Cisco C9300-NM-8X (8×10G SFP+) Full Official Product Description

1. Part Number & Naming Definition

Official Full Name

Naming Breakdown

1. C9300: Platform identifier for Cisco Catalyst 9300 stackable enterprise campus aggregation & access switches
2. NM: Network Module, rear-panel pluggable uplink expansion card
3. 8X: Eight universal SFP+ multi-rate slots supporting 1 Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet transceivers
4. Suffix=(C9300-NM-8X=): Field-replaceable spare unit for hardware replacementCisco

Core Positioning

2. Hardware & Software Compatibility

Supported Switch Platforms

• Fully compatible with all standard Catalyst 9300 chassis: C9300-24P, C9300-24U, C9300-48P, C9300-48U, C9300-48UN
• Not compatible with Catalyst 9300X, C9300L, C9300LM, Catalyst 9200/9500 series switches
• Each Catalyst 9300 switch supports one rear network module slot for single uplink expansion card installation

Supported Cisco IOS XE Firmware

• Minimum supported release: Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.x
• Fully validated for all modern IOS XE branches: 17.1.x, 17.3.x, 17.6.x, 17.9.x, 17.12.x and newer stable releasesCisco

Transceiver Compatibility

• 10G optical modules: SFP-10G-SR, LR, ER, ZR, LRM
• 10G copper DAC twinax cables (3m/5m/10m)
• 1G SFP optical and copper transceivers for backward compatibility

3. Physical & Electrical Specifications

Form Factor & Physical Dimensions

• Single-width rear pluggable hot-swappable module
• Dimensions: 29.7cm × 21.4cm × 2.95cm
• Typical power consumption: 20 Watts maximum under full load

Environmental Operating Parameters

• Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
• Non-operating storage temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
• Relative humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
• Operating altitude: Up to 3000 meters (10,000 ft) above sea level

Port Performance Metrics

• Each SFP+ port supports auto-sensing 1Gbps / 10Gbps line rate
• Per-port forwarding capacity: 10Gbps full-duplex
• Total module aggregate bandwidth: 80Gbps full-duplex

4. Key Functional Feature Set

1. Hot-Swap Operation

   The module can be inserted or removed while the host Catalyst 9300 switch remains powered on, eliminating service interruption during hardware replacement or uplink capacity expansion.
2. StackWise-480 High-Speed Stacking Support

   Enables deployment of high-bandwidth stacking links between Catalyst 9300 stack members, supporting up to 480Gbps total stack fabric bandwidth for stacks of up to 8 switchesCisco.
3. Full Layer 2 & Layer 3 Feature Compatibility

   All ports inherit the complete IOS XE feature suite of the host switch: static/dynamic routing (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), VLAN trunking (802.1Q), QoS traffic prioritization, ACL security filtering, link aggregation LACP, and storm control.
4. Intelligent Port Diagnostics & Telemetry

   Built-in digital optical monitoring (DOM) for all SFP+ transceivers, real-time port link/activity LED status indicators, integrated IOS XE telemetry streaming for remote performance monitoring and fault alerting.
5. High Availability Support

   Compatible with SSO (Stateful Switchover) and ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade) for zero-downtime switch firmware updates, alongside redundant uplink design via multiple module ports for link failover protection.
6. Enterprise Security Integration

   Supports Cisco DNA Center automation, encrypted traffic analytics (ETA), 802.1X port authentication, MACsec 10G link encryption, and TrustSec SGT tagging for end-to-end network segmentation.

5. Typical Enterprise Deployment Use Cases

1. Campus Aggregation Layer Uplinks

   Deployed on Catalyst 9300 aggregation switches to provide 10G high-speed uplinks connecting access switch stacks to campus core routers or core switches.
2. StackWise-480 Stack Interconnect Links

   Utilize multiple SFP+ ports on the module to build high-bandwidth stacking trunks between stacked Catalyst 9300 units for low-latency cross-stack traffic forwarding.
3. Data Center Leaf-Spine Interconnections

   Used for medium-density leaf switch uplinks to data center spine switches, supporting both short-reach multimode fiber and long-distance single-mode fiber transceivers.
4. Cross-Building & Inter-Facility Links

   Deploy long-range 10G SFP+ optical transceivers on the module to establish high-speed inter-building fiber connections within enterprise campus estates.
5. Phased Network Upgrade Migrations

   Mixed deployment of existing 1G SFP and new 10G SFP+ transceivers on the same module ports to support gradual network bandwidth upgrades without full hardware refresh.

6. Regulatory & Compliance Certifications

1. Electrical Safety: UL 60950-1, CSA C22.2 No.60950-1, IEC/EN 60950-1
2. EMC & EMI Standards: CE Mark, FCC Part 15 Class A, ICES-003 Class A, VCCI Class A, CISPR 22 Class A, EN 61000 series ESD, surge, radiated and conducted immunity
3. Environmental Directives: EU RoHS 2.0 hazardous substance restriction compliant, EU WEEE waste electronics recycling directive compliant

7. Standard Factory Packaging Contents

1. C9300-NM-8X eight-port SFP+ uplink network module
2. Integrated extraction lever and captive retention screws for secure rear-slot installation
3. ESD anti-static protective packaging and ESD wrist strap for static-safe hardware handling
4. Hardware installation quick-start guide covering hot-swap procedures, transceiver installation and basic port configuration steps
5. Global regulatory compliance and certification documentation packet

Supplementary UNSPSC Classification Code

Standard Hardware Warranty Information