Cisco Catalyst 9300-NM-2Q: High-Density 40G Network Module for Catalyst 9300 Series Switches

Jun 21 , 2025 501

TL;DR: The Cisco Catalyst 9300-NM-2Q is a high-performance network module designed for Catalyst 9300 Series access and distribution layer switches. This module provides two 40G QSFP+ uplink ports, enabling high-speed aggregation, backbone connectivity, and stacking for enterprise and campus networks.

Cisco Catalyst 9300-NM-2Q: High-Density 40G Network Module for Catalyst 9300 Series Switches

Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst 9300-NM-2Q is a high-performance network module designed for Catalyst 9300 Series access and distribution layer switches. This module provides two 40G QSFP+ uplink ports, enabling high-speed aggregation, backbone connectivity, and stacking for enterprise and campus networks.

Built for scalability and flexibility, the NM-2Q extends the capabilities of the Catalyst 9300 platform, supporting high-bandwidth applications, data center interconnects, and high-density wireless backhaul.

Key Specifications

✔ Port Configuration:

• 2x 40G QSFP+ ports (hot-swappable)

• Breakout capable (4x10G per port)

• Supports 40G-SR4/LR4 optics

✔ Performance & Scalability:

• 80Gbps aggregate throughput

• Supports Cisco StackWise-480 (480Gbps stacking bandwidth)

• Ultra-low latency (<2μs)

✔ Compatibility:

• All Catalyst 9300 Series switches (C9300, C9300L, C9300X models)

• Works with Cisco IOS-XE software

✔ Power & Cooling:

• Typical power consumption: 25W

• Front-to-back airflow (standard for Catalyst 9300)

✔ Security & Management:

• MACsec 256-bit encryption support

• Cisco DNA Center integration

• Full NetFlow & telemetry support

Advanced Features

High-Speed Uplinks for Campus & Data Center

• Ideal for 40G spine-leaf architectures

• Enables high-performance wireless backhaul (Wi-Fi 6/6E)

Flexible Deployment Options

• Stacking with StackWise-480 for simplified management

• Breakout mode (4x10G per port) for cost-effective aggregation

Future-Proof Security

• MACsec encryption for secure inter-switch communication

• Zero Trust-ready with Cisco TrustSec

Cloud & Automation Ready

• Cisco DNA Center for AI-driven network management

• SD-Access integration for policy-based segmentation

Next-Generation Evolution: Cisco Catalyst 9300-NM-2Q+ (Projected 2025)

Key Upgrades & Innovations

Higher Bandwidth & Performance

• 2x 100G QSFP28 ports (200G aggregate capacity)

• Supports StackWise-1T (1Tbps stacking bandwidth)

• Sub-microsecond latency (<1μs)

Enhanced Security & AI Integration

• Post-quantum cryptography support

• AI-driven traffic optimization

• Autonomous threat detection

Cloud-Native & Automation Upgrades

• Kubernetes-native management

• Intent-based networking enhancements

Sustainability & Power Efficiency

• 30% lower power consumption

• Smart cooling optimization

Why Upgrade to the NM-2Q+?

✔ 5x higher bandwidth for next-gen Wi-Fi 7 and IoT
✔ Quantum-safe encryption for future-proof security
✔ AI-driven automation for self-healing networks
✔ Seamless integration with Cisco Full-Stack Observability

Conclusion

The Catalyst 9300-NM-2Q is a versatile, high-performance network module for 40G uplinks and stacking, while the next-gen NM-2Q+ brings 100G speeds, AI-driven automation, and quantum-safe security. This evolution ensures the Catalyst 9300 Series remains at the forefront of enterprise networking, ready for next-gen wireless, cloud, and IoT demands.

FAQ

Q: What are the supports 40G-SR4/LR4 optics?

A: ✔ Performance & Scalability: 80Gbps aggregate throughput Supports Cisco StackWise-480 (480Gbps stacking bandwidth)

Q: What are the 80Gbps aggregate throughput?

A: Supports Cisco StackWise-480 (480Gbps stacking bandwidth) Ultra-low latency (<2μs) ✔ Compatibility:

Q: What are the advanced Features?

A: High-Speed Uplinks for Campus & Data Center Ideal for 40G spine-leaf architectures Enables high-performance wireless backhaul (Wi-Fi 6/6E)

Q: Why Upgrade to the NM-2Q+?

A: ✔ 5x higher bandwidth for next-gen Wi-Fi 7 and IoT✔ Quantum-safe encryption for future-proof security✔ AI-driven automation for self-healing networks✔ Seamless integration with Cisco Full-Stack Observability