One-Minute Quick Selection Guide
Choosing the correct components for your Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch is crucial for optimal performance. Use this quick-reference table to match your scenario with the recommended parts.
| Scenario | Recommended Uplink Module | Optics / Cables | License | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access 1 G Aggregation | C9300-NM-4G | SFP 1 G or Copper | DNA Essentials / Advantage | Entry-level, low-cost option for basic connectivity. |
| 10 G Uplink (Most Common) | C9300-NM-8X | SFP+ 10 G or DAC | DNA Essentials / Advantage | The mainstream choice for most enterprise access layers. |
| 25 G Uplink (Wi-Fi 6/6E) | C9300-NM-2Y | SFP28 25 G or DAC | DNA Advantage or C1 (for -A models) | Future-ready bandwidth for high-density wireless and modern applications. |
| 40 G Core Aggregation | C9300-NM-2Q | QSFP+ 40 G or Breakout | DNA Advantage / C1 | Designed for high-speed core or distribution uplinks. |
| mGig High-Speed Access | C9300-NM-4M | Cat6A/7 Copper (2.5/5/10 G) | DNA Essentials / Advantage | Best for connecting high-speed Access Points and Multi-Gigabit endpoints. |
Compatibility Note: Some older Catalyst 3850 modules (like C3850-NM-4-1G and C3850-NM-4-10G) can be used in the Catalyst 9300. However, C9300 modules are not compatible with Catalyst 3850 switches. This is a one-way compatibility.
7 Steps for Selecting Your Components
Follow this structured process to ensure you select the correct uplink modules, licenses, and cables for your specific Cisco Catalyst 9300 deployment.
Step 1: Understand Your Uplink Module Options
Your first decision is choosing the right Network Module (NM) for your speed and port density needs.
| Module | Ports | Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| C9300-NM-4G | 4 × 1 G SFP | Standard 1 G | Legacy access aggregation or low-bandwidth links. |
| C9300-NM-8X | 8 × 10 G SFP+ | 10 G multi-rate | The most popular and versatile uplink module. |
| C9300-NM-2Y | 2 × 25 G SFP28 | 25 G | High-speed access or Wi-Fi 6/6E aggregation. |
| C9300-NM-2Q | 2 × 40 G QSFP+ | 40 G | Core uplinks to distribution layer switches. |
| C9300-NM-4M | 4 × mGig (2.5/5/10 G RJ-45) | Copper mGig | Direct connectivity to high-speed APs and edge devices. |
Terminology Quick Guide:
- SFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP+: Optical form factors for 1 G / 10 G / 25 G / 40 G speeds.
- DAC (Direct Attach Copper): Short, passive copper cables for connections within a rack (≤ 3 m).
- AOC (Active Optical Cable): Pre-terminated fiber cables for longer reaches within a data center (≤ 15 m).
- mGig (Multi-Gigabit Ethernet): Delivers 2.5 G, 5 G, or 10 G speeds over standard Cat6A/Cat7 copper cabling.
Step 2: Verify Model Compatibility (Legacy 3850 Modules)
Every Catalyst 9300 switch model supports the five C9300 uplink modules listed above. For organizations transitioning from older gear, there is limited backward compatibility.
| C9300 Switch Model | Supported C9300 Modules | Also Accepts 3850 Modules? |
|---|---|---|
| C9300-24/48T/P/U (-E / -A) | 4G, 8X, 2Q, 2Y, 4M | Yes (e.g., 4-1G, 4-10G, 2-40G, 8-10G) |
Important: C9300 uplink modules cannot be used in Catalyst 3850 switches due to differences in form factor and firmware.
Upgrade Strategy:
- Reusing old Catalyst 3850 modules is acceptable for short-term transition projects.
- For long-term deployments or to access higher speeds (10G/25G+), use native C9300 modules with matching SFP optics.
Step 3: Choose the Correct Optics and Cables
Match your uplink module with the appropriate transceivers and cabling for the required distance and media.
| Speed | Optical Module | Recommended Cable | Typical Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 G | SFP SX/LX | OM2/OM3 Fiber or Cat6 | ≤ 550 m (OM2) |
| 10 G | SFP+ SR/LR | DAC (≤ 3 m) or OM3 fiber | ≤ 300 m (SR) |
| 25 G | SFP28 SR/LR | DAC (≤ 3 m) or OM4 fiber | ≤ 100 m (SR) |
| 40 G | QSFP+ SR4/LR4 | MPO fiber / breakout cable | ≤ 150 m (SR4) |
| mGig | RJ-45 Port | Cat6A / Cat7 Copper | ≤ 100 m |
Engineering Tip: For guaranteed reliability and full Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM/DDM) support, use Cisco-qualified optics. Generic modules may work but often lack advanced telemetry features.
Step 4: Select the Appropriate License (DNA vs. C1)
Catalyst 9300 switches require a software license to activate features. Your choice depends on the switch model (-Eor -A) and your needed capabilities.
Operating System Tiers
| Tier | Function | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Network Essentials | Basic Layer 3 switching and management | Simple access networks |
| Network Advantage | Advanced routing, SD-Access, security features | Enterprise and campus core deployments |
DNA Subscription Options
| License | Duration | Applicable Models |
|---|---|---|
| DNA Essentials / Advantage | 3 / 5 / 7 Years | -Eand -Amodels |
| C1 Subscription | 3 / 5 / 7 Years | -Amodels only |
Selection Rules:
-Emodel switches support only DNA licenses.-Amodel switches support either DNA or C1 subscriptions.- 3-year licenses are commonly stocked; 5 or 7-year terms are typically made-to-order.
- Upon renewal,
-Adevices can switch between Advantage and Essentials tiers.
Scenario Recommendations:
| Use Case | Recommended License |
|---|---|
| Basic network management | DNA Essentials |
| SD-Access / automation / policy enforcement | DNA Advantage |
| Cloud integrations and extended analytics | C1 Subscription |
| Large-scale deployment (> 3 years) | 5 or 7 Year term to lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) |
Step 5: Plan for Stacking and Console Cables
Don’t forget the essential cables for management and creating switch stacks.
| Cable Type | Part Number Example | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| StackWise Type 3 | STACK-T1-50CM / 1M / 3M | Data stacking cable between switches. | Not included with the chassis; required for stacking. |
| StackPower | CAB-SPWR-30CM / 150CM | Power stack cable for redundant power sharing. | Optional, but recommended for power redundancy. |
| Console USB | CAB-CONSOLE-USB | USB Type A ↔ mini-B 6 ft cable. | Optional for out-of-band management. |
| Console RJ-45 | CAB-CONSOLE-RJ45 | RJ-45 ↔ DB9 6 ft cable. | Optional for traditional console access. |
Remember: StackWise links the data planes, while StackPower links the power supplies. Power cords are included with the switches and do not need to be ordered separately.
Step 6: Example Bill of Materials (BOM) Templates
Use these sample configurations as a starting point for your order.
10 G Uplink Access Layer (48P PoE)
- C9300-48P-A × 2
- C9300-NM-8X × 2
- SFP-10G-SR × 4 (for uplinks) + DAC-10G-1 m × 4 (for interconnects)
- STACK-T1-50CM × 2 (StackWise)
- CAB-SPWR-30CM × 2 (optional StackPower)
- DNA Advantage 48-3Y × 2
25 G Uplink + mGig for Wi-Fi 6/6E Access
- C9300-48U-A × 2
- C9300-NM-2Y × 2 (25 G) + C9300-NM-4M × 1 (mGig)
- SFP28-25G-SR × 2 + DAC-25G-1 m × 2
- Cat6A patch cables for AP connections
- STACK-T1-1M × 2 (StackWise)
- DNA Advantage 48-5Y × 2 or C1 subscriptions for cloud integration
Step 7: Pre-Deployment Checklist
Before you order or install, run through this final list:
☑ Confirm your switch model and its matching network module.
☑ Verify optical modules and cables match for distance, speed, and connector type.
☑ Plan your StackWise and StackPower topology.
☑ Select the correct license tier and term length (3, 5, or 7 Years).
☑ Check rack space, cooling, and uplink capacity to upstream switches.
☑ Prepare spare components (DAC cables, optics).
FAQ — Common Questions
Q1: Can I use my old Catalyst 3850 uplink modules in a Catalyst 9300?
A: Yes, most 1G, 10G, and 40G modules from the Catalyst 3850 are compatible with the 9300. However, C9300-specific modules will not work in a 3850 chassis.
Q2: Should I choose 10 G or 25 G uplinks?
A: 10 G is the current standard for most deployments. 25 G is recommended for new Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 deployments and for future-proofing your network bandwidth.
Q3: Do mGig ports require Cat6A cables?
A: For 2.5G or 5G speeds, Cat6 cable may be sufficient over short distances. For reliable 10 G mGig performance, Cat6A (or higher) cabling is strongly recommended for distance and signal stability.
Q4: DNA vs. C1 licenses – which one should I pick?
A: If you only need basic network management, choose DNA Essentials. For SD-Access, automation, and advanced features, choose DNA Advantage or C1 (the latter is only for -Amodel switches).
Q5: Are stacking cables necessary?
A: Yes, StackWise cables are required to create a redundant, logically-managed stack from multiple physical switches. Add StackPower cables only if power supply redundancy across the stack is critical for your deployment.
Select Smartly, Deploy Swiftly
Choosing the correct uplink module, license, and cables ensures your Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch delivers optimal performance and reliability for years.
- Select uplink modules based on your immediate speed needs and future scaling plans.
- Match your software licenses to the specific features and management capabilities you require.
- Plan your stacking and power topologies in advance to avoid delays.
telecomate.com Expert Insight: “Our engineers most frequently recommend the C9300-NM-8X as the most balanced uplink option, paired with DNA Advantage licenses for a future-ready network that supports automation.”
Visit telecomate.com for genuine Cisco Catalyst 9300 modules, licenses, and pre-tested cables, ready for global shipping.
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