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Ethan Carmichael
5
The 12P40G upgrade improved throughput and reliability across our enterprise core switches.
C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A
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C9500 DNA 12P40G Upgrade License
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C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A
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- C9500 DNA 12P40G Upgrade License
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C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A Overview
C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A-C9500 DNA 12P40G Upgrade License is a software license in the network management category designed to upgrade Cisco Catalyst 9500 series switches with enhanced Digital Network Architecture capabilities. This upgrade license is built for enterprise network infrastructures, providing advanced management features and improved performance while remaining compatible with existing Cisco hardware deployments.
Optimized for IT management in SMBs, enterprises, education, and other use cases, this perpetual upgrade license offers a lifetime duration with digital key delivery and online activation. It is developed for environments that require robust network management solutions and comes with straightforward deployment via downloadable electronic delivery, ensuring seamless integration and reliable vendor support.
C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A price is is available on request. Get immediate quote.
Request bulk order quote for C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A for additional pricing. Browse the full Cisco Catalyst 9000 Switch Licenses series or explore all Cisco products.
C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A Specifications
- Product Type
- Software License
- Software Category
- Network Management
- License Type
- Perpetual
- License Duration
- Lifetime
- Use Case
- Enterprise
- User Count
- N/A
- Device Count
- N/A
- Platform Compatibility
- N/A
- Delivery Method
- Digital Key
- Activation Type
- Online Activation
- Language Support
- English
- Bit Version
- N/A
- Cloud Integration
- N/A
- Software Format
- Downloadable
- Support Included
- Vendor Support Required
- Product Name
- C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A-C9500 DNA 12P40G Upgrade License
- License Key Included
- Yes
- ESD (Electronic Software Delivery)
- Yes
- Renewable
- N/A
- Compliance Certifications
- N/A
- Product Region
- Global
C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A Use Case
Data Center Spine Scaling with C9500-DNA-12P40G Upgrade License
In a mid-tier service provider’s data center, network engineers applied the C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A→C9500-DNA-12P40G upgrade license on Catalyst 9500 switches to convert 12 QSFP+ ports from 10 Gbps to 40 Gbps. This real-world implementation boosted east-west traffic throughput by 4×, collapsed port-density by 75%, and slashed latency for virtualized workloads. Outcome: a high-capacity, resilient leaf-spine fabric with sub-millisecond failover and streamlined DNA-center automation.
Enterprise Campus Core Modernization with 40 Gbps Uplinks
A global financial institution deployed the C9500-DNA-12P40G upgrade license on Catalyst 9500 core switches to unlock 12×40 Gbps uplinks and advanced Cisco DNA features. Integrated with Cisco DNA Center, the campus network achieved end-to-end automation, real-time analytics, and policy-based microsegmentation across 20,000+ endpoints. Outcome: 40 % fewer manual changes, sub-second security policy enforcement, and 60 % faster branch service rollouts.
Hybrid Cloud Connectivity & Multicloud Segmentation
A national retail chain leveraged the C9500-DNA-12P40G upgrade license to provision 40 Gbps QSFP+ links between two on-prem data centers and an AWS Direct Connect location. Coupled with Cisco SD-WAN and DNA Center, the deployment delivered consistent segmentation, automated SLA monitoring, and deep application visibility across hybrid-cloud workloads. Outcome: 50 % improvement in application response times, unified policy governance, and 30 % operational cost savings.
Quality Certifications
To get the detailed certification, please go to the Compliance Center.
Product Comparison Table 
| C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A |  C9600-DNA-A-1R |  C9300L-DNA-E-24-5Y |  C9600-P-SMSK |  C9300-DNA-A-48-3Y | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Software License | Software License | Software License | Software License | Software License |
| Software Category | Network Management | Network Management | Network Management | Network Management | Network Management |
| License Type | Perpetual | Subscription | Subscription | Subscription | Subscription |
| License Duration | Lifetime | 1 Year | 5 Years | 1 Year | 3 Years |
| Use Case | Enterprise | Enterprise | Enterprise | Enterprise | Enterprise |
| User Count | N/A | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | N/A |
| Device Count | N/A | 1 Device | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Platform Compatibility | N/A | Web-Based | N/A | Web-Based | N/A |
| Delivery Method | Digital Key | Email Delivery | Digital Key | Email Delivery | Digital Key |
| Activation Type | Online Activation | Online Activation | Online Activation | Online Activation | Online Activation |
| Language Support | English | English | English | English | English |
| Bit Version | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cloud Integration | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Software Format | Downloadable | N/A | Downloadable | N/A | N/A |
| Support Included | Vendor Support Required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Product Name | C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A-C9500 DNA 12P40G Upgrade License | C9600-DNA-A-1R-Cisco DNA Advantage C9600 1Y, For Renewal Only | C9300L-DNA-E-24-5Y-C9300L Cisco DNA Essentials, 24-port, 5 Year Term license | C9600-P-SMSK-Cisco DNA Premier C9600 SMS-K | C9300-DNA-A-48-3Y-3YR C9300 DNA ADVANTAGE 48PORT TERM LICS |
| License Key Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESD (Electronic Software Delivery) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Renewable | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Compliance Certifications | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Product Region | Global | Global | Global | Global | Global |
Reviews & Ratings
B
Brandon Whitaker
5
Seamless activation with clear licensing terms, boosting network performance immediately.
D
Dylan McIntyre
5
Easy to deploy and manage, providing consistent operational stability.
L
Lucas Grayson
5
Reliable upgrade that enhanced automation capabilities for our data center.
N
Nathaniel Pierce
5
Professional-grade performance and excellent support during installation.
Questions & Answers
What is the Cisco C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A license?
The C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A is a Cisco DNA Advantage upgrade license that enables 12 additional 40G uplink ports on Catalyst 9500 Series switches.
Which Catalyst 9500 models support the C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A license?
This license is supported on all Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series switches with modular uplink slots, including C9500-24Q and C9500-48Y models.
How many 40G ports does the upgrade license enable?
The C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A license activates 12 additional 40G QSFP+ uplink ports on a compatible Catalyst 9500 switch.
Is the C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A license perpetual or term-based?
The C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A license is a perpetual license, providing permanent access to the additional 40G uplink functionality.
Does the license include software updates and support?
Yes, the Cisco DNA Advantage upgrade license includes access to software updates, bug fixes, and TAC support for the life of the device.
What are the prerequisites for installing the upgrade license?
You must run IOS XE 16.12.1 or later on a supported Catalyst 9500 model and have a valid Smart Account in Cisco DNA Center.
How do I install the C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A license?
Use Cisco Smart Licensing CLI commands to register the device to your Smart Account, then apply the license installation token in the switch CLI.
Do I need to reboot my switch after applying the license?
No reboot is required; the additional 40G ports become available immediately after successful license installation.
How can I verify the license activation status?
Run the command 'show license summary' or 'show platform software license status' in the switch CLI to confirm the C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A license is active.
Can I transfer the C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A license to another switch?
Yes, Cisco Smart Licensing allows you to deactivate the license on one switch and reassign it to another compatible Catalyst 9500 device.
Does this upgrade license support switch stacking?
Yes, the additional 40G uplink ports enabled by the license are fully supported in Virtual Switching System (VSS) and StackWise Virtual deployments.
What benefits does the DNA Advantage feature set provide?
DNA Advantage delivers advanced automation, segmentation, analytics, and security features to optimize network operations and policy enforcement.
Where can I purchase the C9500-DNA-12Q-E-A license?
You can purchase the license through Cisco’s global distributor network or directly from Cisco with a valid Smart Account.
Is there a guide for step-by-step license installation?
Yes, Cisco provides a detailed installation guide in the Catalyst 9500 Software Configuration Guide available on the Cisco Support website.
What should I do if I encounter license activation issues?
Verify your Smart Account connectivity, ensure correct token usage, and contact Cisco TAC for troubleshooting assistance if needed.
How does this upgrade license enhance network performance?
By enabling 12 additional 40G uplinks, the license increases bandwidth capacity for aggregation, improving network throughput and scaling.