What Is the Cisco C9300-NM-4M= Module?

The ​​Cisco C9300-NM-4M=​​ is a ​​4-port mGig (multigigabit) network module​​ designed for Catalyst 9300 Series switches. Unlike fixed-port switches, this hot-swappable module adds ​​flexible uplink or downlink capacity​​, supporting speeds of 1/2.5/5/10 Gbps per port. It’s engineered to future-proof existing Catalyst 9300 chassis for bandwidth-heavy applications without requiring full hardware replacements.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 4x mGig RJ45 ports (1/2.5/5/10GBase-T) with ​​Cisco UPoE (60W per port)​​.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Fits any Catalyst 9300 switch with a ​​network module slot​​ (e.g., C9300-24UX, C9300-48UN-A).
• ​​Power Efficiency​​: ​​EnergyWise​​ optimization dynamically adjusts power based on connected device needs.
• ​​Stacking​​: Inherits the switch’s ​​StackWise-480/1T​​ capabilities for unified management.

Key Advantages Over Fixed-Port Switches

The C9300-NM-4M= solves two critical pain points:

1. ​​Cost-Efficiency​​: Avoids forklift upgrades by adding mGig/UPoE ports to older Catalyst 9300 chassis.
2. ​​Flexibility​​: Lets networks incrementally adopt 5G/10G devices (e.g., Wi-Fi 6E APs, 4K surveillance) without over-investing in unused ports.

Compared to standalone switches like the C9300-24T, this module reduces rack space and simplifies cabling for localized high-speed demands.

Primary Use Cases

• ​​Branch Office Upgrades​​: Adds mGig ports for new Wi-Fi 6E deployments without replacing core switches.
• ​​IoT Expansion​​: Powers high-wattage edge devices (e.g., pan-tilt-zoom cameras, digital signage) via UPoE.
• ​​Hybrid Work Hubs​​: Delivers 10G connectivity to collaboration tools in conference rooms or hot-desking areas.

Tackling Critical User Questions

​​Q: Can this module operate with non-Cisco devices?​​
A: Yes—the mGig ports auto-negotiate with any IEEE 802.3bz-compliant device. However, ​​Cisco UPoE​​ only works with Cisco or UPoE-certified endpoints.

​​Q: Does it support Layer 3 routing?​​
A: No. The module inherits the switch’s Layer 2/3 capabilities but doesn’t add new routing functions.

​​Q: What’s the maximum PoE budget per module?​​
A: Each port delivers ​​up to 60W​​, with total power constrained by the host switch’s PoE capacity (e.g., 1,800W on a C9300-48UXM-A-CAP).

Availability and Purchasing

The C9300-NM-4M= is available via itmall.sale, which offers Cisco-certified modules with bulk-order discounts for enterprises.

My View

The C9300-NM-4M= is a tactical tool for evolving networks—not a universal fix. For teams needing targeted mGig/UPoE boosts in specific zones, it’s a cost-saver. But for orgs with campus-wide upgrades, investing in native mGig switches (e.g., C9300-48UN-A) may yield better ROI. Still, as a bridge between today’s needs and tomorrow’s unknowns, this module is a shrewd play. Just ensure your host switch’s PoE budget aligns with your device roadmap—otherwise, its potential stays locked.