Cisco Catalyst C9300-NM-8X: 8-Port 10G Ethernet Network Module for Catalyst 9300 Series

Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C9300-NM-8X is a high-performance 8-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet network module designed for Catalyst 9300 Series switches. This expansion module provides additional 10G SFP+ connectivity in a compact form factor, enabling high-speed uplinks, stacking, and server connectivity for enterprise access and distribution layers.

Key Specifications

✔ Port Configuration:

• 8x 10G SFP+ ports (hot-swappable)

• Supports 10GBASE-SR/LR/ER/ZR optics

• 1G/10G auto-negotiation capability

✔ Performance Characteristics:

• 80Gbps aggregate throughput

• <3μs latency

• Jumbo frame support (up to 9216 bytes)

✔ Compatibility:

• Works with all Catalyst 9300 models

• Requires Cisco IOS-XE 16.9.1 or later

• Supports StackWise-480 technology

✔ Power & Cooling:

• Typical power consumption: 25W

• Port-side exhaust airflow

• Energy Efficient Ethernet (802.3az) compliant

Advanced Features

Flexible Deployment Options

• Uplink aggregation for access layer

• Stacking connectivity (up to 480Gbps)

• Server access connectivity

Advanced Switching Capabilities

• Full Layer 2/Layer 3 feature parity

• MACsec 256-bit encryption

• Cisco TrustSec support

Network Virtualization Ready

• VXLAN termination capability

• MPLS VPN support

• EVPN/VXLAN ready

High Availability

• Online insertion and removal

• Hitless software upgrades

• Graceful stack member replacement

Next-Generation Evolution: Cisco Catalyst C9300-NM-8X-PLUS (Projected 2026)

Key Upgrades & Innovations

Higher Speed Options

• 8x 25G SFP28 ports (backward compatible with 10G)

• 200Gbps aggregate throughput

• Support for 25GBASE-SR/LR/ER optics

AI-Optimized Networking

• Machine learning-based traffic engineering

• Predictive congestion avoidance

• Automated QoS optimization

Enhanced Security

• Post-quantum cryptography support

• Hardware-based encrypted traffic analysis

• Zero Trust network segmentation

Sustainability Improvements

• 40% lower power-per-port

• Dynamic power scaling

• Smart cooling technology

Why Upgrade to C9300-NM-8X-PLUS?

✔ 2.5x speed increase per port
✔ AI-driven network optimization
✔ Future-proof security architecture
✔ Energy-efficient operation
✔ Seamless backward compatibility

Conclusion

The C9300-NM-8X delivers cost-effective 10G density for modern enterprise networks, while the C9300-NM-8X-PLUS represents the next evolution in access layer connectivity with 25G readiness, AI automation, and quantum-safe security. Together, they provide organizations with a smooth migration path to higher-speed architectures while maintaining investment protection in the Catalyst 9300 platform.