What Is the Cisco C9300-NM-8X-M?

The ​​C9300-NM-8X-M​​ is an ​​8-port 10G/25G modular network module​​ designed for Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches. It adds ​​high-density uplink capacity​​ to existing chassis, enabling scalable bandwidth for enterprise core/distribution layers or data center edge deployments.

Core Technical Specifications

• ​​Port Configuration​​: ​​8 x 10/25G SFP28 slots​​, supporting ​​SR, LR, and CWDM optics​​ for fiber connectivity.
• ​​Performance​​: ​​200 Gbps throughput per module​​, with ​​non-blocking architecture​​ for latency-sensitive traffic.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Works with ​​C9300L, C9300X​​, and ​​C9300X-F​​ chassis (requires Cisco IOS XE 17.6+).
• ​​Stacking​​: Enhances ​​StackWise-320/1T virtual switch bandwidth​​ when used in stacked configurations.

Key Advantages Over Fixed Uplink Models

• ​​Flexible Scalability​​: Adds ​​25G-ready ports​​ without replacing entire switches, ideal for ​​gradual data center upgrades​​.
• ​​Cost Efficiency​​: Avoids over-provisioning by ​​mixing 10G and 25G optics​​ based on current needs.
• ​​Future-Proofing​​: Supports ​​40/100G via breakout cables​​, aligning with ​​multicloud and AI workload demands​​.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

• ​​Enterprise Core Networks​​: Aggregates traffic from ​​40+ access switches​​ with ​​10G LAG​​ or ​​25G spine-leaf topologies​​.
• ​​Hybrid Cloud Gateways​​: Connects on-prem infrastructure to ​​AWS Direct Connect​​ or ​​Azure ExpressRoute​​ via 25G links.
• ​​Video Surveillance Hubs​​: Handles ​​4K/8K IP camera feeds​​ with ​​QoS policies​​ for lossless video backhaul.

How It Compares to the C9300-NM-4M

While the ​​NM-4M​​ offers ​​4 x 40G QSFP+ ports​​, the ​​NM-8X-M​​ provides ​​double the port density​​ at 25G, making it better suited for ​​high-count 10G server uplinks​​. The NM-8X-M also supports ​​25G-to-100G breakout​​, whereas the NM-4M is limited to 40G/4x10G splits.

Why Source the C9300-NM-8X-M from Itmall.sale?

Itmall.sale provides ​​pre-tested optics bundles​​ (saving 15-20% vs. buying separately) and ​​Cisco Smart Licensing activation support​​. Their ​​24-month advance replacement warranty​​ minimizes downtime risks. For compatibility checks and pricing, visit the C9300-NM-8X-M product page.

Final Perspective: Is This Module a Must-Have?

For enterprises balancing ​​25G adoption​​ with legacy 10G investments, the C9300-NM-8X-M is a ​​tactical stepping stone​​. Its ability to ​​bridge speed generations​​ while preserving existing switch investments makes it a hidden gem in Cisco’s portfolio. If your roadmap includes AI workloads or hyperconverged infrastructure, delaying this upgrade could force costly forklift swaps later. In my experience, teams that deploy this module early gain 2-3 years of breathing room before needing full chassis replacements.