Cisco C9300-NM-8X
Catalyst 9300 8 x 10GE Network Module
Product Highlights
When your Catalyst 9300 access layer needs more uplink capacity than the base configuration provides, the C9300-NM-8X delivers exactly that — eight 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports in a single, hot-swappable plug-in module.
Designed exclusively for Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series modular-uplink switches, this network module installs tool-free into the front-panel Type-1 expansion bay and provides up to 80 Gbps of aggregate full-duplex uplink bandwidth. Each port supports both 1G SFP and 10G SFP+ optics, giving network teams the flexibility to run mixed-speed connections during phased migrations or to match link speeds to upstream infrastructure.
The C9300-NM-8X is ideal for enterprise campus access closets, branch offices, and distribution-layer deployments that require multiple routed uplinks, fiber trunks to aggregation switches, or dedicated 10G connections to firewalls and servers. Because it is hot-swappable, upgrades and replacements happen without disrupting the switch or its connected users — a critical advantage in always-on production environments.
With support for a wide range of Cisco-qualified transceivers — including 10GBASE-SR, LR, ER, ZR, and copper 10G-T — the module adapts to virtually any fiber or short-reach copper topology your network demands.
Features & Benefits
High-Density 10G Uplinks
The C9300-NM-8X provides eight SFP+ ports in a single module slot, delivering 80 Gbps of aggregate full-duplex bandwidth. This high port density eliminates the need for multiple modules or additional switches when scaling uplink capacity across campus or branch deployments.
Flexible 1G/10G Operation
Every port accepts both 1G SFP and 10G SFP+ transceivers in any combination. This dual-speed flexibility lets you start with 1G links and upgrade individual ports to 10G as bandwidth requirements grow — protecting your investment and simplifying phased network migrations.
Hot-Swappable, Tool-Free Installation
The module slides into the Catalyst 9300's Type-1 network module bay and secures with a single jackscrew — no tools required. Hot-swap capability means you can install or replace the module without rebooting the switch, keeping production traffic flowing during maintenance windows.
Broad Transceiver Ecosystem
Compatible with a wide range of Cisco-qualified optics — including 10GBASE-SR, LR, ER, ZR, BiDi, CWDM, DWDM, copper 10G-T, and direct-attach cables — the C9300-NM-8X adapts to virtually any fiber or short-reach copper topology. This versatility simplifies sparing and procurement across multi-site deployments.
Deployment Scenarios
Enterprise Campus Access Layer
Deploy the C9300-NM-8X in campus access closets where Catalyst 9300 switches need multiple 10G fiber uplinks to aggregation or core switches. Eight SFP+ ports provide ample capacity for redundant uplinks, inter-building trunks, and dedicated server or firewall connections — all from a single switch.
Branch Office Consolidation
In branch offices running a Catalyst 9300 as the primary switch, the C9300-NM-8X enables high-speed fiber connections to WAN routers, local servers, and wireless controllers. Mixed 1G/10G operation lets you match link speeds to each upstream device without wasting ports.
Phased 1G-to-10G Migration
Organizations upgrading from 1G to 10G uplinks can deploy the C9300-NM-8X with existing 1G SFP optics and swap in 10G SFP+ transceivers port-by-port as infrastructure is upgraded. This avoids forklift upgrades and spreads capital expenditure over time.
General
Interfaces & Performance
Installation
Physical
Environmental
Compatibility
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Platforms: Cisco Catalyst 9300 (non-X) modular-uplink switch models, including C9300-24T, C9300-24P, C9300-24U, C9300-24UX, C9300-48T, C9300-48P, C9300-48U, C9300-48UXM, C9300-24H, C9300-48H, C9300-24S, C9300-48S, C9300-24UB, C9300-48UB, C9300-48UN (in both -E and -A license variants).
Not Compatible With: Catalyst 9300X, Catalyst 9300L, or Catalyst 9300LM models. C9300X switches require the C9300X-NM module family (e.g., C9300X-NM-8Y).
Legacy Support: Catalyst 3850 modular-uplink switches also support C9300-NM-8X per Cisco documentation.
Supported Transceivers (partial list): SFP-10G-SR, SFP-10G-SR-S, SFP-10G-LR, SFP-10G-LR-S, SFP-10G-ER, SFP-10G-ER-S, SFP-10G-ZR, SFP-10G-ZR-S, SFP-10G-LRM, SFP-10G-BXD-I, SFP-10G-BXU-I, SFP-H10GB-CU1M/CU3M/CU5M, SFP-H10GB-ACU7M/ACU10M, GLC-LH-SMD (1G), GLC-GE-100FX (1G), DWDM-SFP10G-xx.xx, CWDM-SFP10G-xxxx.
Installation Note: A network module or blank module must remain installed in the uplink slot at all times. The module uses one jackscrew and is not fully secured until the jackscrew is tightened.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| C9300-NM-2Q | Catalyst 9300 2x 40GE QSFP+ Network Module | Provides 2 × 40G QSFP+ ports (80 Gbps aggregate) — better for 40G aggregation links vs. the C9300-NM-8X's eight discrete 10G ports. |
| C9300-NM-4G | Catalyst 9300 4x 1GE SFP Network Module | Offers 4 × 1G SFP ports — a lower-cost option when only 1G uplinks are needed, but lacks 10G capability. |
| C9300-NM-2Y | Catalyst 9300 2x 25GE SFP28 Network Module | Delivers 2 × 25G SFP28 ports for higher per-port speed (25G) — ideal when fewer, faster uplinks are preferred over the C9300-NM-8X's higher port density. |
| C9300-NM-4M | Catalyst 9300 4x Multigigabit Network Module | Provides 4 × 10G mGig copper (RJ-45) ports — choose this when 10G copper uplinks over Cat6a are needed instead of fiber SFP+. |