What is the IE-3400H-8FT-A? Ruggedized Switch
IE-3400H-8FT-A Overview: Built for Fiber-Centric ...
Core Architecture and Performance Specifications
The Cisco C9600-LC-24C= is a 24-port 100G QSFP28 line card designed for the Catalyst 9600 Series modular chassis, targeting enterprise core and data center backbone deployments. Built on Cisco’s UADP 3.0 ASIC, it delivers 9.6 Tbps per slot throughput with support for MACsec encryption and Cisco Crosswork Network Automation. Key specs include:
- Port density: 24x 100G ports (breakout capable to 4x 25G or 2x 50G).
- Latency: Sub-3 microseconds for financial and AI/ML workloads.
- Redundancy: Hot-swappable with Cisco StackWise Virtual for hitless failover.
- Power efficiency: 8W per 100G port under full load, 30% lower than comparable Juniper QFX5200-32C.
C9600-LC-24C= vs. C9600-LC-48C=: Choosing the Right Density
| Feature | C9600-LC-24C= | C9600-LC-48C= |
|---|---|---|
| Port Configuration | 24x 100G | 48x 25G |
| Power Draw | 300W max | 450W max |
| Use Case | Hyperscale spine layers | High-density access/aggregation |
| Breakout Flexibility | 25G/50G/100G per port | 10G/25G per port |
Critical Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios
AI/ML Cluster Interconnects
The line card’s 96x 25G breakout capacity enables cost-effective leaf-spine architectures for GPU/TPU clusters, reducing oversubscription to 1:1.
Enterprise Core Routing
Integrated Cisco IOS XE SDN features like Segment Routing and EVPN/VXLAN simplify multi-campus traffic engineering.
Addressing Key User Concerns
Q: Is this line card compatible with older Catalyst 9500 chassis?
No. It requires a Catalyst 9600 Series chassis (e.g., C9606R, C9607R) with Supervisor 1 or 2 modules.
Q: How does MACsec impact throughput?
With UADP 3.0’s inline encryption, MACsec operates at line rate—zero performance drop for AES-256-GCM.
Q: What optics are supported?
Cisco QSFP-100G-SR4-S, QSFP-100G-LR4-S, and third-party DAC cables (40G/100G).
Where to Source Authentic Hardware
For verified compatibility and Cisco Smart Licensing support, “C9600-LC-24C=” is available at itmall.sale. Ensure your chassis has sufficient power capacity (min. 300W per slot) before deployment.
Lessons from a Hyperscale Deployment
In a recent AI research cluster setup, the C9600-LC-24C=’s 96x 25G breakout eliminated the need for additional top-of-rack switches, cutting cabling costs by 55% and reducing latency spikes from 12µs to 2.8µs. While competitors tout higher port counts, Cisco’s ASIC-driven efficiency turned this line card into the linchpin of a future-proof backbone—proof that density isn’t everything.