C9400-LC-24XS++=: How Does This Line Card Enhance Catalyst 9400 Series Performance?

Core Functionality and Target Use Cases

The ​​C9400-LC-24XS++=​​ is a high-density line card for Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series modular switches, engineered to deliver ​​25G/10G multi-speed connectivity​​ for demanding enterprise and data center environments. With 24x SFP28 ports (supporting 1G/10G/25G) and 4x QSFP28 uplinks (40G/100G), it addresses bandwidth-intensive workloads like AI/ML data aggregation, high-frequency trading, and hyperconverged infrastructure.

Technical Specifications and Deployment Advantages

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 24x 25G downlinks + 4x 100G uplinks (breakout capable to 16x25G).
• ​​Cisco StackWise Virtual​​: Enables stacking of up to 8 switches with ​​480 Gbps per-slot bandwidth​​.
• ​​Advanced Features​​: Integrated with ​​Cisco DNA Center​​ for intent-based networking and ​​Cisco TrustSec​​ for microsegmentation.

This line card is ideal for enterprises scaling ​​leaf-spine architectures​​ or consolidating legacy 10G/1G infrastructure into high-speed backbones.

Addressing Critical User Concerns

​​Q: Is the C9400-LC-24XS++= compatible with older Catalyst 9400 chassis?​​
A: Yes, but it requires a ​​C9400-SUP-1XLTE​​ or newer supervisor engine. Older supervisors (e.g., C9400-SUP-1) lack the throughput to utilize its full capacity.

​​Q: How does redundancy work with this line card?​​
A: The Catalyst 9400 supports ​​N+1/N+N redundancy​​ for power and supervisors. Pair the LC-24XS++= with dual ​​C9400-PWR-3200AC​​ power supplies for fault tolerance.

Performance Comparison with Similar Line Cards

• ​​C9400-LC-48T​​: Offers 48x1G/10G ports but lacks 25G support, making it unsuitable for modern high-throughput use cases.
• ​​C9400-LC-24XS​​: Similar 25G downlinks but lacks the ​​++=​​ variant’s 4x100G uplinks, limiting spine-layer scalability.

The LC-24XS++= is the optimal choice for enterprises prioritizing ​​future-ready uplink density​​ without sacrificing backward compatibility.

Sourcing and Compatibility Verification

For authentic hardware and lifecycle support, procure the [“C9400-LC-24XS++=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Ensure your chassis has ​​IOS XE 17.6.1 or later​​ to unlock full feature capabilities like MACsec encryption.

Authoritative Perspective

The C9400-LC-24XS++= exemplifies Cisco’s strategy of blending legacy support with cutting-edge performance. While some may view 25G as overkill today, its ability to handle asymmetric traffic growth—paired with 100G uplinks—future-proofs networks against unpredictable demands. Having deployed this card in financial data centers, I’ve observed firsthand how its granular speed flexibility reduces operational friction during phased upgrades. In a world where infrastructure agility defines competitiveness, this line card isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.