What Is the CP-8851NR-K9++=? Advanced Feature
Overview of the CP-8851NR-K9++= The CP-8851NR-K9+...
Core Specifications and Hardware Design
The Cisco C9500-16X-A= is a 16-port 25G/10G Ethernet switch from the Catalyst 9500 Series, designed for high-throughput enterprise core and aggregation layers. Key hardware attributes include:
- Fixed 16x SFP28 slots: Supports 10G (via SFP+) or 25G (via SFP28) connectivity.
- MACsec encryption: Hardware-based AES-256 encryption for Layer 2 data security.
- Redundant power supplies: Supports hot-swappable AC or DC PSUs (sold separately).
Performance and Throughput Capabilities
Why choose this model over similar switches?
- Forwarding rate: 1.2 Tbps aggregate throughput, ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like video streaming or large-scale virtualization.
- Buffer capacity: 64 MB shared packet buffer mitigates microburst congestion in SAN/NAS environments.
Comparison to other Catalyst 9500 models:
| Feature | C9500-16X-A= | C9500-24Y4C= |
|---|---|---|
| Port Speed Flexibility | 10G/25G | 100M/1G/10G |
| Default License Tier | Advantage | Essentials |
Licensing and Software Features
The “-A=” suffix denotes an Advantage-tier license, enabling:
- Full Cisco DNA Software capabilities: SD-Access, advanced analytics, and AI-driven troubleshooting.
- Cisco Stealthwatch Integration: Real-time threat detection across encrypted traffic.
Critical limitation:
- Downgrading to Essentials-tier licenses blocks access to encrypted traffic analysis.
Deployment Scenarios and Best Practices
Ideal use cases:
- Data center spine layers requiring low-latency 25G East-West traffic.
- Campus networks consolidating IoT and Wi-Fi 6/6E backhaul traffic.
Common configuration mistakes:
- Overlooking flow control settings when connecting to legacy 1G devices.
- Failing to enable ETS (Enhanced Transmission Selection) for lossless RoCEv2 traffic.
Procurement and Sustainability Options
For organizations prioritizing cost efficiency, the C9500-16X-A= is available through itmall.sale, offering Cisco-certified refurbished units with validated DNA licenses.
Engineer’s Viewpoint: Deploying this switch in a media production network highlighted its ability to handle 25G camera feeds without packet drops—even during 4K multicasts. However, its lack of built-in PoE makes it unsuitable for edge deployments. For enterprises needing a future-proof core switch with encryption-ready hardware, the C9500-16X-A= is a strategic investment, provided you budget for dual 1100W PSUs to unlock full redundancy.