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C9500-12Q-E
Cisco C9500-12Q-E Catalyst 9500 12-Port 40 Gigabit Ethernet...
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C9500-12Q-E is a fixed-fiber, Layer 3 enterprise core switch with twelve native 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ interfaces and Network Essentials. Its non-PoE design aggregates switch-to-switch links rather than directly powering endpoints, and the fixed interfaces serve downstream and upstream connections without a removable uplink module. The 1U rack-mount chassis belongs to the Catalyst 9500 series within the Catalyst 9000 family, positioning this configuration at campus aggregation and core boundaries rather than the copper access edge. The discontinued C9500-12Q-A uses the same physical interface arrangement but carries Network Advantage for installations requiring the higher software tier. No native 100G interface is available on this model.
C9500-12Q-E price for new stock is $7,741.65, a 72.8% saving from the Cisco list price of $28,441.00. C9500-12Q-E refurb price is $2,493.75. C9500-12Q-E is in stock and available for free next-day delivery. (terms applied)
Request bulk order quote for C9500-12Q-E for additional pricing. Browse the full Cisco 9500 Catalyst Switches series or explore all Cisco products.
960 Gbps switching capacity defines the forwarding fabric available to interconnect aggregation links, while 720 Mpps forwarding performance supplies the packet-rate ceiling for traffic planning. 850W maximum system draw sets the electrical planning limit; PWR-C4-950WAC-R is the default power supply, with PWR-C4-950WAC-R/2 optional for redundant AC feeds. C9500-12Q-E combines 16 GB of DRAM with 16 GB of flash for control-plane software and local image storage. OSPF supports routed access with a 1000-route limit under the included tier; Static routing, RIP, EIGRP Stub, PBR, VRRP and PIM Stub cover the remaining base routing functions. MAC table capacity reaches 64000 entries with the default distribution template, while alternate templates change the balance between switching and routing resources. Five FAN-T4-R fans move air from front to back, so rack airflow must follow that direction.
ORM Systems offers C9500-12Q-E new sealed or certified refurbished; refurbished units are inspected and bench-tested, with optics bay recognition checked, firmware verified and configuration wiped to factory default. New units carry up to a three-year extended ORM warranty and refurbished units up to one year; both conditions have 30-day returns, with terms applying. Cisco's Enhanced Limited Lifetime warranty covers eligible original owners only, and Cisco service ends April 30, 2029. Specify condition, applicable software subscriptions and accessories for enterprise or volume orders; hardware condition does not waive licensing requirements, PO payment is accepted, and government orders qualify for Net-30.
| Key Specs | Key Spec Values |
|---|---|
Operating System | Cisco IOS XE |
License Tier | Network Essentials |
Port Configuration | 12 x 40G QSFP+ |
Max Power Draw | 850W |
Lifecycle Status | End of sale April 30, 2024 |
Replacement PID | C9500-32QC / C9500-12Q-E-RF is Cisco-remanufactured |
In a hyperscale data center environment, IT teams deploy the C9500-12Q-E Catalyst 9500 12-port 40G switch with Network Essentials as a spine node to accelerate east-west traffic. By leveraging 40 Gbps uplinks, hardware-based VXLAN, and advanced Layer 2/3 forwarding, organizations achieve sub-5 µs latency and 480 Gbps aggregate throughput. The outcome is optimized application responsiveness, simplified leaf-spine architecture, consolidated cabling, and up to 30 % lower operational costs.
Large enterprises implement the Cisco Catalyst 9500 12Q-E switch at the campus core to aggregate multi-gigabit access switches, enforce segmentation with VRF/ACLs, and enable Cisco SD-Access. With Network Essentials licensing, the solution delivers scalable 40 Gbps uplinks, carrier-grade QoS, and dual-power redundancy. This use case yields consistent policy compliance, automated micro-segmentation, >99.999 % uptime, and streamlined operations for modern campus networks.
Telecom carriers deploy the C9500-12Q-E 40G switch as a metro aggregation node to link multiple customer sites over resilient fiber rings. The switch’s support for MPLS L3VPN, IPv6, and advanced QoS ensures high-bandwidth services with guaranteed SLAs. Leveraging NETCONF/YANG programmability and scalable BGP, providers achieve rapid service provisioning, reduced time-to-market, and enhanced subscriber experience through predictable throughput and low-latency performance.
When several sites share a software procurement process, license ownership must be settled before equipment arrives. A Smart Account is required for the software order, and entitlements are deposited centrally rather than supplied as a paper key. Specify the destination Smart Account and license owner on the PO.
When a replacement chassis must match an established configuration, stage the intended software before installation. IOS XE 17.18 is the final supported release train for this hardware, with 17.18.1 the last software maintenance release. Specify the required image and firmware acceptance requirements before the PO.
When a maintenance team buys a shelf spare rather than equipment for a new deployment, the replacement workflow belongs in the purchase requirements. ORM supports regional stock and RMA handling across the UK, EU, US and MEA, with advance replacement available. Specify the receiving region and RMA contact before the PO.
Native 100G core connections
C9500-12Q-E has no native 100G interfaces. C9500-32QC-E is the current replacement option, offering a different arrangement: 32 ports at 40G or 16 at 100G.
BGP under the supplied license
Network Essentials does not enable BGP. Network Advantage is required; the current C9500-32QC-A replacement offers that tier but also changes the physical port density.
Direct copper access with PoE
C9500-12Q-E has fiber-facing QSFP+ interfaces, no RJ-45 access ports and no PoE output. Direct copper endpoint attachment and endpoint power cannot be provided by this chassis.
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| C9500-12Q-E |  C9500-48Y4C-E |  C9500-16X-E |  C9500-48Y4C |  C9500-32C-E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | 546.61 mm | 457.2 mm | 546.6 mm | 457.2 mm | 538.5 mm |
| Ethernet Technology | 40 Gigabit Ethernet | 25 Gigabit Ethernet | 10 Gigabit Ethernet | 25 Gigabit Ethernet | 100 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Flash Memory | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Form Factor | Rack-Mount 1U | Rack-Mount 1U | Rack-Mount 1U | Rack-Mount 1U | Rack-Mount 1U |
| Height | 43.94 mm | 43.9 mm | 43.9 mm | 43.9 mm | 43.9 mm |
| Manufacturer Part Number | C9500-12Q-E | C9500-48Y4C-E | C9500-16X-E | C9500-48Y4C | C9500-32C-E |
| Memory | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Switching Capacity | 960 Gbps | 3200 Gbps | 480 Gbps | 3200 Gbps | 6400 Gbps |
| Weight | 11.68 kg | 9.96 kg. | 10.7 kg. | 9.96 kg | 11.63 kg |
| Width | 444.5 mm | 444.5 mm | 444.5 mm | 444.5 mm | 444.5 mm |
Every unit is authentic, sourced through trusted and authorised channels, and serial-verified on request. Genuine networking and IT hardware, guaranteed, or your money back.
New products are backed by up to 3 years of extended warranty, and certified refurbished units by up to 90 days, for dependable protection on every order. The exact term is confirmed on your quote, order confirmation and invoice.
If a unit ever falls short, our streamlined RMA process gets a replacement to you fast, with advance replacement available to keep your network running. No jargon, no runaround.
Every device is inspected, bench-tested, and firmware-verified, with configurations wiped before dispatch. Additional testing can be arranged to confirm full working condition on request.
Our specialists assist with compatibility, configuration, licensing, and installation, before and after you buy. Real hardware expertise, whenever you need it.
Same-day dispatch from regional hubs, free next-day delivery*, fully tracked and insured.
Reviewed on the 8 August 2017
Reliable 40G switch for aggregation.
Reviewed on the 26 January 2023
Essentials licensing met our needs.
Reviewed on the 27 June 2018
Stable under load.
Reviewed on the 27 August 2023
Consistent performance.
Reviewed on the 8 March 2017
Good option for smaller cores.
C9500-12Q-E identifies a Catalyst 9500 switch: C9500 is the series prefix, 12 is the port count, Q identifies the 40G QSFP+ configuration, and E denotes Network Essentials. The chassis provides twelve fixed fiber-facing interfaces; the license suffix does not specify an optical transceiver bundle.
The Catalyst 9500 supports local CLI and embedded WebUI management, centralized Cisco Catalyst Center operation, and Meraki dashboard cloud monitoring. The WebUI is included in the base image for initial configuration and troubleshooting. Centralized operation requires separate planning for the management system and the associated software entitlements.
C9500-12Q-E reached end of sale on April 30, 2024, and Cisco support ends April 30, 2029. Software maintenance ended April 30, 2025, while eligible existing contracts can be renewed only through July 29, 2028. C9500-32QC is the replacement for a current migration project.
C9500-12Q-E is available new sealed with up to a three-year extended ORM warranty or certified refurbished with up to a one-year ORM warranty. Both conditions have 30-day returns; terms apply. Cisco's Enhanced Limited Lifetime warranty covers eligible original owners only; Cisco service ends April 30, 2029.
C9500-12Q-E uses perpetual Network Essentials with Cisco DNA Essentials or Cisco Catalyst Essentials subscriptions starting at three years. Network Advantage pairs with Cisco DNA Advantage or Cisco Catalyst Advantage. New Cisco Networking Subscription purchases exclude this model. Smart Account entitlements separate perpetual base capabilities from renewable subscription features, which expire without renewal.
C9500-12Q-E has twelve fixed 40G QSFP+ interfaces and no removable uplink module bay. Optical transceivers and link cabling must match the selected interface and far-end connection. The chassis does not include a separate bank of uplinks; allocate its fixed interfaces between aggregation and upstream links.
C9500-12Q-E includes one PWR-C4-950WAC-R supply, not redundant supplies as standard, and has a second bay for optional redundancy. Specify PWR-C4-950WAC-R/2 for the additional redundant AC supply. Maximum system draw is 850W, distinct from the PWR-C4-950WAC-R supply's 950W output rating, so distinguish chassis consumption from supply capacity when sizing electrical feeds.
C9500-12Q-E supports Layer 3 routed access under Network Essentials, including Static routing, RIP, EIGRP Stub and OSPF with a 1000-route limit. PBR, VRRP and PIM Stub are also included. BGP and full EIGRP require Network Advantage rather than the supplied license.
C9500-12Q-E does not enable StackWise Virtual under its supplied Network Essentials license. Network Advantage is required for the two-member StackWise Virtual topology. This is a front-panel interconnection, not a rear stacking-port system; account for the links and matching software entitlement before specifying a paired deployment.
C9500-12Q-A carries Network Advantage, while C9500-12Q-E carries Network Essentials on the same twelve-port 40G hardware. The higher tier adds BGP, full EIGRP and StackWise Virtual. Both models are discontinued; Essentials serves routed-access requirements, whereas Advantage suits an existing installation that needs the additional licensed functions.
C9500-24Q-E provides twenty-four 40G ports where C9500-12Q-E provides twelve, and both carry Network Essentials. Both models are discontinued. The twelve-port configuration suits a like-for-like spare for an existing twelve-link installation; the twenty-four-port configuration addresses a higher 40G connection count within an established deployment.
C9500-32QC-E can operate with 16 native 100G interfaces, while C9500-12Q-E is limited to native 40G connectivity. C9500-32QC-E is the current licensed replacement option and also offers a 32-port 40G mode. The older model addresses existing 40G installations; the replacement accommodates purchases requiring native 100G links.
C9500-12Q-E-RF is the Cisco-remanufactured form of C9500-12Q-E, not ORM's certified refurbishment. The RF suffix identifies Cisco's remanufacturing channel rather than a different port configuration or license tier. ORM-certified refurbished hardware is inspected and bench-tested, with firmware verified and its configuration wiped to factory default.
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