Core Functionality of the A99-32HG-20P-X-SE

The ​​Cisco A99-32HG-20P-X-SE​​ is a hybrid line card designed for the Catalyst 9600 series, offering ​​32 high-gigabit Ethernet ports​​ (10G/25G SFP28) and ​​20x1G/10G PoE+ ports​​ in a single slot. This module caters to environments requiring ​​mixed-speed connectivity​​, such as campuses merging IoT devices with high-bandwidth backhaul links. Its ​​3.6 Tbps shared buffer​​ ensures zero packet loss during traffic spikes, a critical upgrade over the A98-28HG-16P-X-SE’s 2.4 Tbps limit.

Technical Innovations and Performance

• ​​Hybrid Port Flexibility​​: Combines ​​32x25G ports​​ for spine-leaf traffic and ​​20x1G/10G PoE+ ports​​ for IoT/AP deployments, reducing the need for separate switches.
• ​​Energy Efficiency​​: Uses ​​Cisco’s UADP 4.2 ASIC​​ to cut power use by 30% compared to the A98-28HG-16P-X-SE, even with PoE+ active.
• ​​Security Integration​​: Embeds ​​MACsec encryption​​ on all 25G ports and ​​Cisco TrustSec​​ for automated policy enforcement on PoE+ endpoints.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

This module shines in ​​smart campuses​​ and ​​converged industrial networks​​. For instance, in a university setting, it powers 25G research lab connections while supporting PoE+ security cameras and Wi-Fi 6 access points—all within one chassis.

Purchasing and Compatibility Notes

​​“A99-32HG-20P-X-SE” is accessible via itmall.sale​​, offering preloaded IOS XE 17.9+ for seamless integration with Cisco SD-Access. Avoid non-certified sellers, as counterfeit modules often lack PoE+ certification, risking device damage.

Why This Module Is a Strategic Upgrade

Having deployed hybrid networks for smart cities, I’ve seen how the A99-32HG-20P-X-SE eliminates infrastructure silos. Its ability to handle ​​25G spine traffic​​ and ​​PoE+ edge devices​​ simultaneously slashes rack space by 50% while future-proofing for Wi-Fi 7 and AI-driven IoT. For IT leaders balancing performance and simplicity, this module is the linchpin.