Cisco Catalyst C9500-40X-A

40-Port 1/10G SFP+ Managed Switch with Network Advantage

Enterprise-Class Core, Distribution & Aggregation Switching

The Cisco Catalyst C9500-40X-A is a high-performance enterprise-class managed switch designed for demanding core, distribution, aggregation, and high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet deployments. It provides 40 × 1/10G SFP/SFP+ ports and delivers up to 960 Gbps switching capacity with a forwarding rate of up to 720 Mpps, making it suitable for large enterprise campus networks, data center edge environments, service-provider networks, and high-bandwidth aggregation applications.

Equipped with the Cisco Network Advantage software license, Cisco IOS XE, an x86-based processor, and advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, the C9500-40X-A provides the scalability, programmability, security, and routing functionality required for modern enterprise networks.

High-Performance 10G Connectivity

The C9500-40X-A is built for organizations requiring high-density fiber connectivity and predictable network performance. Its 40 × 1/10G SFP/SFP+ interfaces allow organizations to connect aggregation switches, servers, storage systems, network appliances, and other high-bandwidth infrastructure using compatible optical or direct-attach transceivers.

With up to 960 Gbps switching capacity and 720 Mpps forwarding performance, the switch is capable of handling demanding east-west and north-south traffic patterns across enterprise campus and aggregation networks.

High-Speed Switching Performance

The Cisco Catalyst C9500-40X-A is engineered to provide high-performance switching for enterprise core and aggregation environments. The platform supports up to 960 Gbps switching capacity and up to 720 million packets per second (Mpps) forwarding performance.

• Up to 960 Gbps switching capacity
• Up to 720 Mpps forwarding rate
• 40 × 1/10G SFP/SFP+ Ethernet ports
• Up to 64,000 MAC addresses
• Up to 4,000 VLAN IDs
• Jumbo frames up to 9,198 bytes
• 16 GB DRAM and 16 GB internal flash storage

Cisco IOS XE & Network Advantage

The C9500-40X-A runs Cisco IOS XE, providing a modern, programmable operating environment for enterprise networking. The Network Advantage license expands the platform's Layer 3 routing, segmentation, security, and advanced network service capabilities.

Advanced routing support includes technologies such as BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS, HSRP, VRRP, PBR, and multicast routing. Network Advantage also enables advanced segmentation and virtualization technologies including VRF, VXLAN, LISP, BGP-EVPN, and MPLS where supported by the software release and deployment architecture.

Enterprise Security

Security is an important part of the Catalyst 9500 platform. The C9500-40X-A supports enterprise security technologies including Access Control Lists (ACLs), 802.1X, MACsec, Control Plane Policing (CoPP), TrustSec capabilities, and secure network access.

These capabilities help organizations protect sensitive network resources, control access to infrastructure, segment traffic, and secure data transmitted across enterprise networks.

High Availability & Resilience

The Cisco Catalyst C9500-40X-A is designed for mission-critical enterprise environments where network availability is essential. It supports StackWise Virtual, allowing two compatible switches to operate as a logical system for increased resiliency and simplified network architecture.

The platform also supports redundant power supply configurations and field-replaceable fan modules, helping minimize downtime and simplify maintenance in enterprise data centers and campus core environments.

Network Management & Automation

Cisco IOS XE provides multiple management and automation options for enterprise IT teams. The C9500-40X-A supports modern programmability and automation technologies including NETCONF, RESTCONF, gNMI, YANG, and Cisco Catalyst Center integration.

These capabilities allow administrators to automate configuration, monitor network health, collect telemetry, and simplify large-scale infrastructure management.

Ideal Applications

Cisco Catalyst C9500-40X-A

The Cisco Catalyst C9500-40X-A is a powerful 40-port 1/10G SFP/SFP+ enterprise switch with Network Advantage licensing, 960 Gbps switching capacity, 720 Mpps forwarding performance, advanced Layer 3 routing, enterprise security, automation, and high-availability capabilities. It is an excellent choice for high-density campus core, distribution, aggregation, and enterprise network deployments.