United States$5,000,000+
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J
James Thornton
4
40G core switch delivered excellent performance. Ideal for aggregation and core roles.
C9500-12Q-A
CATALYST 9500 12PORT 40G SWITCH ADVANTAGE LICS REQUIRED
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C9500-12Q-A
- Description:
- CATALYST 9500 12PORT 40G SWITCH ADVANTAGE LICS REQUIRED
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- Brand:
- Cisco
- Condition:
- Warranty:
- 3
- List Price:
$26,345.00
- Price:
$11,974.0054.5% off
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C9500-12Q-A Overview
C9500-12Q-A is a high-performance, fixed-configuration switch built on Cisco’s robust enterprise architecture designed for demanding campus and data center environments. It features dependable AC power options and supports redundant power supply configurations to ensure continuous operation, while its 12 QSFP+ ports deliver high-speed 40G connectivity for critical network aggregation and uplink applications.
C9500-12Q-A is engineered for scalability and optimized stacking, allowing organizations to expand network capacity without compromising on performance. Its advanced hardware and Layer 3 routing capabilities make it ideal for core network deployments, service provider aggregation, and mission-critical communications where rapid packet switching and reliable connectivity are paramount.
C9500-12Q-A price is $11,974.00, a 54.5% saving from the Cisco list price of $26,345.00. C9500-12Q-A is in stock and available for next-day dispatch. (terms applied)
Request bulk order quote for C9500-12Q-A for additional pricing. Browse the full Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches series or explore all Cisco products.
C9500-12Q-A Specifications
- Product Type
- Switch
- Power Source
- AC Power Supply
- Layer Supported
- Layer 3
- Form Factor
- Rack-mount
- Power Consumption
- 350 W
- Number of Ethernet Ports
- 12–24 Ports
- Number of Downlink Ports
- N/A
- Manageable
- Managed
- Ethernet Technology
- 10/100/1000
- Media Type Supported
- Fiber
- Redundant Power Supply Supported
- Yes
- Manufacturer Part Number
- C9500-12Q-A
- Uplink Configuration
- 40G
- IOS
- IP Services
- POE Support
- Non POE
- SFP Ports
- N/A
- Memory
- 4 GB
- Rack Units
- 1 RU
- Interface Ports
- 10/100/1000
- Port/Expansion Slot Details
- N/A
- Flash Memory
- 256 MB
- Switching Capacity
- 1440 Gbps
- Switching Capacity with Stacking
- N/A
- Product Name
- Cisco Catalyst 9500-12Q-A 12-Port 40G QSFP+ Switch
- Height
- N/A
- Width
- N/A
- Depth
- N/A
- Weight
- N/A
C9500-12Q-A Use Case
Data Center Spine Aggregation with C9500-12Q-A-CATALYST 9500 12PORT 40G SWITCH ADVANTAGE LICS REQUIRED
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.
Campus Core Aggregation for Large Education Networks with C9500-12Q-A-CATALYST 9500 12PORT 40G SWITCH ADVANTAGE LICS REQUIRED
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.
5G Edge and IoT Service Provider Aggregation via C9500-12Q-A-CATALYST 9500 12PORT 40G SWITCH ADVANTAGE LICS REQUIRED
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.
Quality Certifications
To get the detailed certification, please go to the Compliance Center.
Product Comparison Table 
 C9500-12Q-A |  C9500-32C-A |  C9500-40X-A |  C9500-24Q-A |  C9500-24X-A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | N/A | 12.0 inches | 18.5 inches | 12.5 inches | 18.5 inches |
| Ethernet Technology | 10/100/1000 | 10/100/1000 | 10/100/1000 | 10GBase-T | 10/100/1000 |
| Flash Memory | 256 MB | 256 MB | 256 MB | 256 MB | 256 MB |
| Form Factor | Rack-mount | Rack-mount | Rack-mount | Rack-mount | Rack-mount |
| Height | N/A | 1.73 inches | 1.73 inches | 1.75 inches | 1.75 inches |
| IOS | IP Services | IP Services | IP Services | IP Services | IP Services |
| Interface Ports | 10/100/1000 | 10/100/1000 | 10/100/1000 | 10GBase-T | 10/100/1000 |
| Layer Supported | Layer 3 | Layer 2 / Layer 3 | Layer 2 / Layer 3 | Layer 3 | Layer 2 / Layer 3 |
| Manageable | Managed | Managed | Managed | Managed | Managed |
| Manufacturer Part Number | C9500-12Q-A | C9500-32C-A | C9500-40X-A | C9500-24Q-A | C9500-24X-A |
| Media Type Supported | Fiber | Twisted Pair / Fiber | Fiber | Combo | Fiber |
| Memory | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Number of Downlink Ports | N/A | 32 Ports | 40 Ports | 24 Ports | 24 Ports |
| Number of Ethernet Ports | 12–24 Ports | 24–48 Ports | 24–48 Ports | 12–24 Ports | 12–24 Ports |
| POE Support | Non POE | Non POE | Non POE | Non POE | Non POE |
| Port/Expansion Slot Details | N/A | 32 fixed 10/100/1000 copper ports and 4 fixed 10G SFP+ uplink ports | 40x 10G SFP+ downlink ports and 4x 40G QSFP+ uplink ports | 24 x 10GBase-T ports and 4 x 10G SFP+ uplink ports | N/A |
| Power Consumption | 350 W | 370 W | N/A | 370W | 370 W |
| Power Source | AC Power Supply | AC Power Supply | Redundant Power Supply / AC Power Supply | AC Power Supply | Redundant Power Supply |
| Product Name | Cisco Catalyst 9500-12Q-A 12-Port 40G QSFP+ Switch | Cisco Catalyst 9500-32C-A | Cisco Catalyst 9500-40X-A | Cisco Catalyst 9500-24Q-A | Cisco Catalyst 9500-24X-A |
| Product Type | Switch | Switch | Switch | Switch | Switch |
| Rack Units | 1 RU | 1 RU | 1 RU | 1 RU | 1 RU |
| Redundant Power Supply Supported | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| SFP Ports | N/A | 4 SFP Ports | N/A | 4 SFP Ports | 24 SFP Ports |
| Switching Capacity | 1440 Gbps | 480 Gbps | 1120 Gbps | 1280 Gbps | 9600 Gbps |
| Switching Capacity with Stacking | N/A | 960 Gbps | 2240 Gbps | N/A | N/A |
| Uplink Configuration | 40G | 10G | 40G | 10G | 10G |
| Weight | N/A | 11 lbs | 29 lbs | 32 lbs | 44 lbs |
| Width | N/A | 17.5 inches | 17.5 inches | 17.5 inches | 17.5 inches |
Reviews & Ratings
D
Daniel Brooks
5
Low latency and high throughput. Very reliable in production.
K
Kevin Moore
4
Strong core switching with simple management.
B
Brian Ellis
5
Handled backbone traffic without issues.
R
Ryan Patel
5
Great choice for modern enterprise cores.
Questions & Answers
What is the Cisco Catalyst 9500 12-Port 40G Switch (C9500-12Q-A)?
The Cisco Catalyst 9500 12-Port 40G Switch (C9500-12Q-A) is a fixed-configuration, high-density 40Gbps aggregation switch designed for enterprise campus and data center networks. It provides 12 QSFP+ ports, advanced Layer 2/3 features, and requires the Cisco DNA Advantage license for full feature activation.
What licenses are required for the C9500-12Q-A?
The C9500-12Q-A requires the Cisco DNA Advantage license to enable advanced routing, telemetry, security, and automation features. Base network functionality is included, but services such as advanced QoS, MPLS, and Segment Routing require the DNA Advantage license.
What performance can I expect from the Cisco Catalyst 9500 12-Port 40G Switch?
The C9500-12Q-A delivers up to 480 Gbps of non-blocking throughput, 720 Mpps forwarding rate, and sub-microsecond latency. It supports line-rate forwarding across all 12 ports simultaneously.
How do I install the Cisco DNA Advantage license on the C9500-12Q-A?
In Cisco DNA Center, register your Smart Account under Licensing > Inventory, assign the DNA Advantage license to your device, then use the CLI command “license install <license-file>” on the switch to activate it.
Does the Cisco Catalyst 9500 12Q-A support port breakout functionality?
Yes. Each 40 Gbps QSFP+ port on the C9500-12Q-A supports 4×10 Gbps or 2×20 Gbps breakouts with compatible QSFP+ breakout cables, providing flexible connectivity options.
What stacking capabilities does the Catalyst 9500 12Q-A offer?
The C9500-12Q-A supports Cisco StackWise Virtual, allowing two switches to operate as a single logical device with up to 2 Tbps of cross-stack bandwidth, simplified management, and high availability.
What are the power requirements for the C9500-12Q-A?
The switch accepts 200–240 VAC input, consumes up to 450 W under full load, and supports redundant, hot-swappable power supplies for uninterrupted operation.
Which management options are available on the Cisco Catalyst 9500 12Q-A?
Management is available via Cisco DNA Center, Cisco Prime Infrastructure, the built-in web GUI on Cisco IOS XE, and the Command-Line Interface (CLI).
What security features are included with the Cisco Catalyst 9500 12Q-A?
The switch offers advanced security with MACsec encryption, Secure Boot, Trust Anchor module, Access Control Lists (ACLs), Cisco Trustworthy Solutions, and segmentation via Cisco TrustSec, enabled by the DNA Advantage license.
How does the C9500-12Q-A ensure high availability?
High availability is achieved through Cisco StackWise Virtual, dual redundant power supplies, Stateful Switch Over (SSO), and nonstop forwarding with Stateful Failover (NSF) to minimize network downtime.
What are common use cases for the Cisco Catalyst 9500 12-Port 40G Switch?
Typical use cases include campus distribution and aggregation, data center leaf/spine fabrics, high-performance computing clusters, and service provider edge aggregation requiring high port density and advanced services.
What warranty and support options are available for the C9500-12Q-A?
Cisco provides a limited lifetime warranty on hardware, with optional Cisco SMARTnet service for 24/7 technical support, next-business-day hardware replacement, and access to software updates.
Can I integrate the C9500-12Q-A with existing Cisco infrastructure?
Yes. It seamlessly integrates with Cisco Catalyst campus switches, data center fabrics, supports standard routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), and is compatible with Cisco ACI and Software-Defined Access architectures.
How do I upgrade the firmware on the Cisco Catalyst 9500 12Q-A?
Use Cisco IOS XE software packages via TFTP, FTP, USB, or Cisco DNA Center Image Repository, then apply the upgrade with the “software install” command in the switch CLI.
Does the C9500-12Q-A support Quality of Service (QoS)?
Yes. It supports advanced QoS including hierarchical shaping, priority queuing, Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED), and policy-based routing, all configurable through Cisco IOS XE and Cisco DNA Center.
How do I troubleshoot common issues on the Cisco Catalyst 9500 12Q-A?
Use CLI commands such as “show tech-support” and “debug,” review logs on a syslog server, consult Cisco TAC documentation, and leverage Cisco DNA Center Assurance for automated detection and resolution.