Introduction
A network switch also known as an Ethernet switch is a communication device that is intended to distribute data in form of signals over wired mediums. It usually appears like a kind of box with several Ethernet or fiber optic connectivity ports. It should not be confused with a network hub despite the similarity. Enterprise-grade network switches are introduced to be deployed in stressed environments to handle overwhelming workloads.
C9500-16X-A Cisco Catalyst Switch
The Catalyst 9500 lineup of Cisco network switches is the next-gen enterprise-grade network switches, ensuring overall programmability and reliability. Catalyst 9500 lineup features x86 CPU and purpose-built fixed core and aggregation switching capabilities. Cisco 9500 series is specifically introduced for security, IoT, and cloud support. The switches offer a Quad-core x86, 2.4-GHz processor, 16-GB DDR4 memory, and 16-GB of internal storage.
Being the industry’s 1st special purpose 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet series of switches intended for the enterprise-grade and mission-critical network infrastructures, these switches ensure state-of-the-art table scale (MAC/route/ACL) and buffering solution for enterprise-scale applications.
C9500 16X A Cisco Catalyst Switches from Catalyst 9500 lineup are 16-ports Gigabit Ethernet switches that provide enterprise-grade networking solutions for campus and department applications. Manufactured for operational efficiency by reducing the cumulative cost of ownership, they offer scalable, secure, and energy-efficient operational capabilities with intelligent support and a multitude of advanced Cisco IOS Software utilities.
Its notable specifications and features include:
| Performance specifications | |
| Switching capacity | Up to 480 Gbps |
| Forwarding rate | Up to 360 Mbps |
| Total number of MAC addresses | Up to 64,000 |
| Total number of IPv4 routes (Address Resolution Protocol [ARP] plus learned routes) | Up to 64,000 indirect Up to 80,000 host |
| Total number of IPv6 routes | Up to 32,000 indirect Up to 40,000 host |
| QoS ACL scale | Up to 18000 |
| Security ACL scale | Up to 18000 |
| FNF entries | Up to 512,000 |
| DRAM | 16 GB |
| Flash | 16 GB |
| VLAN IDs | 4000 |
| Total Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs) | 4000 |
| Jumbo frame | 9198 bytes |
| Power supply specifications | |
| Power Supply Selection | PWR-C4-950WAC-R or PWR-C4-950WDC-R |
| Power max rating | 950 W |
| Dimensions, physical specifications, weight, and MTBF | |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 1.73 x 17.5 x 21.52 in |
| Rack units (RU) | 1 RU |
| Input voltage | 90 to 264 VAC |
| Operating temperature | 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) |
| Storage temperature | -4° to 149°F (-20° to 65°C) |
| Relative humidity operating and nonoperating noncondensing | Ambient (noncondensing) Operating: 5% to 90% Ambient (noncondensing) nonoperating and storage: 5% to 95% |
| Altitude | Operation up to 6000 feet at 55°C and 13,000 feet at 45°C |
| MTBF (hours) | 315,790 |
Factors to consider before buying a Network switch
Managed vs. Unmanaged vs. Intelligent Network Switch
You can choose an unmanaged switch if your network requirements are simple and you can leave all ports open without isolating anyone of them. If you only want to couple a few devices to each other via a network, unmanaged switches can fulfill the requirements very well within your limited budget. Managed switches are usually plug-and-play as you just have to make physical connections to start using them.
If you have little or no idea how your network will scale in the future, it is recommended to opt for managed network switch with customized configuration capabilities. The configuration option can be very fruitful in a futuristic approach as it eliminates the need to rebuild the network if it scales later, as managed network switches enable you to manage, update and customize your network remotely as per your particular requirements or working dynamics. Managed switches are good for managing any high-end and dynamic network, but it requires the assistance of a skilled networking expert to evaluate port security, access control lists (ACLs), and bandwidth allocation. Some network switches offer an API, which enables users to perform IaC (infrastructure as code) practices.
If you want to keep a firm grip on all the key areas of your network, but it will remain relatively simple, you can also opt for an intelligent switch that you can manipulate and manage remotely through an online interface. Intelligent or smart network switches provide a perfect balance between unmanaged and managed switches. Depending on the variant you are going to opt for, you might leverage utilities like the quality of service (QoS) or virtual private networks (VPNs) that ensure decent management capabilities of VoIP phones. Apart from that if you want to isolate parts of the network from each other to enhance network security and efficiency, you can easily achieve this objective by choosing intelligent switches.
Cisco Catalyst lineup of switches like C9500 16X A offers advanced customization and management capabilities. The switches can be easily configured via a serial console, telnet, or Secure Shell. Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) enables evaluation and strict check on different aspects and key areas of the network as well as the monitoring and control of network traffic.
Choosing a PoE network switch?
A PoE (Power over Ethernet) network switch enables connected devices, such as IP cameras or VoIP phones, to be electrically powered with the help of RJ45 Ethernet cables. Such a network switch simplifies the wiring so you don’t have to consult an electrician to set up the power supply for your setup. Apart from this, if the network switch is connected to an inverter, you won’t have to worry about power failures or downtimes.
Choosing such a network switch demands the true acknowledgment of the power consumed by each of the devices so that the network switch offers sustainable power, called the PoE budget, at least equal to the cumulative power required by all the devices.
You will also have to fulfill the cooling requirements of the network switch to refrain from facing any potential failure due to heat dissipation.
A physical distance between the network switch and the connected devices is also vital and the maximum distance between two devices must be 100 meters. PoE switches offer two standards that ensure equipment compatibility between different manufacturers:
The 802.3af standard enables a max power output of 12.9 watts, with a voltage of 48 volts for each device.
The 802.3af standard enables a maximum power output of 30 watts, with a voltage of 48 volts for each device.
Network compatibility with Applications
Ethernet switches use transfer speeds that vary depending on the requirements:
- Networks of 10 Mbps (megabits per second) are generally intended for email and intranet frameworks. The setup is wired with RJ45 sockets.
- Networks of 100 Mbps (called Fast Ethernet) are used for small file transfers (up to 150 MB file size). The setup is wired with RJ45 sockets.
- Networks of 1,000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet) are used for large file transfers like video files (more than 150 MB per file). It is also wired with RJ45 sockets.
- Networks of 10 Gb/s (10GBASE-T) are the contemporary standard for the deployment of new enterprise-grade infrastructures.
For very large data transfers over prolonged distances between connected devices, it is recommended to opt for a fiber optic transfer technology (in the range of 100 GB/s: 100GBASE-SR4, 100 m, or 100GBASE-LR4, up to 40 km). The equipment is wired with an SFP connectivity module like the Cisco Catalyst C9500-16X-A network switch that features SFP/SFP+, 8 x 1/10 G, or 2 x 40 G uplinks.
Number of Ports
The number of connectivity interfaces that are ports available on your network switch is crucial as it determines the number of devices that can be connected to the switch at the same time. A network switch can facilitate upto 64 ports. In order to choose the switch that best suits your operational requirements, you will need to acknowledge how many devices you are going to deploy and whether this number is likely to change in upcoming months or years.
Some network switches feature stacked plug that enables switches to be connected to each other, thus scaling the connectivity interfaces for adding more devices.
Additional Key Points to Consider
- Network switches are deployed inside casings designed to be installed either in electrical cabinets or in standard installation bays.
- Ethernet switches designed for SMBs are usually equipped with a DIN rail mounting system, which is used for deploying different types of equipment into a normal or electrical cabinet.
- Enterprise-scale switches are intended to be fixed into racks and in this case, their size is determined as 19-inch rack units of a cabinet or closure (i.e. a switch occupies 1RU or the width of a 19-inch rack for a height of 1.75 inches). The 19-inch rack is considered a standard dimension.
- If you have few devices to deploy on your network, you can place your switch on a desk near the devices, but you have to face the noise, as the more ports the switch offers, the noisier it will be.
Conclusion
Keeping all these key factors and aspects in mind, you can make an informed and rational decision before finalizing your purchase for a network switch either for an SMB or enterprise-grade organization. If you want to buy new or refurbished network switches at affordable prices, visit Hard Disk Direct.