Cisco C9400-LC-24XY= Line Card: How Does It Enhance Modular Switch Performance? Key Specs and Use Cases


The ​​Cisco Catalyst C9400-LC-24XY=​​ is a high-density line card designed for the Catalyst 9400 Series modular switches, targeting enterprises requiring scalable, high-throughput connectivity for data centers and large campus cores. Engineered to future-proof network backbones, this module supports hybrid cloud, AI/ML workloads, and hyperscale IoT deployments. Below, we unpack its technical value and address critical deployment considerations.


​Core Technical Capabilities​

The ​​C9400-LC-24XY=​​ provides ​​24x 10/25G SFP28 ports​​ and ​​4x 40/100G QSFP28 uplinks​​, delivering non-blocking throughput for latency-sensitive applications. Key innovations include:

  • ​Cisco UADP 4.0 ASIC​​: Enables ​​line-rate encryption​​ (MACsec) and ​​deep buffer (12 MB per port)​​ to prevent packet loss during traffic bursts.
  • ​Flexible Speed​​: Auto-negotiates ​​1/10/25G​​ on downlinks and ​​40/100G​​ on uplinks, adapting to legacy and next-gen optics.
  • ​Energy Efficiency​​: ​​Cisco EnergyWise Plus​​ reduces power consumption by ​​20%​​ compared to previous-gen line cards.

​Performance vs. Competing Modules​

Unlike fixed-speed line cards, the ​​C9400-LC-24XY=​​ offers ​​dynamic port grouping​​, allowing admins to allocate ports as 10G, 25G, or break out uplinks into 4x25G. This flexibility eliminates the need for separate modules for mixed-speed environments.


​Addressing Critical Deployment Questions​

​Q: Is this line card compatible with existing Catalyst 9400 chassis?​
A: Yes. It works with all ​​Catalyst 9400 Series Supervisor Engines​​, but requires ​​Cisco IOS XE 17.9+​​ for full feature support.

​Q: How does it handle encrypted traffic at scale?​
A: The integrated ​​MACsec-256​​ engine encrypts all traffic at line rate without throughput degradation, critical for GDPR or HIPAA-compliant industries.

​Q: Can it support AI cluster connectivity?​
A: Absolutely. The ​​100G uplinks​​ and ​​µsec latency​​ make it ideal for GPU/TPU farm interconnects and distributed storage fabrics.


​Ideal Use Cases​

  • ​Hybrid Cloud Gateways​​: ​​25G ports​​ link on-prem servers to cloud providers like AWS Direct Connect.
  • ​High-Frequency Trading (HFT)​​: ​​Sub-µsec latency​​ ensures real-time data synchronization between trading engines.
  • ​Telemedicine Hubs​​: ​​Deep buffering​​ prevents packet loss during MRI/PET-CT image transfers.

​Sourcing and Compatibility Assurance​

For guaranteed compatibility and lifecycle support, procure the C9400-LC-24XY= exclusively via [“C9400-LC-24XY=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). This supplier offers Cisco-certified modules with advance hardware replacement SLAs.


​Final Evaluation​

The ​​C9400-LC-24XY=​​ is a strategic upgrade for enterprises scaling data-intensive operations. While its cost per port is higher than fixed-configuration alternatives, the ​​operational agility​​ and ​​energy efficiency​​ justify the investment. For organizations eyeing AI or hybrid cloud expansions, this module eliminates midlife chassis swaps, delivering ROI through extended hardware longevity and reduced operational overhead.

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