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Part Number: C8500-20X6C
Description: Cisco C8500-20X6C Edge Platform
Category: Routers
and more
15+ Years of Proven Excellence
Delivering reliable IT hardware solutions since 2009.
Same-Day Shipping
On all on-hand orders placed before 2 pm CST.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
You’ll find warranty coverage on the majority of our hardware.*
Terms & Conditions*
The c8500 20x6c represents the pinnacle of Cisco catalyst 8500 series edge platforms, delivering superior network edge performance with up to 500 Gbps Cisco Express Forwarding aggregate throughput. Built on the third-generation Cisco Quantum Flow Processor architecture, this 8500 series edge platforms solution enables cloud scale wan performance through advanced services integration and multi layer security capabilities. The platform provides edge intelligence with fully programmable software architecture and comprehensive api support that helps organizations achieve zero touch provisioning while migrating workloads to cloud environments with unparalleled efficiency and reliability.
This Cisco catalyst 8500 platform delivers industry leading multilayered protection through integrated secure access service edge capabilities and comprehensive threat detection mechanisms. The c8500 20x6c Cisco systems solution incorporates secure unique device identification, bidirectional forwarding detection, and advanced encryption technologies that protect against sophisticated cyber threats. With cloud delivered security integration and support for Cisco thousands solutions, the platform enables organizations to implement comprehensive security policies while maintaining high throughput ipsec performance and ensuring secure connectivity across distributed network environments.
The C8500-20X6C features flexible interface options including 20 x 1/10GE SFP+ ports and 6 x 40/100GE QSFP+ ports, providing unmatched connectivity flexibility for aggregation sites and enterprise edge deployments. This catalyst 8500l edge platform compatible solution supports ios xe routing mode with comprehensive dhcp server, dhcp client, and dns client capabilities that facilitate automation at scale. The compact form factor expedites deployment while multiple cores allocated to data plane processing ensure superior performance, enabling organizations to leverage data plane cores efficiently for accelerated aggregation services and higher performance routing applications.
Powered by Cisco ios xe software with comprehensive Cisco catalyst center management integration, the C8500-20X6C enables seamless network orchestration through sd wan manager and advanced automation capabilities. The platform supports power supply redundancy with ac power configurations and includes embedded RFID tags for simplified asset management and inventory tracking. Advanced features include pim sm support, nat sessions management, and dhcp relay functionality that enhance operational efficiency while reducing complexity, making it ideal for organizations seeking to continue delivering exceptional network performance while simplifying their cloud journey through automated network operations.
| Component | Specification |
| Form Factor | 3RU rack-mountable chassis |
| Interface Ports | 20 x 1/10GE SFP+ + 6 x 40/100GE QSFP+ |
| Total Bandwidth | Up to 800 Gbps (all ports enabled) |
| Aggregate Throughput | 500 Gbps Cisco Express Forwarding |
| Memory | 64 GB (integrated default) |
| Storage | 480 GB M.2 SATA SSD |
| Power Supplies | 4 slots maximum (2 minimum required) |
| Power Consumption | Variable based on configuration |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17.2 x 5.25 x 21.25 inches |
| Operating Temperature | 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) |
| Bay Configuration | 2 configurable bays up to 400G bandwidth |
| RFID Tag | Embedded for asset management |
The C8500-20X6C operates on Cisco ios xe unified software image supporting both traditional routing and sd wan deployments in a single platform. The system provides comprehensive routing protocol support including OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and multicast protocols with advanced QoS capabilities for traffic optimization. Security features include integrated firewall, VPN, NAT, and access control capabilities that protect network infrastructure while maintaining optimal performance. The platform supports advanced services integration including application optimization, WAN optimization, and comprehensive network analytics through Cisco thousands solutions integration.
This catalyst 8500 edge platform delivers exceptional performance with support for thousands of concurrent sessions, advanced traffic engineering, and dynamic path selection capabilities. The system leverages multiple cores allocated to data plane processing, ensuring optimal resource utilization and maximum throughput for demanding applications. Advanced features include bidirectional forwarding detection for rapid link failure detection, comprehensive DHCP services including dhcp server, dhcp client, and dhcp relay functionality. The platform supports extensive virtual interfaces, VLAN configurations, and network segmentation capabilities that enable complex network topologies while maintaining operational simplicity.
Within the catalyst 8500 series edge platforms family, the C8500-20X6C offers the highest port density and performance compared to the c8500 12x4qc and c8500 12x models. While the c8500 12x provides 12 x 1/10GE ports in a 1RU form factor, the C8500-20X6C delivers 20 x 1/10GE plus 6 x 40/100GE ports in a 3RU configuration for maximum scalability. Compared to the catalyst 8500l edge platform models, the C8500-20X6C provides higher throughput and more advanced services integration capabilities, making it ideal for large aggregation sites and enterprise headquarters requiring cloud scale performance and comprehensive security features.
The C8500-20X6C provides the highest port density and performance within the 8500 series edge platforms, featuring 20 x 1/10GE SFP+ ports and 6 x 40/100GE QSFP+ ports with up to 500 Gbps aggregate throughput. Unlike other models in the series, it offers a 3RU form factor that maximizes interface flexibility while supporting all ports simultaneously without oversubscription limitations. The platform combines superior network edge performance with comprehensive multi layer security and cloud native agility that enables organizations to achieve zero touch deployment and accelerated services integration.
The platform delivers comprehensive sd-wan capabilities through Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN software integration, enabling secure access service edge functionality with advanced application optimization and dynamic path selection. It supports cloud delivered security services and provides seamless integration with sd wan manager for centralized policy management and orchestration across distributed network environments. The fully programmable software architecture and api support facilitate automation at scale, helping organizations achieve zero touch provisioning and streamlined migrating workloads to cloud environments while maintaining operational efficiency.
The C8500-20X6C incorporates industry leading multilayered protection including secure unique device identification, advanced encryption capabilities, and integrated threat detection mechanisms. The platform supports secure access service edge capabilities with cloud delivered security integration and comprehensive Cisco thousands solutions for network visibility and threat analytics. Advanced security features include high throughput ipsec, bidirectional forwarding detection, and multi layer security policies that protect against sophisticated cyber attacks while maintaining optimal network performance and ensuring compliance with enterprise security requirements.
The C8500-20X6C features power supply redundancy with four power supply slots maximum and requires a minimum of two power supplies to be populated for operational redundancy. The system supports both ac power configurations and provides hot-swappable power supply modules that ensure continuous operation during maintenance or power supply failures. The compact form factor design includes efficient thermal management and front-to-back airflow that optimizes cooling while maintaining telecommunications network equipment standards for reliability and environmental compliance.
The platform provides comprehensive management through Cisco catalyst center management integration and supports advanced automation capabilities including zero touch provisioning and programmable apis for custom orchestration. It includes embedded RFID tags for simplified asset management, comprehensive SNMP support, and integration with Cisco solution support services for proactive monitoring and maintenance. The system supports dhcp server, dhcp client, and dns client functionality with pim sm and nat sessions management that facilitate automation while reducing operational complexity, enabling organizations to leverage data plane cores efficiently for superior network edge performance and operational efficiency.
At Network Republic, our end-user accounts are covered by a 1-Year Warranty on all hardware—whether New, New Open Box, New Pull, Refurbished, or Refurbished by Manufacturer —from the date of delivery. This warranty covers hardware defects under normal use and allows for repair, replacement, or in-house credit at our discretion.
For resellers and wholesale purchases, we offer a 30-Day Warranty limited strictly to functional issues or defects upon arrival, including dead-on-arrival (DOA) items; it does not apply to problems arising after prolonged use. Resellers are responsible for inspecting and testing products within the 30-day window. This warranty excludes accidental damage, misuse, cosmetic wear, third-party modifications, and software-related issues unrelated to hardware failure. Check out our full warranty policy here.
Software licenses are not covered under the standard return and warranty policies and need to be activated on the hardware within 7 days of receipt. Any issues need to be reported immediately, within 10 days, so we can issue an exchange. Under no circumstances will refunds be issued for software licenses.
Our team of professionals are experts in networking hardware configurations and can assist you at any time during your purchasing process. We always recommend great price-performance alternatives based on current market price and availability. In need of assistance or looking for a specific part number? Request a quote today or chat with one of our IT specialists.
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