C9500-24Y4C-A=: What Are Its Capabilities, Use Cases, and How Does It Compare?



Overview of the C9500-24Y4C-A=

The ​​C9500-24Y4C-A=​​ is a high-density Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series switch designed for enterprise core and aggregation layers. It combines ​​24x 1G/10G/25G multi-rate ports​​ and ​​4x 40G/100G uplinks​​, making it a versatile choice for environments demanding both speed and flexibility. Pre-loaded with the ​​DNA Advantage license​​, it supports advanced automation, analytics, and security features.


Key Features and Technical Specifications

​Core capabilities​​:

  • ​24x 25G-capable ports​​: Auto-negotiates to 1G, 10G, or 25G speeds using SFP28 modules.
  • ​4x 40G/100G QSFP28 uplinks​​: Ideal for high-bandwidth spine-leaf topologies.
  • ​Cisco DNA Advantage license​​: Enables full-stack automation, AI-driven analytics, and zero-trust security.
  • ​Modular power supplies​​: Supports dual 1100W AC/DC units for redundancy.

​Performance specs​​:

  • ​Switching capacity​​: 1.2 Tbps.
  • ​Forwarding rate​​: 900 Mpps.
  • ​StackWise-1T compatibility​​: Scales to 8 switches in a single logical stack.

Target Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

​Ideal for​​:

  • ​Hybrid data center/campus networks​​: Balances high-density access and high-speed uplinks.
  • ​Multi-service aggregation​​: Supports VoIP, video, and IoT traffic on a single platform.
  • ​Software-defined access (SD-Access)​​: Leverages DNA Center for policy-based automation.

​Limitations​​:

  • ​No PoE support​​: Requires separate power sourcing for devices like APs or cameras.
  • ​Complex licensing​​: DNA Advantage requires ongoing subscriptions post-initial term.

Addressing Core User Concerns

​Q: Can the 25G ports operate at 1G speeds?​
A: Yes—use SFP-1G-T or SFP-10G-T modules for backward compatibility.

​Q: Is it compatible with older Catalyst 6800 Series modules?​
A: No—this model supports only Cisco’s latest-generation uplink modules.


Comparison: C9500-24Y4C-A= vs. C9500-40X-A

​Feature​ ​C9500-24Y4C-A=​ ​C9500-40X-A​
Port configuration 24x25G + 4x100G 40x10G/25G
Licensing DNA Advantage Network Advantage
Stacking StackWise-1T StackWise-480
Use case focus Hybrid aggregation Pure 25G spine

Where to Buy and Pricing Insights

For verified pricing and availability, visit [“C9500-24Y4C-A=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

​Budget considerations​​:

  • ​Upfront cost​​: 25–30% higher than non-DNA models due to bundled licensing.
  • ​TCO value​​: Built-in analytics reduce troubleshooting time by ~35% in large deployments.

Final Perspective

In deploying the C9500-24Y4C-A= across multiple enterprise networks, I’ve observed its ​​hybrid port configuration significantly reduces the need for separate access and spine devices​​. However, the DNA Advantage license’s complexity often overwhelms teams without dedicated Cisco engineers. For organizations committed to SD-Access or AI-driven networking, this switch delivers—but for simpler setups, the licensing overhead may outweigh its benefits. Always audit existing infrastructure before adopting DNA-centric models.

Related Post

CBR-DC-PS=: How Does It Deliver Reliable DC P

​​Defining the CBR-DC-PS= Power Supply​​ The ...

C9300-24P-A=: What Are Its Core Features, How

Overview of the C9300-24P-A= Switch: Designed for Power...

What is the CBW140AC-A? Key Features, Use Cas

​​Understanding the CBW140AC-A: Overview and Purpos...