What Is the DS-9124V-KIT-IBM= Hybrid Storage
The DS-9124V-KIT-IBM= represents a speciali...
Unpacking the C9500-24Q-A
The C9500-24Q-A is a high-density, fixed-configuration switch in Cisco’s Catalyst 9500 Series, designed for environments requiring high-bandwidth aggregation and low-latency performance. Unlike general-purpose models, it focuses on 40/100G connectivity with 24x QSFP28 ports, making it ideal for data center spines, AI/ML workloads, and enterprise core layers.
Key Technical Features and Performance Metrics
- Port Configurations: 24x 40/100G QSFP28 ports (non-blocking), supporting breakout modes for 96x 10/25G connections via splitter cables.
- Throughput: 3.8 Tbps switching capacity enabled by Cisco’s UADP 4.0 ASIC, with hardware-accelerated VXLAN, ERSPAN, and NetFlow.
- Power Efficiency: High-efficiency AC/DC PSUs reduce power consumption by 18% compared to earlier Catalyst 9400 models.
- Resilience: Dual modular power supplies and hot-swappable fans for continuous uptime in N+N redundancy setups.
Addressing Common Deployment Questions
Q: Can the C9500-24Q-A coexist with existing Catalyst 6500 switches?
Yes, but integration requires VLAN translation gateways or SD-Access fabrics to bridge non-VXLAN and VXLAN domains.
Q: Does it support StackWise Virtual for unified management?
Yes. Up to four C9500-24Q-A switches can be stacked logically, providing a single control plane and 640Gbps inter-switch links.
Primary Use Cases and Benefits
- Hyperscale Data Centers: Handles east-west traffic between leaf tiers with sub-3µs latency for distributed applications.
- High-Frequency Trading (HFT): Delivers deterministic packet forwarding (<500ns jitter) for algorithmic trading systems.
- Media Streaming Hubs: Supports Class-Based QoS to prioritize 4K/8K video streams while minimizing buffer bloat.
Where to Purchase Authentic C9500-24Q-A Hardware
For genuine Cisco hardware and volume licensing discounts, explore the “C9500-24Q-A” inventory here. Verify that optics (e.g., QSFP-100G-SR4) and licensing tiers match your operational needs.
Final Take
The C9500-24Q-A is a no-compromise workhorse for organizations prioritizing raw throughput and simplicity. While its lack of modularity might seem limiting, I’ve found its breakout flexibility and energy efficiency make it a standout for edge data centers and AI clusters. Teams migrating from legacy core switches should prioritize this model if their roadmap includes SDN or intent-based networking—it’s built to handle tomorrow’s traffic spikes without retrofitting.