? Message us on The Cisco C9300-NM-2Y Network Module is a high-speed uplink expansion module designed for Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches. It provides two SFP28 uplink interfaces and is an excellent option for enterprise networks that require higher uplink bandwidth than traditional 1G or 10G connections. With support for 25 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, the Cisco C9300-NM-2Y helps organizations build faster connections between access switches, distribution switches, servers, and other network infrastructure while maintaining the modular flexibility of the Catalyst 9300 platform.
Cisco C9300-NM-2Y Network Module
The Cisco C9300-NM-2Y is particularly useful when upgrading an existing Catalyst 9300 deployment without replacing the entire switch. Instead of being limited to fixed uplink interfaces, compatible Catalyst 9300 switches allow administrators to install different network modules according to bandwidth requirements. The C9300-NM-2Y provides two 25G SFP28 slots and supports SFP, SFP+, and SFP28 transceivers, making it suitable for 1G, 10G, and 25G connectivity. This flexibility allows organizations to migrate gradually from lower-speed uplinks to 25GbE infrastructure. The Cisco C9300-NM-2Y Network Module is available from ITMan for customers looking to expand or upgrade compatible Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches.
Processor and Switching Performance
The Cisco C9300-NM-2Y does not contain a standalone general-purpose processor like a switch, router, server, or computer. It operates as an uplink network module installed inside a compatible Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch. Packet processing, switching functions, routing operations, network services, and IOS XE functionality are therefore handled by the host Catalyst 9300 platform.
This architecture is important because the module should not be evaluated according to CPU specifications. Its primary purpose is to provide high-speed physical network interfaces to the switch. Once installed, the two interfaces become part of the switch architecture and can be configured through Cisco IOS XE. Cisco identifies these interfaces as TwentyFiveGigabitEthernet interfaces when operating with the C9300-NM-2Y.
Memory of Cisco C9300-NM-2Y
The Cisco C9300-NM-2Y does not have user-configurable RAM. System memory is provided by the Catalyst 9300 switch in which the network module is installed. Consequently, there is no RAM capacity specification such as 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB associated with this module.
Network administrators therefore do not need to purchase additional memory when installing the C9300-NM-2Y. The module integrates with the host switch and provides the required uplink interfaces, while the switch itself handles the software, control-plane operations, routing tables, management processes, and other system functions.
Storage
There is also no standalone HDD, SSD, flash drive, or user-accessible storage installed on the Cisco C9300-NM-2Y. Storage requirements are handled by the Catalyst 9300 switch rather than the uplink module.
This distinction is useful when comparing network modules with complete networking appliances. The C9300-NM-2Y is specifically designed to expand network connectivity and does not operate independently. It must be installed in a supported Catalyst 9300 modular-uplink switch to function.
Cisco C9300-NM-2Y Design and Build Quality
The Cisco C9300-NM-2Y features the compact modular construction expected from Cisco enterprise networking hardware. The front of the module contains two SFP28 cages, while the rear portion connects directly to the dedicated network-module interface of the compatible Catalyst 9300 switch.
Its metal construction is designed for continuous operation in enterprise network environments. Because the module installs directly into the switch chassis, it does not require separate rack space, an independent power supply, or additional external cabling other than the transceivers and network cables used for the uplinks.
The compact design is particularly valuable in high-density network cabinets. Instead of deploying another external device simply to obtain faster connectivity, administrators can upgrade the uplink capability of an existing Catalyst 9300 by selecting an appropriate network module.
Cisco C9300-NM-2Y Ports and Connectivity
The most important feature of the Cisco C9300-NM-2Y is its two SFP28 network interfaces. These interfaces are designed primarily for high-speed 25 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity while providing backward flexibility for lower Ethernet speeds.
Each module provides two physical SFP28 slots. Depending on the supported transceiver and network configuration, SFP, SFP+, and SFP28 modules can be used, allowing 1G, 10G, and 25G connectivity. This gives network administrators considerable flexibility when upgrading existing infrastructure.
For example, an organization may initially operate the module with 10G SFP+ optics and later migrate to 25G SFP28 connectivity when the distribution or core network is upgraded. This approach can reduce the need to replace network hardware during future bandwidth upgrades.
Applications of Cisco C9300-NM-2Y
The Cisco C9300-NM-2Y is primarily designed for enterprise uplink applications where higher bandwidth is required between the access layer and upstream network infrastructure. It can be used to connect a Catalyst 9300 access switch to a distribution switch, aggregation platform, compatible server infrastructure, or other high-speed network equipment.
A common application is an access switch serving numerous users, wireless access points, IP phones, cameras, and other endpoints. Even when individual access ports operate at 1G, 2.5G, 5G, or other speeds depending on the host switch, aggregate traffic can place significant demands on the uplink. Moving from a 10G uplink to 25G can provide substantially more capacity for aggregated traffic.
The two interfaces can also provide additional design flexibility for redundant uplinks, depending on the topology and configuration of the network.
Why Choose 25G Uplinks?
One of the strongest reasons to select the Cisco C9300-NM-2Y is the transition from conventional 10GbE uplinks to 25GbE. A single 25G connection provides 2.5 times the nominal bandwidth of a single 10G connection while retaining the compact SFP-family form factor through SFP28.
This can be particularly valuable in environments with Wi-Fi 6/6E access points, virtualization infrastructure, high-volume file transfers, surveillance systems, dense user populations, or other workloads capable of generating substantial aggregate traffic.
Another advantage is upgrade flexibility. Because the Cisco C9300-NM-2Y supports multiple generations of SFP-family transceivers, organizations can deploy it as part of a staged network upgrade rather than migrating every uplink to 25G immediately.
Cisco C9300-NM-2Y for Network Upgrade Projects
Network infrastructure is usually upgraded incrementally rather than replaced all at once. This is where a modular platform such as the Catalyst 9300 offers an important advantage.
If an existing network currently uses 10GbE uplinks but is expected to require more bandwidth, installing the Cisco C9300-NM-2Y can create a practical migration path toward 25GbE. Existing compatible 10G optics can be used where appropriate, while 25G SFP28 transceivers can be introduced as upstream equipment is upgraded.
For enterprise environments, this modular approach can simplify capacity planning and help extend the useful deployment life of existing Catalyst 9300 infrastructure.
Cisco C9300-NM-2Y vs Other Cisco Catalyst 9300 Network Modules
Cisco offers several uplink modules for the Catalyst 9300 family, and the correct option depends primarily on required port count, interface type, and bandwidth.
| Model | Number of Ports | Maximum Port Speed | Connector Type | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco C9300-NM-4G | 4 | 1GbE | SFP | Standard Gigabit uplinks |
| Cisco C9300-NM-8X | 8 | 10GbE | SFP+ | Multiple 1G/10G uplinks |
| Cisco C9300-NM-2Y | 2 | 25GbE | SFP28 | High-speed 1G/10G/25G uplinks |
| Cisco C9300-NM-2Q | 2 | 40GbE | QSFP+ | High-bandwidth 40G uplinks |
The C9300-NM-4G is suitable for networks where Gigabit Ethernet uplinks remain sufficient. The C9300-NM-8X provides significantly greater port density and is useful when multiple 10G connections are required.
The Cisco C9300-NM-2Y takes a different approach by prioritizing higher per-port bandwidth. With two 25G-capable interfaces, it is particularly attractive for networks moving beyond 10GbE while still requiring compatibility with 10G and 1G connectivity.
The C9300-NM-2Q provides two 40GbE QSFP+ interfaces and may be appropriate when the upstream architecture is based on 40GbE. Therefore, choosing between the 2Y and 2Q depends on the transceiver ecosystem and interface speeds used throughout the network.
Choosing the Right Transceiver for Cisco C9300-NM-2Y
Selecting the network module is only part of building the uplink. The correct optical or copper connectivity must also be selected according to speed, distance, fiber type, and the equipment at the opposite end of the connection.
For 25GbE operation, SFP28 transceivers or compatible direct-attach solutions are typically required. For 10GbE connectivity, supported SFP+ modules can be used, while appropriate SFP transceivers can be selected for 1GbE operation.
Before ordering optics, administrators should verify the required transmission distance, single-mode or multimode fiber type, connector type, operating speed, and compatibility of the device at the opposite side of the link.
Technical Specifications of Cisco C9300-NM-2Y
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Cisco C9300-NM-2Y Network Module |
| Product SKU | C9300-NM-2Y |
| Product Type | Network / Uplink Module |
| Platform | Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series |
| Number of Ports | 2 |
| Port Type | SFP28 |
| Maximum Port Speed | 25 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Supported Ethernet Speeds | 1G / 10G / 25G |
| Supported Module Families | SFP / SFP+ / SFP28 |
| 25G Support | Yes |
| 10G Support | Yes |
| 1G Support | Yes |
| 40G QSFP+ | No |
| Primary Interface | TwentyFiveGigabitEthernet |
| Processor | No standalone user-facing CPU; uses host switch architecture |
| User-Configurable RAM | No |
| User Storage | No |
| Installation Type | Internal modular uplink module |
| Separate Power Supply | Not required |
| Management | Through host Catalyst 9300 / Cisco IOS XE |
| Primary Application | High-speed switch uplinks |
| Typical Network Role | Access-to-distribution/core connectivity |
| Form Factor | Plug-in network module |
| Manufacturer | Cisco |
| Product Family | Catalyst 9300 Network Modules |
Frequently Asked Questions About Cisco C9300-NM-2Y
1. What is the Cisco C9300-NM-2Y?
The Cisco C9300-NM-2Y is an uplink network module for compatible Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches. It provides two SFP28 interfaces capable of high-speed Ethernet connectivity.
2. How many ports does the C9300-NM-2Y have?
It has two physical SFP28 network-module slots.
3. What is the maximum speed of the Cisco C9300-NM-2Y?
The module supports up to 25 Gigabit Ethernet per port.
4. Does the C9300-NM-2Y support 10GbE?
Yes. The module can support 10GbE connections using compatible SFP+ transceivers.
5. Does the C9300-NM-2Y support 1GbE?
Yes. It can also support compatible SFP modules for 1 Gigabit Ethernet connections.
6. What is the difference between C9300-NM-2Y and C9300-NM-8X?
The C9300-NM-2Y provides two ports with speeds up to 25GbE, while the C9300-NM-8X provides eight ports with speeds up to 10GbE. The better choice depends on whether higher per-port bandwidth or greater uplink port density is required.
7. What is the difference between C9300-NM-2Y and C9300-NM-2Q?
The C9300-NM-2Y uses SFP28 interfaces and supports up to 25GbE per port. The C9300-NM-2Q provides two QSFP+ interfaces designed for 40GbE connectivity.
8. Does the Cisco C9300-NM-2Y include SFP28 transceivers?
The network module itself and the transceivers are separate components unless a particular seller or package explicitly states otherwise. Always check the supplied configuration before ordering.
9. Can I use an SFP+ module in the C9300-NM-2Y?
Yes, compatible SFP+ modules can be used for 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.
10. Can the C9300-NM-2Y be used as a standalone device?
No. It is an expansion network module and must be installed in a compatible Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch.
Conclusion
The Cisco C9300-NM-2Y Network Module is a practical high-speed uplink solution for organizations using compatible Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches. Its two SFP28 interfaces support 1G, 10G, and 25G connectivity, allowing administrators to increase uplink bandwidth while maintaining flexibility across different generations of network infrastructure.
For networks that currently operate at 10GbE but are planning a transition to 25GbE, the Cisco C9300-NM-2Y provides a particularly useful upgrade path. Its compact modular design, compatibility with multiple SFP-family interface speeds, and integration with the Catalyst 9300 platform make it well suited to enterprise access and distribution environments. The Cisco C9300-NM-2Y is available from ITMan for Catalyst 9300 upgrades, replacements, and new network deployments.
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