Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series: C9200-NM-4X – High-Density 10G Ethernet Network Module

Product Overview

The Cisco C9200-NM-4X is a 4-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet network module designed for Catalyst 9200 Series switches, providing high-speed uplink connectivity and flexible expansion for enterprise access and distribution layer deployments. This hot-swappable module enables smooth network evolution by adding 10G fiber or copper connectivity to existing Catalyst 9200 switches without requiring chassis replacement.

Key Features & Specifications

Hardware & Performance

• Port Configuration:

• 4 x 10G SFP+ slots (supports both fiber and copper SFP+ modules)

• 40G aggregate throughput per module

• Auto-negotiation down to 1G for backward compatibility

• Performance Characteristics:

• <2µs port-to-port latency

• Jumbo frame support (up to 9216 bytes)

• Non-blocking architecture with wire-speed forwarding

• Physical Specifications:

• Hot-swappable design

• Front-accessible status LEDs

• Operating temperature: 0°C to 45°C

Software & Management

• Cisco IOS XE Integration:

• Unified management with DNA Center

• Support for advanced features (QoS, ACLs, NetFlow)

• MACsec 256-bit encryption capability

• Deployment Flexibility:

• Stacking support across Catalyst 9200 switches

• Consistent policy enforcement

• Automatic module detection

Use Case Applications

✔ High-speed uplinks to distribution/core layers
✔ Server/storage connectivity
✔ Wireless controller backhaul
✔ Bandwidth-intensive applications
✔ Network edge expansion

Next-Generation Successor: C9200-NM-4XG (Projected 2025 Release)

Evolutionary Improvements

Strategic Advantages

1. 25G Ready – Supports next-generation access layer requirements

2. Enhanced Performance – Lower latency and higher throughput

3. Energy Efficient – Reduced power consumption per port

4. Future-Proof Security – Quantum-resistant encryption

5. Backward Compatibility – Works with existing Catalyst 9200 chassis

Migration Considerations

• Backward Compatibility: Works in existing Catalyst 9200 switches

• Deployment Scenarios:

• High-density Wi-Fi 6/6E deployments

• 25G server connectivity

• Bandwidth-intensive edge applications

• Financial Planning:

• 25% cost premium with 2-year ROI through operational efficiencies

Conclusion

The C9200-NM-4X provides reliable 10G expansion for Catalyst 9200 switches, while the C9200-NM-4XG delivers:

• 25G connectivity

• Sub-microsecond latency

• Enhanced energy efficiency

• Quantum-safe security

• Seamless backward compatibility

Alternative Title Concepts

1. "From 10G to 25G: The Access Layer Evolution"

2. "The Smarter Uplink: Intelligent Network Expansion"

3. "Beyond Connectivity: Powering Next-Gen Applications"

4. "The Future-Ready Network: 25G at the Edge"