In-Depth Cisco C9300-NM-4M= Datasheet, Technical Specifications, Features, and Pricing Guide

1. Product Overview

The Cisco C9300-NM-4M= is a high-performance network module designed exclusively for the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches, which are widely recognized as the industry-leading enterprise-class stackable access switches. This network module enhances the modularity and scalability of the Catalyst 9300 platform by providing four additional 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports, enabling organizations to expand uplink capacity and optimize network performance.

Engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern enterprise networks, the C9300-NM-4M= module supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center for automation and assurance, and robust security capabilities. It is an essential component for network architects seeking to future-proof their infrastructure with flexible, high-bandwidth uplinks while maintaining the Catalyst 9300’s hallmark reliability and operational simplicity.

This datasheet provides a comprehensive technical breakdown of the C9300-NM-4M= module, including detailed specifications, feature sets, and pricing information, empowering IT professionals to make informed procurement and deployment decisions.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Physical and Environmental Specifications

The Cisco C9300-NM-4M= network module is designed to seamlessly integrate into the modular slots of the Catalyst 9300 chassis. Its compact form factor ensures minimal impact on switch footprint and airflow.

• Dimensions: Approximately 7.5 x 4.5 x 1.0 inches (19.05 x 11.43 x 2.54 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg)
• 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
• Compliance: RoHS, WEEE, and other environmental standards

2.2 Interface and Connectivity

The core value proposition of the C9300-NM-4M= lies in its four 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports, which provide high-speed uplink connectivity options for aggregation or core network integration.

• Port Count: 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports
• Supported Transceivers: Compatible with Cisco SFP-10G-SR, SFP-10G-LR, SFP-10G-ER, and other Cisco SFP+ modules
• Interface Type: Modular pluggable SFP+ slots supporting fiber or direct attach copper (DAC) cables
• Backward Compatibility: Supports legacy 1G SFP modules with reduced speed

2.3 Performance and Scalability

The module is engineered to deliver line-rate forwarding at 10 Gbps per port, ensuring no bottlenecks in uplink traffic aggregation.

• Switching Capacity: Matches Catalyst 9300 switch backplane capacity, supporting up to 480 Gbps per switch
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 77.4 Mpps (million packets per second) per switch
• Stacking Support: Fully compatible with Cisco StackWise-480 technology for stacking up to 8 switches
• Modular Expansion: Supports hot-swappable installation without disrupting switch operation

2.4 Software and Protocol Support

The C9300-NM-4M= module leverages the Cisco IOS XE software platform, enabling advanced networking features and programmability.

• Layer 2 Features: VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid PVST+, Multiple Spanning Tree (MST), EtherChannel
• Layer 3 Features: OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, RIP, VRF-Lite, IPv4/IPv6 routing
• Security: 802.1X authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection, IP Source Guard, MACsec support (dependent on switch model)
• Quality of Service (QoS): Advanced classification, marking, queuing, and shaping
• Automation and Programmability: Cisco DNA Center integration, NETCONF/YANG, REST APIs, and Python scripting support

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 Enhanced Uplink Capacity and Network Scalability

The addition of four 10G SFP+ ports via the C9300-NM-4M= module significantly increases uplink bandwidth, enabling enterprises to aggregate traffic from multiple access switches or connect directly to high-speed core switches and routers. This modular expansion capability allows network architects to scale their infrastructure incrementally without wholesale hardware replacement.