Aironet 1852I-E-K9 Wi-Fi Access Point, 802.11ac Wave 2, with internal antenna (AIR-AP1852I-E-K9)
| Product Condition | New Retail |
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| Product Condition | New Retail |
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Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series (C9500) switches are purpose-built fixed core and aggregation switches for enterprises and data centres. The C9500 family leads the Catalyst 9000 line with high throughput, advanced programmability, and enterprise-grade resiliency, making it a foundation for campus core and distribution layers.
As a trusted Cisco partner, we bring decades of expertise in networking and security solutions. Our team has an extensive technical understanding of Cisco’s product portfolio – enabling us to assess, integrate, and optimise solutions for even the most complex or high-demand environments.
Expert guidance for the right fit
We don’t just sell IT hardware. Every Cisco solution we recommend is assessed against your specific security concerns, performance requirements, and both current and future infrastructure plans. This consultative approach ensures that our guidance is aligned with your bespoke needs, so that you can invest in new network switches with complete confidence.
Exclusive access and strategic advantages
Through our partnership with Cisco, your business 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.
Expert Networking Services
When you buy Cisco hardware from Steel City Consulting, you’ll receive expert deployment and maximum benefits. We also provide support in the following specialist areas:
| 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 |
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
Cisco offers a wide portfolio of subscription-based services that enhance visibility, security, and operational resilience across enterprise and data center networks.
With the right combination of platforms and licenses, you can simplify management, protect critical infrastructure, and unlock advanced analytics. Explore Cisco service 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 ensures you select the right tier for your needs, integrate successfully with Catalyst/Nexus environments, and deploy ISE to full effect.
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 Catalyst 9000 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 Catalyst and Nexus 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 Catalyst switching environments. Licenses are purchased per-switch and 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—so you 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.
Upgrading to C9500 network switches? Our FAQ answers 6 common questions.
Q1. What are the main advantages of moving from Catalyst 6800 or C4500 to the C9500?
Catalyst 9500 delivers significantly higher port speeds (10/25/40/100G vs 1/10G on older platforms) and greater route scale (up to 2M IPv4 entries). Plus, support for modern overlays such as EVPN and VXLAN, and tighter integration with Cisco DNA Center for automation. This positions the C9500 as both a direct successor and a long-term platform for campus and aggregation roles.
Q2. How does the Cisco C9500 compare to C3850 and C4500-X-LE switches?
| Factor | Catalyst 9500 | Catalyst 3850 / 4500-X-LE |
|---|---|---|
| Switching capacity | Up to 6.4 Tbps (StackWise Virtual) | ~480 Gbps (limited stacking) |
| Routing / MAC scale | Large tables (MPLS, SD-Access, 2M+ routes) | Smaller scale, fewer features |
| Uplinks | 1/10/25/40/100G options | Mostly 1/10G only |
| Security & features | UADP ASIC, MACsec, DNA Center integration | Limited modern security/SDN |
| Migration fit | Modern enterprise core/aggregation | Legacy campus/core |
Answer: Cisco’s C9500 offers higher bandwidth, flexible uplinks, and advanced security / automation, making it the natural upgrade path from Catalyst C3850 or C4500-X-LE network switches.
Q3. How scalable is the C9500 in terms of routing and fabric size?
The Catalyst 9500 offers broad scalability: route scale up to 2M IPv4 entries, support for thousands of VRFs, and advanced segmentation for SD-Access and VPN services. Higher-end C9500X models deliver larger buffer capacity and higher route scale, making them suitable for large campus cores or data centre edge roles.
Q4. How does licensing and software model work for the C9500?
Cisco uses a software subscription model with Cisco DNA and Catalyst Software subscriptions. Base hardware licenses (Network Essentials / Advantage) are perpetual. Cisco recommends combining these with Cisco DNA for full automation and analytics capabilities.
Q5. Can I run SD-Access fabrics on Catalyst C9500?
Yes. The Catalyst 9500 line includes support for SD-Access features such as host tracking database, VRF-aware LISP, and cross-domain connectivity. These features rely on compatible software images.
Q6. What high-availability features should enterprises expect from C9500?
Cisco C9500 switches support critical resiliency capabilities: NSF/SSO (Nonstop Forwarding with Stateful Switchover) for control-plane failover, redundant power supplies and fans, and support for in-service upgrades and patching. These capabilities allow core/aggregation deployments to achieve minimal downtime and seamless upgrades.
Not sure which model is right for your environment? Our specialists can help you select the right platform for your infrastructure requirements.
