Cisco Catalyst 4500-X 32-Port vs Catalyst 9500-48Y4C
The 32-port Catalyst 4500-X is end-of-support; the C9500-48Y4C is its high-performance successor, moving the core from 10G SFP+ to 48x 25G plus 4x 100G on UADP 3.0 with IOS XE 17.x and SD-Access. Migrate to the 9500 for any 25G/100G core refresh.
Catalyst 4500-X 32-Port 10G (IP Base)
End-of-life fixed 32-port 10G aggregation switch with VSS support and front-to-back airflow.
- 32x 1/10G SFP+ fixed ports
- VSS (Virtual Switching System) capable
- 800 Gbps switching capacity
- Past end-of-support; no 25G/100G, no SD-Access
Catalyst 9500 48x25G + 4x100G (High Performance)
Current-gen high-performance core switch with 48x 25G and 4x 100G on UADP 3.0 with IOS XE 17.x.
- 48x 1/10/25G SFP28 + 4x 40/100G QSFP28
- UADP 3.0, line-rate Layer 3
- StackWise Virtual and SD-Access capable
- IOS XE 17.x, DNA-ready
Catalyst 4500-X 32-Port 10G (IP Base) vs Catalyst 9500 48x25G + 4x100G (High Performance): spec comparison
| Spec | Catalyst 4500-X 32-Port 10G (IP Base) | Catalyst 9500 48x25G + 4x100G (High Performance) |
|---|---|---|
| High-speed ports | 32x 1/10G SFP+ | 48x 1/10/25G SFP28 |
| 100G uplinks | None | 4x 40/100G QSFP28 |
| Switching capacity | 800 Gbps | 3.2 Tbps |
| Forwarding rate | Up to ~250 Mpps | Up to ~1000 Mpps (1 Bpps) |
| ASIC | Cisco custom (4500-X) | UADP 3.0 |
| High availability | VSS, dual power supplies | StackWise Virtual, dual power supplies |
| Airflow options | Front-to-back / back-to-front | Front-to-back / back-to-front |
| Software | IOS XE 3.x/16.x (EoS) | IOS XE 17.x |
| Fabric/automation | Not SD-Access capable | SD-Access fabric capable |
| Management | Prime / CLI | Catalyst Center (DNA) / CLI |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime (E-LLW) | Enhanced Limited Lifetime |
Choose Catalyst 4500-X 32-Port 10G (IP Base) if
Only keep the 4500-X 32-port if you must extend an existing 10G VSS core briefly before a refresh; it is end-of-support and tops out at 10G with no 25G or 100G path.
Choose Catalyst 9500 48x25G + 4x100G (High Performance) if
Choose the C9500-48Y4C for a modern 25G access-to-core or spine role needing 100G uplinks, 3.2 Tbps capacity, StackWise Virtual, SD-Access, and current software support.
Verdict
For a 32-port 10G core being refreshed, move to the C9500-48Y4C. It leaps from 10G to 48x 25G plus 4x 100G, multiplies capacity to 3.2 Tbps on UADP 3.0, and adds SD-Access and current IOS XE 17 support, while the 4500-X is end-of-support. Keep the 4500-X only as a stopgap.
Frequently asked questions
What is the modern replacement for the Catalyst 4500-X 32-port?
The Catalyst 9500 high-performance models, such as the C9500-48Y4C, replace the 4500-X and add 25G and 100G interfaces the 4500-X never offered.
How much faster is the C9500-48Y4C than the 4500-X?
Its switching capacity is about 3.2 Tbps versus 800 Gbps on the 4500-X, with forwarding up to roughly one billion packets per second.
Does the 9500-48Y4C support 100G uplinks?
Yes. It includes four 40/100G QSFP28 ports for spine or core uplinks, which the 10G-only 4500-X cannot provide.
Is the Catalyst 4500-X still supported?
No. It is past end-of-support, so refreshing to the Catalyst 9500 restores supportability and adds 25G/100G and SD-Access capability.
More Catalyst comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.