Cisco C9300-NM-8X= Datasheet and Price: Expert Technical Guide to Catalyst 9300 8-Port 10G Network Module

1. Product Overview

The Cisco C9300-NM-8X= is a high-performance network module designed specifically for the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches, which are widely recognized as the industry-leading enterprise-class access switches. This network module extends the uplink capabilities of the Catalyst 9300 platform by providing eight 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10G) ports, enabling organizations to scale their network infrastructure with high-speed connectivity and enhanced bandwidth aggregation.

Engineered to meet the demands of modern enterprise networks, the C9300-NM-8X= supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center for automation and assurance, and robust security mechanisms. It is an essential component for network architects seeking to optimize uplink performance, improve redundancy, and future-proof their network investments.

This module is hot-swappable and designed for easy installation into the modular uplink slot of the Catalyst 9300 switches, ensuring minimal downtime during upgrades or replacements. The C9300-NM-8X= is fully compatible with Cisco IOS XE software, unlocking a rich set of programmability and telemetry features.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Physical and Environmental Specifications

The Cisco C9300-NM-8X= network module is a compact, modular uplink card with the following physical characteristics:

• Form Factor: Network Module for Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series
• Dimensions: Approximately 7.5 x 3.5 inches (190 x 90 mm)
• Weight: Approximately 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing

2.2 Interface and Connectivity

The C9300-NM-8X= provides eight fixed 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports using Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) transceiver modules. These ports support a variety of optics and DAC cables, enabling flexible deployment options:

• 8 x 10G SFP+ ports
• Supports 10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-ER optics
• Compatible with Cisco SFP+ Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables for short-reach connections
• Auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDIX support

2.3 Performance and Throughput

The module is engineered to deliver line-rate forwarding on all eight 10G ports simultaneously, ensuring no bottlenecks in uplink traffic aggregation:

• Switching Capacity: Up to 160 Gbps (aggregate uplink bandwidth)
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 119.04 Mpps (million packets per second)
• Latency: Sub-microsecond latency for low-latency applications

2.4 Software and Protocol Support

The C9300-NM-8X= leverages the Cisco IOS XE software platform, providing extensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocol support:

• Layer 2: VLAN, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid PVST+, Multiple Spanning Tree (MST), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
• Layer 3: OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, IS-IS, VRF-Lite, IPv4 and IPv6 routing
• Quality of Service (QoS): Advanced classification, marking, queuing, and shaping
• Security: 802.1X, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, DHCP Snooping
• Network Automation: NETCONF, RESTCONF, Cisco DNA Center integration, Cisco SD-Access support

2.5 Power and Compliance

The module draws power directly from the host Catalyst 9300 switch and complies with industry standards:

• Power Consumption: Approximately 15W under typical load
• Compliance: RoHS, WEEE, CE, FCC Class A, UL, and other regional certifications

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 High-Density 10G Uplink Connectivity

The C9300-NM-8X= provides eight dedicated 10G ports, enabling network administrators to aggregate multiple high-speed uplinks from access switches to distribution or core layers. This high-density uplink capability supports bandwidth-intensive applications such as video conferencing, cloud access, and data center interconnects.

3.2 Modular and Hot-Swappable Design

Designed for operational flexibility, the module can be installed or replaced without powering down the switch, minimizing network downtime and simplifying maintenance windows. This modularity allows organizations to scale uplink capacity as network demands grow