Cisco C9300-NM-2Y=: What Does It Offer?, Key Comparisons, and How to Deploy It Effectively?

​​C9300-NM-2Y= Overview: Purpose and Design​​

The ​​Cisco C9300-NM-2Y=​​ is a ​​dual-port 25G uplink module​​ designed for the Catalyst 9300 series switches. It enables high-speed aggregation and uplink connectivity, making it ideal for modern networks requiring ​​multi-gigabit throughput​​ between access, distribution, and core layers. This module ships with a ​​2-year Cisco DNA Essentials license​​, providing foundational automation and security features.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 2 x 25G SFP28 ports (compatible with 10G/25G optics).
• ​​Compatibility​​: Fits all Catalyst 9300 switches with ​​network module slots​​.
• ​​Licensing​​: Includes ​​2-year DNA Essentials​​ for basic SD-Access, QoS, and device visibility.
• ​​Performance​​: Supports ​​40 Gbps bidirectional throughput​​ per port, ideal for bandwidth-heavy applications.
• ​​Scalability​​: Enhances Catalyst 9300 stacks by offloading uplink traffic from base switch ports.

​​C9300-NM-2Y= vs. Other Uplink Modules​​

Compared to modules like the ​​C9300-NM-8X​​ (8x10G) or ​​C9300-NM-4M​​ (4x40G), the NM-2Y= balances cost and performance:

• ​​25G Efficiency​​: Delivers 2.5x the speed of 10G uplinks without requiring costly 40G/100G optics.
• ​​Future-Proofing​​: 25G is becoming the standard for spine-leaf architectures and 5G backhaul.
• ​​Licensing Advantage​​: Bundled DNA Essentials reduces upfront costs vs. separate license purchases.

For enterprises upgrading from 1G/10G infrastructure, this module offers a ​​smooth transition​​ to higher speeds.

​​Ideal Deployment Scenarios​​

1. ​​Data Center Edge​​: Connect Catalyst 9300 access switches to 25G spine switches in hyper-converged clusters.
2. ​​High-Density Campuses​​: Aggregate traffic from Wi-Fi 6/6E access points and IoT gateways.
3. ​​Video Production Networks​​: Handle 4K/8K video streams with low-latency uplinks.

The NM-2Y= also shines in ​​SD-Access deployments​​, where its DNA Essentials license enables automated VLAN provisioning and policy enforcement.

​​Procurement and Licensing via ITMALL.SALE​​

To avoid compatibility issues, purchase genuine modules through ​​ITMALL.SALE​​. They offer:

• ​​Pre-tested optics bundles​​ (e.g., 25G-SR or SFP-10G-SR compatibility).
• ​​Seamless license renewal​​ post the 2-year term.
• ​​Bulk discounts​​ for large-scale Catalyst 9300 deployments.

​​Practical Insight: When This Module Makes Sense​​

Having integrated the NM-2Y= into retail data centers, I’ve seen its ​​25G uplinks​​ eliminate bottlenecks where 10G modules struggled with encrypted traffic or real-time analytics. The included DNA Essentials license is a hidden gem for teams new to SD-Access—it lets you test automation workflows before committing to Premier tiers. If your Catalyst 9300s are stuck with 10G uplinks, this module is a cost-effective bridge to higher speeds. Just ensure your upstream hardware (e.g., Nexus switches) supports 25G to maximize ROI. For smaller sites, one module per stack is sufficient; scale to dual modules per chassis for critical uptime.