Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series C9407R Modular Switch

Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R – Advanced Modular Switch for Enterprise Networks

Introduction to Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R

The Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R is a high-performance, modular, and enterprise-class switch designed to serve as the backbone of large-scale, secure, and highly available networks. As part of the Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series, the C9407R chassis provides unparalleled scalability, redundancy, and flexibility. It supports a wide variety of line cards, supervisor engines, and power supply configurations, making it a preferred choice for core and distribution layers in enterprise environments.

With its 7-slot chassis, the Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R accommodates up to 480 access ports and delivers up to 9 Tbps of switching capacity, depending on the supervisor engine in use. This makes it a next-generation solution for organizations seeking to build a future-proof infrastructure that can evolve alongside their networking needs.

Key Features of Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R

1. Modular Architecture
The Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R offers a true modular architecture, allowing network engineers to scale resources and update components without replacing the entire chassis. The 7-slot chassis includes:

• 2 slots for supervisor engines

• 5 slots for line cards

• Redundant fan trays

• Up to 3 field-replaceable power supplies

This flexibility ensures both investment protection and smooth network expansion.

2. High Availability and Redundancy
Designed for always-on enterprise environments, the Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R supports:

• Dual supervisor engines (active/standby)

• Redundant power supplies

• Hot-swappable fans

• In-service software upgrades (ISSU)

These features contribute to 99.999% uptime, which is critical for mission-critical applications and real-time data flows.

3. High Performance and Scalability
The switch offers:

• Switching capacity: up to 9 Tbps

• Forwarding rate: up to 2.4 Bpps

• Up to 480 ports of 1G/10G/25G Ethernet

• 40G and 100G uplink support (with specific line cards)

Whether you are running a campus core, high-speed data center interconnect, or large-scale access aggregation, the Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R delivers consistent performance.

Security and Software Features

1. Cisco TrustSec and MACsec
Security is embedded deeply within the C9407R’s architecture. Cisco TrustSec simplifies the provisioning of highly secure access, while MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) offers line-rate encryption between switches.

2. Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)
The Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R fully supports Cisco DNA Center, enabling Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) for automation, segmentation, and zero-trust networking. This ensures simplified operations and consistent security policies across the enterprise.

3. Cisco IOS XE
Running on the modern Cisco IOS XE operating system, the switch benefits from modularity, programmability (via REST APIs and NETCONF), and a wide range of Layer 2 and Layer 3 features.

Line Card Compatibility
The Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R supports a broad array of line cards, including:

• C9400-LC-48U: 48-port UPOE (LAN)

• C9400-LC-24XS: 24-port 10G SFP+ (Fiber)

• C9400-LC-12QS: 12-port 40G QSFP (Fiber)

• C9400-LC-48T: 48-port 1G RJ-45 (LAN)

This means you can configure the chassis to support Ethernet (LAN), Fiber (SFP+), or even high-speed uplinks (QSFP), depending on your needs.

Use Cases and Applications

1. Core and Distribution Layer
The C9407R is ideal for the core layer of enterprise networks where performance, scalability, and uptime are non-negotiable. It’s also suited for distribution layers that aggregate access switches and connect to data center resources.

2. High-Density Access
With the ability to support hundreds of ports, it’s perfect for campuses, universities, hospitals, and large corporate offices that require reliable high-speed access.

3. Secure Environments
Organizations with sensitive data—such as government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers—can leverage its strong security features and encrypted communications.

Choosing the Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R ensures:

• Unmatched reliability and uptime

• Scalable and modular design

• Enterprise-grade security

• Advanced network automation

• Investment protection and upgradability

This switch is built to grow with your network and support your digital transformation goals—making it a future-proof solution trusted by thousands of global enterprises.

Comparison with Similar Models

Final Thoughts
The Cisco Catalyst 9400 C9407R is a powerful, secure, and flexible modular switch that meets the demands of today’s dynamic enterprise environments. Whether you’re upgrading your core network, deploying SD-Access, or building a high-availability infrastructure, this switch provides the performance and reliability required for the job.

Explore full product specifications in the datasheet provided below :

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Switch Data Sheet