Guide
Uplink modules – which one?
Catalyst 9200, 9300 and 9300X ship without uplink ports – they sit on a module chosen separately. That lets the switch move from 1G to 10G, 25G or 100G without being replaced. Here is how to read the module names.
Short answer
Catalyst 9200 (without L), 9300 and 9300X have a module slot instead of fixed uplinks, so the uplink module is ordered separately. The name gives count and speed: C9300-NM-8X has eight 10G ports. The modules only fit their own series, and every port also needs a transceiver or DAC cable. Models with L, CX or LM have fixed uplinks.
What does the module name tell you?
The number at the end is the port count and the letter the speed. So C9300-NM-8X has eight 10G ports.
- G – 1G (SFP)
- X – 10G (SFP+)
- M – multigigabit copper (RJ45, 2.5/5/10G)
- Y – 25G (SFP28)
- Q – 40G (QSFP+)
- C – 100G (QSFP28)
Which module fits which switch?
The modules are not interchangeable between series.
- Catalyst 9200 (without L): C9200-NM-4G, -4X or -2Q; -2Y only in the 24PXG/48PXG (which do not take -4G)
- Catalyst 9300: C9300-NM-4G, -8X, -4M, -2Y or -2Q
- Catalyst 9300X: C9300X-NM-8Y, -8M or -2C; -4C only in the 48HX, 48TX and 24Y
- Catalyst 9200L, 9200CX, 9300L, 9300LM and 1200/1300 have fixed uplinks and take no module
Read more: How to read the part number
What else is needed?
The module has empty ports. Each port needs a transceiver or a DAC cable of the right speed. When you add the switch to the basket we suggest both a module and transceivers that fit.
Read more: Transceivers and cables – what fits?
How are routers expanded?
Catalyst 8200 and 8300 are expanded with NIM modules (e.g. more switch ports or serial ports), and the 8300 also with larger SM-X modules. 4G/5G goes in a dedicated PIM slot (P-LTE…/P-5G…). The ones that fit are shown when you add the router to the basket.
Conclusion
How we would choose
Common choices:
Catalyst 9300 8 x 10GE Network Module
Catalyst 9300 with up to eight 10G uplinks – the most common choice.
Catalyst 9300 2 x 25GE Network Module
Catalyst 9300 connecting to a core with 25G.
Catalyst 9300 2 x 40G 100G Network Module QSFP+ QSFP28
Catalyst 9300X with 100G towards the core or data centre.
Frequently asked questions
Questions we often get
Does the switch work without an uplink module?
The regular ports work, but the switch then has no uplink ports. To connect it onwards with fibre or 10G you need a module.
Can the module be changed later?
Yes. The module can be swapped afterwards, e.g. from 1G to 10G, without replacing the switch. The new module must be made for the same series.
Do the Catalyst 9200L or 1300 need a module?
No. They have fixed uplinks shown in the part number, e.g. -4G (four 1G) or -4X (four 10G).