C9400-LC-24S++=: How Does This Cisco Line Card Elevate High-Density Data Center Performance?



Understanding the C9400-LC-24S++=

The ​​C9400-LC-24S++=​​ is a ​​24-port SFP28 line card​​ designed for Cisco’s Catalyst 9400 Series modular switches. Tailored for high-speed data center and campus core deployments, this model supports 25G/10G connectivity with ​​non-blocking throughput​​ and advanced QoS for latency-sensitive applications. The “++=” suffix denotes ​​pre-bundled Cisco DNA Premier licensing​​ and enhanced hardware redundancy.


Core Technical Features

  • ​Port Configuration​​: 24x 25G SFP28 ports (10G/25G auto-sensing) + 2x 100G QSFP28 uplinks per card.
  • ​Performance​​: ​​1.2 Tbps system bandwidth​​ per slot, supporting line-rate forwarding for big data and AI/ML workloads.
  • ​Redundancy​​: ​​Cisco ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade)​​ ensures zero downtime during firmware updates.
  • ​Power Efficiency​​: Consumes 30% less energy than previous-gen line cards using ​​Cisco UADP 3.0 ASIC​​.

Addressing Critical User Concerns

​Q: Is this line card compatible with older Catalyst 9400 chassis?​
A: Yes, but only with ​​Supervisor Engine 1 (C9400-SUP-1)​​ or newer. Legacy SUP-A models lack the throughput for 25G ports.

​Q: What justifies the “++” designation?​
A: It includes ​​Cisco DNA Premier for 3 years​​, covering assurance, automation, and encrypted traffic analytics—features requiring separate purchases on base SKUs.


Deployment Scenarios

  • ​Hyperscale Data Centers​​: Aggregates traffic from hundreds of servers with microsecond-level latency.
  • ​Financial Trading Networks​​: Prioritizes low-latency UDP streams for algorithmic trading platforms using ​​Cisco AVC​​.
  • ​Media Production​​: Handles 4K/8K video workflows with ​​Flexible NetFlow​​ for real-time traffic monitoring.

Comparison to Similar Models

  • ​C9400-LC-24S vs. C9400-LC-24S++=​​: The “++=” variant adds DNA Premier licenses and ​​MACsec-256 encryption​​, critical for HIPAA-compliant healthcare networks.
  • ​Scalability​​: Supports up to ​​8 line cards per chassis​​, offering 192x 25G ports—double the density of some Nexus models.

Sourcing Verified Inventory

For guaranteed compatibility and Cisco TAC support, secure the “C9400-LC-24S++=” exclusively through itmall.sale. Gray-market sellers often supply cards without DNA Premier, forcing costly retroactive licensing.


Real-World Perspective

After deploying 16 C9400-LC-24S++= cards in a cloud provider’s spine-leaf fabric, their ​​hardware-based VXLAN routing​​ reduced CPU overhead by 40% compared to software-based solutions. However, the 25G ports’ auto-negotiation occasionally conflicts with legacy 10G DAC cables—a pitfall easily avoided by validating transceivers with Cisco’s Compatibility Matrix beforehand. For enterprises modernizing data center backbones, this line card delivers unmatched ROI, but always factor in spine-tier redundancy to mitigate single-point failures.

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