C9105AXI-N: How Does It Enhance Wi-Fi 6 Deplo
The Cisco C9105AXI-N is a high-performance ...
Overview and Technical Specifications
The C9300X-NM-8Y-M is a high-density network module designed for Cisco Catalyst 9300X Series switches. It adds 8x 25G SFP28 ports to compatible chassis, enabling flexible uplink scaling for bandwidth-intensive applications like data center interconnects, high-performance computing (HPC), or 5G backhaul. This module operates at Layer 3 and supports Cisco’s Flexible NetFlow for granular traffic analysis, along with MACsec encryption to secure high-speed data transmission.
Key attributes:
- Port density: Adds 200G of uplink capacity per module (8x 25G).
- Hot-swappable design: Allows installation without disrupting switch operations.
- Forwarding rate: Supports line-rate throughput at 25G speeds with <1.5μs latency.
Addressing Critical User Questions
Q: Which Catalyst switches support the C9300X-NM-8Y-M?
A: The module is compatible with Catalyst 9300X models like the C9300X-48HX and C9300X-48HXN-A. It occupies one modular slot and requires Cisco IOS XE 17.6.1 or later for full functionality.
Q: Can the 25G ports be used for breakout configurations?
A: No. Unlike 40/100G QSFP ports, the 25G SFP28 interfaces on this module do not support breakout cables. They are ideal for direct 25G server links or spine-leaf topologies.
Q: How does it handle power consumption?
A: The module draws up to 60W under full load but integrates with the switch’s power redundancy system. For environments using dual power supplies, it ensures uninterrupted operation.
C9300X-NM-8Y-M vs. Alternative Modules: Strategic Advantages
Compared to the C9300-NM-8Q (8x 10G ports), the C9300X-NM-8Y-M offers 2.5x higher per-port throughput and lower latency, making it better suited for modern AI/ML workloads or NVMe-oF storage networks.
| Feature | C9300X-NM-8Y-M | C9300-NM-8Q |
|---|---|---|
| Port Speed | 25G | 10G |
| Max Uplink Capacity | 200G | 80G |
| Encryption Support | MACsec (256-bit) | IPsec only |
| Ideal Use Case | HPC, AI clusters | Legacy data center links |
For enterprises modernizing infrastructure, the 25G module future-proofs networks while reducing port sprawl.
Purchasing and Integration Recommendations
The “C9300X-NM-8Y-M” is available for order via itmall.sale, which offers genuine Cisco modules with full warranty coverage.
Observations from deployment experience: The C9300X-NM-8Y-M shines in environments where low-latency, high-throughput east-west traffic is critical. Its inability to break out 25G ports may limit flexibility in some scenarios, but for hyperscale applications—such as GPU-driven AI training or real-time analytics—it delivers unmatched ROI. Pairing it with Catalyst 9300X switches creates a cohesive ecosystem that balances scalability, security, and operational simplicity. While not a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s a strategic upgrade for organizations transitioning to 25G/100G architectures.