Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switch
Elevate your enterprise network with the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switch — delivering ultra-high performance, advanced security, and intelligent automation. Designed for core and aggregation layers, the Catalyst 9500 ensures scalable, reliable, and secure connectivity across Nigerian enterprises — deployed and supported by Linx Networks Ltd.
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switch
Enterprise-Class Access & Aggregation Layer Switches for Secure, Scalable Networks | Linx Networks Ltd
The Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switch is the next-generation core and aggregation layer solution in the Catalyst 9000 family — delivering high-speed, secure, and intelligent connectivity for enterprise, campus, and service provider networks. Designed for scalable, always-on operations, the 9500 Series provides advanced performance, resiliency, and automation in a compact, fixed-core platform.
Powered by Cisco’s IOS XE operating system, the Catalyst 9500 supports full programmability, SD-Access architecture, and centralized control through Cisco DNA Center. Network administrators can automate configurations, monitor traffic in real time, and enforce consistent security policies across the entire infrastructure.
The switch delivers exceptional availability with redundant power supplies and fans, NSF/SSO failover, and modular uplink options (10G, 25G, 40G, and 100G). Its non-blocking architecture ensures line-rate performance for demanding enterprise workloads and data center interconnects.
With built-in advanced security, the Catalyst 9500 defends against evolving cyber threats using MACsec encryption, 802.1X authentication, TrustSec segmentation, and Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA). This guarantees secure, policy-driven access across wired and wireless domains.
Engineered for high-density, mission-critical deployments, the 9500 Series integrates PoE+ options, intelligent QoS, and advanced routing capabilities — ideal for enterprise cores, distribution layers, and large campus backbones.
At Linx Networks Ltd, we supply and support Cisco Catalyst switches across Nigeria, offering nationwide delivery, expert configuration, and professional installation services. Request a quote today to power your enterprise network with the speed and reliability of the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series.
Specifications
Explore the key specifications of the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switch — a high-performance, secure, and stackable core/aggregation layer switch. Designed for enterprise and data center networks, the 9500 Series delivers ultra-high-speed connectivity, advanced automation, and scalable architecture across offices, campuses, and large-scale deployments in Nigeria.
Switching Capacity
Delivers up to 480 Gbps switching capacity and 360 Mpps forwarding rate, ensuring ultra-fast, low-latency performance for high-demand enterprise and data center workloads.
Uplink Options
Supports modular 1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, and 100G uplinks for flexible core and aggregation connectivity in large-scale networks.
Power over Ethernet
Provides PoE+, UPoE, and UPOE+ on access ports where applicable, powering connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and IoT endpoints efficiently.
Management
Managed via Cisco DNA Center or Web UI, enabling centralized automation, analytics, policy enforcement, and intent-based networking for enterprise-grade management.
Security
Features MACsec 256-bit encryption, 802.1X authentication, TrustSec segmentation, and Secure Boot/Runtime Defenses for comprehensive protection of critical enterprise networks.
Redundancy
Supports StackWise-480 technology for stacking up to eight switches, providing high availability, rapid failover, and simplified network management for core/aggregation layers.
Operating System
Powered by Cisco IOS XE, offering full programmability, model-driven telemetry, advanced automation, and intent-based networking capabilities for enterprise and data center networks.
Environmental
Energy-efficient design with select fanless or optimized cooling options, reducing operational costs and supporting sustainable enterprise deployments.
Frequently Asked Questions – Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Right Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switch
Selecting the right core or aggregation switch is crucial for enterprises, campuses, data centers, and service provider networks that demand ultra-high-performance, secure, and scalable connectivity. The Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series delivers enterprise-class switching with advanced security, automation, and full-stack programmability. This guide helps you make informed decisions to optimize network performance, redundancy, and long-term infrastructure value.
1. Understanding the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series
The Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series is designed for core and aggregation layer networks, providing high-speed connectivity, intelligent automation, and integrated security. It is ideal for large offices, campuses, data centers, and service provider environments that require ultra-reliable switching for high-density users, servers, and networked devices.
2. Performance and Uplink Options
The 9500 offers models with 10G, 25G, 40G, or 100G ports and optional PoE, UPoE, and UPOE+ support for connected devices. Modular uplink options enable seamless integration into enterprise or data center backbones and ensure future-ready scalability.
3. StackWise-480 Technology
A key advantage of the 9500 Series is Cisco StackWise-480, allowing up to eight switches to operate as a single system with 480 Gbps stack bandwidth. This enhances redundancy, simplifies management, and provides high availability for mission-critical enterprise networks.
4. Security and Network Protection
Security is built into every layer of the 9500 architecture. It includes MACsec 256-bit encryption, 802.1X authentication, TrustSec segmentation, Secure Boot and Runtime Defenses, and Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), protecting the network from threats while maintaining policy-based access control.
5. Network Management and Automation
The 9500 Series integrates with Cisco DNA Center for centralized automation, analytics, and assurance. It also supports CLI, SNMP, and Web UI management for flexible administration. Network administrators can automate configuration, monitor performance, and apply software updates efficiently across multiple switches.
6. Power and Energy Efficiency
Designed for energy-conscious organizations, the 9500 supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and intelligent PoE management. PoE, UPoE, and UPOE+ options provide sufficient power to connected devices while optimizing overall energy consumption.
7. Scalability and Modular Design
With modular uplinks and flexible stacking options, the 9500 scales to meet growing network demands. Whether deploying across enterprise campuses, data centers, or multi-branch networks, it provides consistent high performance and simplifies future upgrades without major redesigns.
8. Real-World Use Cases
- Enterprise campuses and data centers requiring high-performance core and aggregation switching
- Universities and large institutions with multi-VLAN, high-density user environments
- Service providers or government networks demanding strong encryption and redundancy
- Healthcare facilities and industrial networks needing secure and reliable backbone infrastructure
- Branch networks or large offices seeking scalable, high-availability connectivity
9. Maintenance and Support
Maintain optimal performance by keeping firmware updated and monitoring network health through Cisco DNA Center or SNMP tools. Linx Networks Ltd provides installation, configuration, and nationwide support for Cisco Catalyst 9500 deployments, ensuring seamless operation and long-term reliability.
By following this guide, your organization can confidently deploy the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switch—delivering ultra-secure, high-performance, and scalable network access. Linx Networks Ltd provides nationwide delivery, professional setup, and post-installation support for all Cisco Catalyst solutions across Nigeria.