Cisco NCS1K4-QXP-L-K9=: Technical Architectur
Product Overview and Role in Cisco’s NCS Portfo...
Overview and Technical Specifications
The C9400-LC-24XS= is a 24-port 10G SFP+ line card designed for Cisco’s Catalyst 9400 Series modular switches. It provides 24x 10G SFP+ ports with support for 1G/10G multi-speed connectivity, making it ideal for high-density aggregation layers in enterprise networks, data centers, or service provider edge deployments. Compatible with all Catalyst 9400 chassis, this line card integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) and Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) for enhanced security and automation.
Key features:
- Hot-swappable design: Enables installation/replacement without downtime.
- High throughput: Delivers 480 Gbps per slot with non-blocking architecture.
- Energy efficiency: Consumes up to 30% less power than previous-gen line cards.
Addressing Core User Concerns
Q: Is the C9400-LC-24XS= compatible with existing Catalyst 9400 chassis?
A: Yes. It works with all Catalyst 9407R, 9410R, and 9404R chassis running Cisco IOS XE 17.6.1 or later. However, mixing line cards of different generations may require firmware upgrades.
Q: Can it handle both copper and fiber SFP+ modules?
A: Absolutely. The line card supports 10GBase-SR, LR, T, and 1GBase-T SFPs, offering flexibility for diverse cabling infrastructures.
Q: How does it ensure redundancy in critical environments?
A: When paired with dual Supervisor Engines (e.g., C9400-SUP-1XL), the line card supports Stateful Switchover (SSO) and In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU), ensuring <50ms failover during outages.
C9400-LC-24XS= vs. Competing Line Cards: Strategic Value
Compared to the C9400-LC-48X (48x 1G/10G ports), the C9400-LC-24XS= prioritizes 10G density over port count, making it better suited for spine-leaf architectures or bandwidth-heavy applications like video surveillance or AI data pipelines.
| Feature | C9400-LC-24XS= | C9400-LC-48X |
|---|---|---|
| Port Speed | 10G-only | 1G/10G mixed |
| Max Port Density | 24 ports | 48 ports |
| Power Draw | 150W (max) | 220W (max) |
| Ideal Use Case | High-speed core aggregation | Access-layer connectivity |
For enterprises prioritizing future-ready 10G/25G transitions, the 24XS= offers a balance of performance and energy efficiency.
Deployment Recommendations and Purchasing
The “C9400-LC-24XS=” is available for procurement via itmall.sale, ensuring genuine Cisco hardware with full lifecycle support.
Personal assessment: Having deployed this line card in large-scale campus backbones, its ability to handle sustained 10G traffic without buffer exhaustion stands out. While the 48-port variant suits access layers, the 24XS= excels in environments where raw throughput and low latency trump port density—think financial trading floors or HD media production networks. Its energy-efficient design also aligns with sustainability goals, reducing operational costs over time. For organizations eyeing 25G upgrades, pairing this card with QSFP28 uplinks offers a cost-effective transitional strategy.