamically to support mission-critical applications.
Scenario: A multi-campus university network with 20 000 users demands a resilient core layer for digital classrooms, VoIP, and HD video streaming. Deployment: Deploy the C9500-12Q-A Catalyst 9500 12-port 40G Switch using the Advantage license to enable TrustSec security, advanced QoS, and redundant fabric architectures. Outcome: Provides 99.999% uptime with high-capacity 40 Gbps uplinks, enforces micro-segmentation, and prioritizes real-time traffic for optimal user experience.
Scenario: A telecom operator launches private 5G and IoT services that require scalable edge aggregation and deterministic performance. Deployment: Integrate the C9500-12Q-A Catalyst 9500 12-port 40G Switch at distributed edge sites with MPLS, segment routing, and network automation enabled by the Advantage license. Outcome: Ensures consistent multi-Gbps throughput for 5G radios and IoT sensors, reduces OPEX through automated provisioning, and achieves stringent SLAs with predictable latency.
When an existing core design needs numerous routed VLAN interfaces, the 1000-SVI ceiling provides a separate sizing checkpoint from physical link density. Include infrastructure, transit, and service interfaces in the configuration review, then specify the required interface inventory and resource template before the purchase order is approved.
When a replacement must reproduce an existing jumbo-frame environment, the 9198-byte jumbo-frame limit becomes an acceptance-test requirement. Stage the intended frame sizes across the actual connection path rather than checking configuration alone. Specify the test traffic, adjoining-device settings, and acceptance criteria before ordering the staging equipment.
Native 100G aggregation connections
C9500-12Q-A lacks native 100G interfaces. C9500-32QC is the current migration model, offering 32-port 40G operation or 16-port 100G operation rather than the original twelve-port configuration.
Powered copper endpoint connections
C9500-12Q-A provides optical data interfaces, not powered RJ-45 access ports. Phones, cameras, and wireless access points therefore require separate copper access switching and an appropriate endpoint power source.
Cisco service beyond April 2029
Cisco service for C9500-12Q-A ends April 30, 2029. A requirement extending beyond that date needs a different hardware lifecycle; an extended reseller warranty cannot extend Cisco service eligibility.
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| C9500-12Q-A |  C9500-32C-A |  C9500-40X-A |  C9500-24Q-A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | 546.608 mm | 538.5 mm | 546.61 mm | 546.608 mm |
| Ethernet Technology | 40 Gigabit Ethernet | 100 Gigabit Ethernet | 10 Gigabit Ethernet | 40 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Flash Memory | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Form Factor | Rack-Mount 1U | Rack-Mount 1U | Rack-Mount 1U | Rack-Mount 1U |
| Height | 43.942 mm | 43.9 mm | 43.94 mm | 43.942 mm |
| Manufacturer Part Number | C9500-12Q-A | C9500-32C-A | C9500-40X-A | C9500-24Q-A |
| Memory | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Switching Capacity | 960 Gbps | 6400 Gbps | 960 Gbps | 1920 Gbps |
| Weight | 11.68 kg | 11.63 kg | 11.68 kg | 11.68 kg |
| Width | 444.5 mm | 444.5 mm | 444.5 mm | 444.5 mm |
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Reviewed on the 11 August 2025
Low latency and high throughput. Very reliable in production.
Reviewed on the 1 November 2023
Handled backbone traffic without issues.
Reviewed on the 29 February 2020
Great choice for modern enterprise cores.
Reviewed on the 11 July 2023
40G core switch delivered excellent performance. Ideal for aggregation and core roles.
Reviewed on the 20 November 2022
Strong core switching with simple management.
C9500-12Q-A identifies a Catalyst 9500 switch with twelve 40G ports and Network Advantage. C9500 identifies the series, 12 identifies the port count, Q corresponds to the 40G QSFP+ configuration, and A identifies Network Advantage. The part number does not describe a separate removable uplink module.
C9500-12Q-A supports local administration through the Cisco IOS XE CLI and embedded WebUI, plus NETCONF and RESTCONF automation. Catalyst Center and Meraki dashboard options depend on supported software and subscriptions; dashboard monitoring should not be treated as interchangeable with local configuration access when defining the management requirement.
C9500-12Q-A reached end of sale on April 30, 2024, and its last date of Cisco support is April 30, 2029. New service attachment ended April 30, 2025. Existing service eligibility therefore matters when purchasing remaining inventory, and the purchase should not assume a new Cisco support contract is available.
ORM offers C9500-12Q-A new sealed or certified refurbished, with up to a 3-year extended warranty on new units and up to 1 year on refurbished units. Returns are 30 days for either condition; terms apply. Cisco’s Enhanced Limited Lifetime hardware warranty covers eligible original owners only; Cisco service ends April 30, 2029.
C9500-12Q-A carries perpetual Network Advantage; Cisco DNA Advantage and Catalyst Advantage subscriptions start at 3 years. Cisco Networking Subscription offers Cisco Switching Essentials and Cisco Switching Advantage with a 36-month minimum, subject to software compatibility. New-hardware subscription requirements and any transferred entitlements must be confirmed for the ORM order.
C9500-12Q-A includes Network Advantage with advanced routing, while C9500-12Q-E includes Network Essentials with OSPF limited to 1000 routes. Both models are discontinued. The Advantage model serves requirements such as BGP or StackWise Virtual; the Essentials model addresses existing installations that need only its restricted routed-access feature set.
C9500-12Q-A provides twelve fixed 40G ports, whereas C9500-24Q-A provides twenty-four fixed 40G ports. Both models are discontinued and carry Network Advantage. Twelve-link hardware-matching requirements fit the smaller configuration; existing installations requiring twenty-four physical connections need the larger configuration or a separately planned migration to current hardware.
C9500-12Q-A supports native 40G connections, while C9500-32QC-A also supports 100G operation. The discontinued C9500-12Q-A addresses matching requirements in existing 40G installations. C9500-32QC-A belongs to the current migration family and suits buyers whose connection plan requires native 100G rather than retaining the original interface speed.
Yes, the Catalyst 9500 twelve-port model supports a second internal power supply for redundancy; the standard configuration includes one PWR-C4-950WAC-R. The redundant AC ordering option is PWR-C4-950WAC-R/2. Specify the second supply explicitly when redundancy is required rather than assuming both internal bays will arrive populated.
Yes, the Catalyst 9500 twelve-port model supports a two-node Cisco StackWise Virtual topology with Network Advantage. The pair operates as one logical switch and supports multichassis EtherChannel. Include virtual-link connectivity in the design review and accessory schedule rather than assuming an access-switch stacking kit accompanies the hardware.
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