Cisco Catalyst 9500-16X-E 16x10G SFP+ Switch, Essentials License

Q1. What does a Cisco switch do?

A: A Cisco switch stores and forwards Ethernet frames by learning MAC addresses and directing traffic within the LAN, while routers determine the best paths between different networks.

Q2. How many types of Cisco switches are there?

A: There are two main categories: fixed-configuration switches (with built‑in ports) and modular switches (supporting plug‑in line cards).

Q3. Do Cisco switches support PoE?

A: Yes, many Cisco switches support PoE (Power over Ethernet), supplying power to devices like phones and access points over Ethernet cables.

Q4. What are the three primary functions of a Layer 2 Cisco switch?

A: Layer 2 switches perform MAC address learning, frame forwarding/filtering, and loop avoidance using protocols like Spanning Tree.

Q5. What is the Cisco Catalyst platform used for?

A: Catalyst switches unify wired and wireless access, simplify operations, and optimize networks to meet business requirements.

Q6. Is Cisco Catalyst also a router?

A: Generally no—Catalyst models are switches, though some cellular gateway versions (e.g., CG‑522-E, CG418-E) include built-in LTE/5G routing.

Q7. Is the Catalyst 9500 a core switch?

A: Yes, Catalyst 9500 is designed as a fixed, enterprise-class core and aggregation switch in the Catalyst 9000 family.

Q8. Can you stack Catalyst 9500 switches?

A: Yes, they use StackWise Virtual to form a virtual stack across two switches—no stacking cables needed.

Q9. What is the form factor of the C9500‑16X‑E?

A: It’s a 1RU fixed‑form‑factor switch with built-in uplink ports.

Q10. What type of ports does the C9500‑16X‑E have?

A: It includes 16 fixed 10‑Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ access ports.

Q11. Does the C9500‑16X‑E support stacking?

A: Yes, it supports StackWise Virtual for two-switch stacking.

Q12. What is the maximum stacking bandwidth of the C9500‑16X‑E?

A: It provides up to 160 Gbps of virtual stack interconnect bandwidth.

Q13. What is the switching capacity of the C9500‑16X‑E?

A: It supports up to 480 Gbps switching capacity.

Q14. What is the forwarding rate of the C9500‑16X‑E?

A: It offers forwarding performance of up to 360 Mpps (million packets per second).

Q15. Does the C9500‑16X‑E support PoE?

A: No, it does not support Power over Ethernet.

Q16. What power supply options does the C9500‑16X‑E support?

A: It supports either AC or DC redundant power supplies.

Q17. Does the C9500‑16X‑E support MPLS?

A: Yes, it supports MPLS for advanced routing scenarios.

Q18. How many MAC addresses can the C9500‑16X‑E support?

A: It supports up to 128,000 MAC address entries.