cisco Catalyst 9500 Catalyst 9500X
The Cisco Catalyst 9500X is an enterprise 1U fixed-core switch powered by Cisco Silicon One Q200 architecture. Delivering multi-terabit switching bandwidth with high-density 100G and 400G optical interfaces, the 9500X provides deep buffer architecture, line-rate MACsec-256 encryption, and high-radix campus core aggregation to meet increasing campus bandwidth demands.
Specifications
| Brand | cisco |
|---|---|
| Family | Catalyst 9500 |
| Form factor | 1U fixed switch |
| Released | Feb 2022 |
| Form factor | 1U fixed switch with hot-swap power and fans |
| Silicon architecture | Cisco Silicon One Q200 ASIC |
| Port density | 28x 100G QSFP28 + 8x 400G QSFP-DD, or 60x 10G/25G SFP28 + 8x 100G QSFP28 |
| Switching capacity | Up to 12.8 Tbps |
| Packet buffer | Deep 80MB shared packet buffer architecture |
| Security | Line-rate MACsec-256 and IPsec encryption capabilities |
Generations
- Previous generation: cisco Catalyst 9500 Catalyst 9500
Check compatibility with Cisco
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that Cisco has tested with the cisco Catalyst 9500 Catalyst 9500X.
- Compatibility Cisco UCS Hardware Compatibility List
- Compatibility Cisco Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix
- Support Cisco Support and Downloads
Equivalent models from other brands
FAQ
What makes Cisco Silicon One in the 9500X significant for campus cores?
Silicon One brings carrier-grade routing silicon and deep packet buffering into a standard 1U enterprise campus form factor.
Can 400G QSFP-DD ports break out to 100G interfaces?
Yes, each 400G port supports 4x 100G optical breakout connections for dense distribution fabrics.
Buying or selling Catalyst 9500X?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- Cisco Catalyst 9500X Product Documentation, checked 2026-10-27
- Cisco Catalyst 9500X Data Sheet and Technical Specifications, checked 2026-10-27