Cisco Catalyst C9500-48Y4C-A Switch: High-Density 100/40-Gbps Enterprise Campus

The Cisco Catalyst C9500-48Y4C-A Switch is engineered to be the backbone of a modern enterprise campus, delivering high-density performance, robust security, and IoT readiness in a compact fixed form factor. As part of the Catalyst 9500 Series, it represents Cisco’s premier 100/40-Gbps switch designed for the campus core and distribution layers, built to handle today’s demanding workloads and tomorrow’s growth. Recognized for excellence, the 9500 Series has a track record as a CRN Network Product of the Year, reflecting Cisco’s commitment to trusted performance, reliability, and scalable architecture. This model combines enterprise-grade reliability with intelligent features, making it suitable for a wide range of deployments—from high-speed employee networks to IoT-enabled facilities and secure data center interconnects.

With 48 fixed ports and high-density uplinks, the C9500-48Y4C-A consolidates access, distribution, and core capabilities into a single, streamlined device. It supports scalable, policy-driven networking that embraces the principles of zero-trust security, consistent QoS for latency-sensitive applications, and automated provisioning to reduce operational overhead. The switch is built to support secure onboarding of devices, robust traffic segmentation, and advanced threat defense, ensuring that critical business applications—whether streaming collaboration tools, real-time analytics, or edge IoT services—perform with predictable, low-latency behavior. In short, this switch helps IT teams simplify architecture, accelerate deployment, and safeguard a rapidly evolving network landscape.

Designed for security, IoT, and the demands of an increasingly connected campus, the C9500-48Y4C-A delivers a future-proof foundation for scalable, policy-driven networks. Its compact form factor pairs with Cisco IOS XE software to enable automation, deep telemetry, and centralized management through Cisco DNA Center and compatible tooling. The result is a network that not only performs at peak speeds today but also learns and adapts to changing traffic patterns, helping administrators optimize resource usage, reduce risk, and accelerate digital initiatives across the organization.

• Dense 48-port design with flexible uplink options for core and distribution layers, enabling scalable access, inter-VLAN routing, and simplified cabling topology.
• Delivers high-performance, non-blocking throughput at 100/40-Gbps uplinks, ensuring consistent latency and reliability under heavy workloads and converged services.
• Advanced security and policy capabilities to protect the network edge and IoT devices, including segmentation, encryption, identity admission, and threat intelligence integration.
• IoT-ready with secure device onboarding, policy-driven access, and reliable QoS across campus networks to support mission-critical applications and smart facilities.
• Intuitive management and automation through Cisco IOS XE and integration with Cisco DNA Center for streamlined operations, telemetry, and lifecycle management.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst C9500-48Y4C-A Switch

• Platform: Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series fixed-core/aggregation switch designed for enterprise campus networks and residential/branch convergence where high throughput and security are essential.
• Ports: 48 fixed data ports with support for high-density uplinks to 40/100-Gbps interfaces, enabling scalable connectivity for today’s workloads.
• Performance: Line-rate switching with low latency and robust forwarding capabilities to handle large-scale multicast, QoS, and policy-based routing in real time.
• Power and Cooling: Redundant power options and efficient cooling mechanisms to maintain continuous operation in standard data center racks.
• Security & QoS: Built-in security features, access controls, segmentation, MACsec support, and configurable QoS policies to prioritize critical traffic.
• Software & Automation: Runs Cisco IOS XE with automation, telemetry, and secure remote management; designed to integrate with Cisco DNA Center for policy-driven automation and analytics.
• Management & Deployment: Simplified onboarding, centralized policy administration, and zero-trust security posture across devices with enterprise-grade reliability.

How to install Cisco Catalyst C9500-48Y4C-A Switch

• Prepare the rack: install the switch in a standard 19-inch rack, ensure ample clearance for airflow, and plan cable routing to prevent fan obstruction and overheating.
• Power and cabling: connect redundant power supplies for high availability, attach the 40/100-Gbps uplinks as required, and verify cable integrity with proper labeling for future maintenance.
• Initial boot and console access: connect a console cable to configure initial parameters, set admin credentials, assign a management IP, and confirm the device boots into a healthy state.
• Firmware and image: upgrade to the latest Cisco IOS XE release to ensure security updates, feature enhancements, and compatibility with other Cisco devices in the network.
• Basic network configuration: configure VLANs, access policies, and QoS rules; enable essential security features (for example, identity services, port security, and encryption as needed) and set up monitoring for ongoing visibility.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary role of the Cisco Catalyst C9500-48Y4C-A in an enterprise network?
• A: It serves as a high-density fixed-core/aggregation switch designed for enterprise campus deployments, delivering scalable 100/40-Gbps connectivity, advanced security, and centralized management for reliable and secure network operations.
• Q: Does this model support PoE or PoE+?
• A: PoE capabilities depend on the specific configuration; the 48Y4C-A model focuses on high-speed data connectivity and security features. For PoE needs, verify the exact SKU and device configuration with Cisco or the vendor.
• Q: What software powers the switch, and how can it be managed?
• A: The switch runs Cisco IOS XE, offering automation, telemetry, and security features, and it can be managed via CLI, Cisco DNA Center, and compatible management tools for policy-driven operations.
• Q: What deployment scenarios best fit the 9500-48Y4C-A?
• A: Ideal for campus core and distribution layers, high-density access, data center interconnects, and IoT-enabled facilities that require secure, resilient, and scalable networking.
• Q: How does the model handle security and IoT onboarding?
• A: It offers advanced security features, device identity controls, segmentation, and policy-based access, along with IoT-ready tooling to streamline onboarding and ongoing protection.