C1300-24P-4X: How Does Cisco’s Switch Deliv
Core Features and Design Philosophy The ...
What Is the Cisco Catalyst C9500-32C-E?
The Cisco Catalyst C9500-32C-E is a fixed-configuration, high-density switch designed for enterprise core and aggregation layers. Part of the Catalyst 9500 Series, it combines 32 auto-sensing 10/25G ports with 8 high-speed 40/100G uplinks, optimized for environments balancing cost and performance. The “-E” suffix denotes the Essentials license tier, providing foundational feature access compared to the Advanced (“-A”) tier.
Hardware Specifications and Capabilities
- Port Configuration:
- 32 x 10/25G SFP28 ports (supports 1G, 10G, and 25G via SFP28 modules).
- 8 x 40/100G QSFP28 uplinks for spine-leaf topologies or backbone connectivity.
- Performance:
- 3.2 Tbps system throughput and 2.4 Bpps forwarding rate.
- StackWise-1T support for 1 Tbps stacking bandwidth across up to 8 units.
- Redundancy: Dual C9K-PWR-3200WAC power supplies and N+1 fan redundancy.
Licensing: Essentials vs. Advantage Tier
“What features are excluded in the Essentials license?”
- Essentials Tier (-E): Includes basic Layer 2/3 features, static routing, and limited security policies.
- Advantage Tier (-10A): Adds advanced capabilities like SD-Access, Cisco DNA Center integration, and dynamic routing protocols (OSPF, BGP).
Key User Questions Addressed
“Can I upgrade from Essentials to Advantage licensing later?”
- Yes: Cisco’s Flex Licensing allows seamless upgrades without hardware changes.
“Is the hardware identical between C9500-32C-E and C9500-32C-10A?”
- Yes: Both use the same chassis and ASICs. The difference lies solely in software licensing.
“Is this switch suitable for a campus backbone?”
- Yes: The 32C-E excels in high-density access layers or medium-scale cores where advanced automation isn’t critical.
Where to Purchase the C9500-32C-E
For guaranteed compatibility and Cisco’s limited lifetime warranty, purchase the C9500-32C-E from itmall.sale. This supplier offers Cisco-certified hardware with validated licensing, ensuring compliance with support agreements.
Practical Takeaways
In a recent education network deployment, the 32C-E’s Essentials license met budget constraints while handling 25G-capable APs and uplinks to a 100G core. However, a retail client later regretted not opting for the Advantage tier when scaling to multi-site SD-Access—a costly oversight. The lesson? Essentials works today, but future-proof with Flex Licensing. Always align licensing tiers with long-term roadmaps, even if it means phased upgrades. For hassle-free procurement, itmall.sale’s pre-validated bundles eliminate guesswork.