Cisco Catalyst Switch Compatible Modules and Accessories Guide
Complete guide to Cisco Catalyst modules, stacking cables, DAC cables, and power supplies. Covers C9300-NM, C9500-NM, C3850-NM modules with part numbers and pri
Why Getting the Right Module Matters
Ordering the wrong network module is one of the most common and expensive mistakes in IT procurement. You buy a C9300-NM-8X thinking it fits your C9200 and it shows up DOA in the slot because the 9200 needs a completely different module family. We see this every week at Pro Disk Network. This guide gives you the definitive compatibility matrix for Cisco Catalyst switch modules, stacking cables, DAC cables, and power supplies so you order correctly the first time.
Catalyst 9300 Series Network Modules (C9300-NM)
The Catalyst 9300 is the most deployed enterprise access switch on the market, and its modular uplink slots are what make it flexible enough for wiring closets and small distribution roles. Every C9300 has one network module slot on the rear panel.
| Module | Ports | Speed | Use Case | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C9300-NM-4G | 4x 1GbE SFP | 1 Gbps | Legacy uplinks, management networks | $180 - $250 |
| C9300-NM-8X | 8x 10GbE SFP+ | 10 Gbps | Standard 10G uplinks to distribution | $450 - $620 |
| C9300-NM-2Q | 2x 40GbE QSFP+ | 40 Gbps | High-density aggregation, spine links | $550 - $750 |
| C9300-NM-4M | 4x mGig (100M to 10G) | Multi-rate | Mixed-speed uplinks, 2.5G/5G AP backhaul | $400 - $560 |
| C9300-NM-2Y | 2x 25GbE SFP28 | 25 Gbps | Future-proof access uplinks | $500 - $680 |
Pro Tip: The C9300-NM-8X is the best all-around choice for most access deployments. Eight 10G uplink ports give you redundant connections to two distribution switches with room for cross-connects or management traffic. Search C9300-NM-8X on our site for current pricing.
Catalyst 9500 Series Network Modules (C9500-NM)
The C9500 serves as a distribution and campus core switch. Its network modules are higher density and support faster speeds than the 9300 family.
| Module | Ports | Speed | Use Case | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C9500-NM-8X | 8x 10GbE SFP+ | 10 Gbps | Distribution uplinks from access stacks | $600 - $820 |
| C9500-NM-2Q | 2x 40GbE QSFP+ | 40 Gbps | Core inter-switch links | $700 - $950 |
Key Takeaway: Do not confuse C9300-NM modules with C9500-NM modules. They look similar but have different pin-outs and are not cross-compatible. A C9300-NM-8X will not physically fit in a C9500 slot and vice versa.
Catalyst 3850 Series Network Modules (C3850-NM)
The Catalyst 3850 is still running in thousands of networks worldwide. If you are expanding or replacing modules in an existing 3850 stack, here are the options:
| Module | Ports | Speed | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3850-NM-4-1G | 4x 1GbE SFP | 1 Gbps | $120 - $180 |
| C3850-NM-2-10G | 2x 10GbE SFP+ | 10 Gbps | $200 - $320 |
| C3850-NM-4-10G | 4x 10GbE SFP+ | 10 Gbps | $280 - $420 |
| C3850-NM-8-10G | 8x 10GbE SFP+ | 10 Gbps | $400 - $560 |
Search C3850-NM to see all available 3850 modules in stock.
Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cables
DAC cables are the most cost-effective way to connect switches within the same rack or adjacent racks. They use less power than optical transceivers, generate less heat, and cost a fraction of the price.
| Part Number | Type | Speed | Length | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SFP-H10GB-CU1M | Twinax DAC | 10 Gbps | 1 meter | $18 - $30 |
| SFP-H10GB-CU3M | Twinax DAC | 10 Gbps | 3 meters | $22 - $38 |
| SFP-H10GB-CU5M | Twinax DAC | 10 Gbps | 5 meters | $28 - $45 |
| SFP-25G-AOC1M | Active Optical | 25 Gbps | 1 meter | $35 - $55 |
| QSFP-H40G-CU1M | Twinax DAC | 40 Gbps | 1 meter | $40 - $65 |
Pro Tip: For 10GbE connections under 5 meters, DAC cables are always the right answer. They cost 60-80% less than an SFP+ transceiver plus fiber patch cord, and there is no optic to fail. Browse SFP-H10GB-CU for our full DAC inventory.
Stacking Cables
Stacking cables physically connect Cisco switches into a single logical unit. Using the wrong cable or length creates half-duplex stacking rings that cut your throughput in half.
| Part Number | Platform | Bandwidth | Length | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STACK-T1-50CM | C9300, C3850 | 480 Gbps | 0.5 meter | $60 - $90 |
| STACK-T1-1M | C9300, C3850 | 480 Gbps | 1 meter | $70 - $110 |
| STACK-T1-3M | C9300, C3850 | 480 Gbps | 3 meters | $90 - $140 |
| CAB-STACK-50CM | C3750-X, C3850 | 160 Gbps | 0.5 meter | $35 - $55 |
| CAB-STACK-1M | C3750-X, C3850 | 160 Gbps | 1 meter | $40 - $65 |
| CAB-STACK-3M | C3750-X, C3850 | 160 Gbps | 3 meters | $55 - $85 |
| STACK-T2-50CM | C9300L | 480 Gbps | 0.5 meter | $55 - $85 |
| STACK-T4-1M | C9300X | 1 Tbps | 1 meter | $120 - $180 |
Key Takeaway: Always use STACK-T1 cables for C9300 StackWise-480 setups. CAB-STACK cables are the older StackWise-160 standard and limit your total stack bandwidth to 160 Gbps. If you are running a mixed stack of C9300 and C3850, the stack runs at the lowest common denominator. Search STACK-T1 for current availability.
Power Supplies
The right power supply depends on your PoE requirements and redundancy needs. Undersizing PSUs is the second most common procurement error after wrong modules.
| Part Number | Wattage | Platform | PoE Budget | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PWR-C1-350WAC | 350W | C9300, C3850 | Low PoE | $120 - $180 |
| PWR-C1-715WAC | 715W | C9300, C3850 | 48-port PoE | $180 - $280 |
| PWR-C1-1100WAC | 1100W | C9300, C3850 | Full PoE+ (48-port) | $250 - $380 |
| PWR-C5-1KWAC | 1000W | C9500 | Standard load | $300 - $450 |
Pro Tip: If you are running 48-port PoE+ switches powering 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) access points at 30W each, you need 1100W supplies. A 715W PSU on a fully loaded 48-port PoE switch will shut down PoE on lower-priority ports. Search PWR-C1 for all Catalyst power supply options.
Compatibility Quick Reference
Before ordering any module or accessory, verify compatibility with this quick reference:
- C9300 / C9300L accepts: C9300-NM modules, STACK-T1 cables, PWR-C1 power supplies
- C9300X accepts: C9300-NM modules, STACK-T4 cables, PWR-C1 power supplies
- C9500 accepts: C9500-NM modules, dedicated stacking modules, PWR-C5 power supplies
- C3850 accepts: C3850-NM modules, STACK-T1 or CAB-STACK cables, PWR-C1 power supplies
- C3750-X accepts: CAB-STACK cables only (no network modules, fixed uplinks)
Order With Confidence
Pro Disk Network stocks over 8,000 Cisco networking products including every module, cable, and power supply listed in this guide. All items ship same-day when ordered before 3 PM EST, and we include free shipping on orders over $150.
Not sure which module fits your switch? Email sales@prodisknetwork.com with your switch model number and we will confirm compatibility within 30 minutes during business hours.