NC55-36X100G-SB= Cisco Line Card: 400G-Ready
Hardware Design & Forwarding Performance The ...
Core Hardware Architecture and Performance
The Cisco C9500-48Y4C-E is a fixed-configuration Catalyst 9500 Series switch designed for high-density access and distribution layers in enterprise networks. It features 48x 1G/10G MultiGigabit Ethernet ports (supporting 2.5G/5G via NBASE-T) and 4x 40G QSFP+ uplinks, delivering 960 Gbps throughput. Powered by Cisco’s UADP 3.0 ASIC, it provides MACsec encryption at line rate and integrates with Cisco DNA Center for intent-based networking.
Key technical differentiators:
- PoE+ Capacity: 740W total power budget for Wi-Fi 6/6E APs, IP cameras, and IoT devices.
- Scalability: Supports 256,000 MAC entries and 16,000 VLANs for segmented campus deployments.
- Resiliency: Dual hot-swappable 1100W AC/930W DC power supplies with front-to-back airflow.
C9500-48Y4C-E vs. C9300-48UXM: Which Fits Your Needs?
| Feature | C9500-48Y4C-E | C9300-48UXM |
|---|---|---|
| Uplink Capacity | 4x 40G | 4x 25G |
| ASIC | UADP 3.0 (programmable) | UADP 2.0 (fixed pipeline) |
| Software Capabilities | Full SD-Access, Cisco ISE | Limited to DNA Essentials |
| Target Use Case | Large campus core/access | Mid-sized office distribution |
Critical Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios
High-Density Wireless Backhaul
The MultiGig ports auto-negotiate 2.5G/5G speeds, future-proofing for Wi-Fi 6E access points without costly cabling upgrades.
Secure IoT Segmentation
Integrated Cisco Cyber Vision and TrustSec enforce microsegmentation for OT devices, isolating HVAC or industrial sensors from primary traffic.
Addressing Top User Concerns
Q: Can this switch replace legacy Catalyst 3850 stacks without reconfiguration?
Yes. The Cisco Network Upgrade Assistant automates config migration, preserving VLANs and QoS policies.
Q: Does it support 802.3bt (90W PoE) for high-power devices?
No. For 90W demands, pair with Cisco UPOE+ modules or use external injectors.
Q: How does redundancy handle supervisor failures?
Unlike modular chassis, this fixed model uses StackWise Virtual (with a second switch) for sub-second failover.
Where to Purchase Reliable Inventory
For verified hardware with Cisco DNA licensing, “C9500-48Y4C-E” is available at itmall.sale. Confirm PoE requirements upfront—underspecifying power budgets is a common oversight in large deployments.
Field-Tested Perspective
In a recent hotel chain deployment, the C9500-48Y4C-E’s MultiGig ports eliminated the need for overlay switches to support 4K streaming IPTVs. Its MACsec encryption also thwarted a credential-stuffing attack targeting guest Wi-Fi. While competitors like Aruba 8400 offer similar density, Cisco’s embedded security tools saved the client ~200 hours of manual policy scripting. For enterprises juggling scale and security, this switch isn’t just a purchase—it’s a force multiplier.