The Cisco Catalyst C9500-16X is a fixed-core 10GbE aggregation switch designed for enterprise campus core and distribution layers. It provides high-performance routing and resilient fibre connectivity for organisations standardising on 10 Gigabit infrastructure.
Positioned within the Catalyst 9500 Series as a compact, high-performance core option, the C9500-16X is well suited to organisations standardising on 10GbE infrastructure while requiring advanced routing scale, high availability and secure segmentation capabilities.
Planning a campus upgrade or consolidating 10GbE infrastructure? Our accredited Cisco specialists can help confirm model selection, licensing and support requirements before you commit.
16 x 10GbE SFP+ Ports
Dense fibre aggregation for access, servers, and inter-building links.
UADP ASIC Performance
Line-rate Layer 2/3 forwarding with enterprise routing scale.
Advanced Routing Support
Dynamic routing protocols and policy-based forwarding.
Integrated TrustSec
Policy-based segmentation without VLAN sprawl.
High Availability
Non-stop forwarding and redundant power options.
Automation Ready
Cisco DNA Center and model-driven telemetry support.
SD-Access Compatible
Designed for software-defined campus architectures.
We help you:
✓ Validate routing scale
✓ Assess redundancy architecture
✓ Align licensing and software
✓ Plan long-term support coverage
Cisco offers a wide portfolio of subscription-based services to simplify management, protect critical infrastructure, and unlock advanced analytics for enterprise and data centre networks. Explore relevant Cisco subscription options below.
What is Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)?
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a network access control (NAC) platform that delivers secure, identity-based access for users and devices across wired, wireless, and VPN connections. It provides centralised policy control and is a foundation for Zero Trust networking.
| ISE Licenses | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | Basic access control, guest services, device visibility. | Ensure every device on your network is identified and authenticated. |
| Advantage | Advanced policy, posture assessment, and integration with threat intelligence. | Improve compliance and security with centralised, automated enforcement. |
| Premier | Includes all Advantage features plus profiling, segmentation, and advanced integrations. | Enable full Zero Trust and protect against lateral movement in hybrid networks. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
Licensing can be complex. Our team’s consultative approach helps to select the right tier for your needs, successful integration, and effective deployment.
What is Cisco ThousandEyes?
Cisco ThousandEyes is a subscription-based digital experience monitoring platform that provides visibility into every network and application path your users rely on. It integrates directly with Cisco switches for built-in observability.
| ThousandEyes Subscriptions | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Agents | Continuous visibility from on-prem, data centre, or cloud environments. | Identify bottlenecks and resolve connectivity issues proactively. |
| Endpoint Agents | Monitors end-user devices and SaaS application performance. | Improve employee experience across hybrid work and cloud applications. |
| Internet Insights (Add-on) | Aggregated visibility into global Internet, BGP, and SaaS outages. | Anticipate issues beyond your own network and mitigate before users are impacted. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
ThousandEyes is most powerful when integrated with your switching and WAN environments. We ensure correct deployment and monitoring that aligns with your business-critical SLAs.
What is Cisco SMARTnet (Smart Net Total Care)?
Cisco SMARTnet is a support and maintenance subscription that ensures critical switching infrastructure is always supported, patched, and covered by hardware replacement SLAs.
| SMARTnet Service Levels | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Next Business Day | Replacement hardware shipped by the next business day. | Cost-effective option for less critical infrastructure. |
| 4-Hour Onsite | 24/7 support with 4-hour onsite replacement. | Minimise downtime for mission-critical switches and data centre infrastructure. |
| 2-Hour Onsite | 24/7 support with 2-hour replacement (where available). | Protect core network services with the fastest recovery option. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
SMARTnet can only be purchased via authorised partners. Our role is to ensure you receive the right coverage, rapid hardware replacement, and lifecycle insights.
What is Cisco DNA Software for Switching?
Cisco DNA Software subscriptions deliver advanced automation, assurance, and security for switching environments. Licenses are purchased per-switch to unlock software-defined capabilities.
| DNA License Tiers | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | Basic automation, software image management, and telemetry. | Simplify device management with centralised updates and monitoring. |
| Advantage | Adds policy-based automation, assurance, and security integrations. | Automate provisioning and reduce manual configuration errors. |
| Premier | Includes Advantage features plus full SD-Access with advanced segmentation. | Enable Zero Trust and simplify policy deployment across the entire fabric. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
We ensure DNA licenses are aligned to your hardware refresh cycles and future requirements – helping to avoid overspending while unlocking maximum value
Talk to a certified Cisco expert. We’ll help you choose the right combination of hardware, licenses, and services.
Through Cisco’s Capital Finance and Flexible Payment Solutions, we help enterprises and data centres fund new initiatives in ways that fit both IT and business priorities.
Speak with our team today to explore how Cisco financing can help to launch your next IT project sooner.
Cisco Refresh gives you access to certified remanufactured equipment that performs like new and has the same warranty, but at a lower cost and environmental impact.
Cisco Refresh must be purchased via authorised partners like Steel City Consulting. Ask us to check Cisco Refresh stock availability and provide a cost comparison for your next upgrade or expansion project today.
As a certified partner, we provide access to Cisco promotions that reduce upfront spend and accelerate upgrades.
When you work with us, we can bundle and stack multiple offers, navigate application processes, and secure pricing that often isn’t accessible without a Cisco partner. Visit our promotions hub for current Cisco offers and to discuss your eligibility
Expert guidance for the right fit
We don’t just sell IT hardware. Every network solution we recommend is assessed against your organisation’s specific security concerns, performance requirements, and infrastructure plans. This consultative approach ensures that our guidance is aligned with your needs, so that you can invest in new IT hardware with complete confidence.
Exclusive discounts and strategic advantages
When your business works with Steel City Consulting, you will gain access to partner-only promotions, bundled solutions, and live demos. Combined with our technical expertise and ongoing support, this ensures your hardware is secure, cost-optimised, and future-ready.
Enterprise-grade IT network services
Backed by extensive technical knowledge, our network of certified specialists deliver end-to-end support to keep your IT infrastructure performing at its best. Our enterprise network solutions include…
| Our service | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Networking Design & Installation |
+ Custom architecture aligned to your business goals + Scalable networks built for growth + Expert installation with minimal disruption to operations + 30-day support window post-installation |
| Network Management & Support |
+ Real-time performance and traffic monitoring + Network design tools for scaling and upgrades + Security alerting and incident response + Backup and failover strategy implementation |
| WiFi Site Surveys |
+ Heatmapping and signal analysis + Access point optimisation + Detailed reports and tailored recommendations + Security enhancements and interference mitigation |
| Business Fibre & FTTP Installation |
+ Up to 1Gbps dedicated bandwidth + Private and uncontended connections + Seamless installation and expert aftercare + 24/7 support and monitoring |
