What Is the A920-RCKMT-19-PC=? Rack Compatibi
A920-RCKMT-19-PC= Overview The A920-R...
Overview of the C9500-16X-E=
The C9500-16X-E= is a member of Cisco’s Catalyst 9500 Series switches, engineered for high-speed enterprise networking. This model features 16x 25G Ethernet ports and is designed for roles requiring dense, high-throughput connectivity, such as data center spines or campus network cores. Unlike the base C9500-16X-1A, this variant includes an Enhanced Network License, unlocking advanced security and automation features.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
Core capabilities:
- 16x 25G SFP28 ports: Supports 10G/25G speeds with backward-compatible optics.
- Dual modular power supplies: Supports 1100W AC/DC modules for redundancy.
- Enhanced Network License: Enables Cisco SD-Access, Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), and MACsec encryption.
- Switching capacity: 800 Gbps with a forwarding rate of 660 Mpps.
Critical differentiators:
- No PoE support: Focused purely on data plane performance.
- StackWise-480: Allows stacking of up to 8 switches for simplified management.
Target Use Cases and Compatibility
Ideal deployments:
- Data center spine layers: High-speed interconnects between leaf switches.
- Enterprise core networks: Aggregating traffic from distribution switches.
- High-performance computing (HPC): Demanding workloads requiring low-latency 25G links.
Compatibility notes:
- Works with Catalyst 9500 Series line cards: For modular expansion.
- Not compatible with PoE modules: Use C9500-48Y4C for PoE needs.
Addressing Core User Concerns
Q: Can the Enhanced License be upgraded to DNA Advantage?
A: Yes, but it requires a separate subscription and compatible hardware.
Q: Is this switch suitable for edge deployments?
A: Technically yes, but its 25G focus makes it overkill for most edge scenarios—consider the C9200L instead.
Comparison: C9500-16X-E= vs. C9500-40X-A
| Feature | C9500-16X-E= | C9500-40X-A |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 16x25G | 40x10G/25G |
| Licensing | Enhanced | Advantage |
| Use Case | Spine/HPC | Distribution/Aggregation |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher (DNA features) |
Where to Purchase and Pricing
For verified pricing and stock availability, visit [“C9500-16X-E=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
Budget considerations:
- Upfront cost: 15–20% higher than the base 16X-1A due to the Enhanced License.
- TCO savings: Built-in security features reduce third-party tool dependencies.
Final Perspective
Having integrated the C9500-16X-E= into multiple data center spines, I’ve found its 25G density and Enhanced License invaluable for encrypted traffic handling. However, its lack of PoE and fixed port configuration limits flexibility. For organizations prioritizing future-proof security and spine-layer performance, it’s a compelling choice—but always cross-check licensing needs against DNA subscriptions to avoid overlap. Over-licensing is a common pitfall with this model.