How to Select Uplink Modules, Licenses, and Cables for Cisco 9300

One-Minute Selection Cheat Sheet

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
10 G Uplink (Most Common)	C9300-NM-8X	SFP+ 10 G or DAC	DNA Essentials / Advantage	Mainstream choice
25 G Uplink (Wi-Fi 6/6E)	C9300-NM-2Y	SFP28 25 G or DAC	DNA Advantage or C1 (for -A models)	Future-ready
40 G Core Aggregation	C9300-NM-2Q	QSFP+ 40 G or Breakout	DNA Advantage / C1	For core uplinks
mGig High-Speed Access	C9300-NM-4M	Cat6A/7 Copper (2.5/5/10 G)	DNA Essentials / Advantage	Best for high-speed APs

Compatibility note: Cisco states that Catalyst 3850 network modules may be used on applicable C9300 modular-uplink models, while C9300 modules are not supported on C3850. Confirm the exact module and chassis in Cisco’s Catalyst 9000 platform FAQ and the current data sheet. Use the Catalyst hub for model selection.

7 Steps before you start to choosing

Step 1 - Understand Your Uplink Options

Module	Ports	Type	Typical Use
C9300-NM-4G	4 × 1 G SFP	Standard 1 G	Legacy access or low-bandwidth links
C9300-NM-8X	8 × 10 G SFP+	10 G multi-rate	Most popular uplink module
C9300-NM-2Y	2 × 25 G SFP28	25 G	High-speed access / Wi-Fi 6 aggregation
C9300-NM-2Q	2 × 40 G QSFP+	40 G	Core uplinks to distribution
C9300-NM-4M	4 × mGig (2.5/5/10 G RJ-45)	Copper mGig	AP and edge device connectivity

Terminology Quick Guide:

SFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP+ = 1 G / 10 G / 25 G / 40 G optical form factors.
DAC (Direct Attach Copper) = short passive cable for within racks (≤ 3 m).
AOC (Active Optical Cable) = pre-terminated fiber for longer spans (≤ 15 m).
mGig (Multi-Gigabit Ethernet) = 2.5 G / 5 G / 10 G over Cat6A copper.

Step 2 - Check Model Compatibility (3850 vs 9300)

Network-module support differs across C9300 modular-uplink, C9300L fixed-uplink, and C9300X models. Match the exact chassis PID, module PID, port speeds, software, and documented restrictions.

C9300 Switch Model	Supported C9300 Modules	Also Accepts 3850 Modules
C9300-24/48T/P/U (-E / -A)	4G, 8X, 2Q, 2Y, 4M	4-1G, 4-10G, 2-40G, 8-10G

Cisco documents one-way reuse for supported C3850 modules on applicable C9300 modular-uplink models. C9300 modules are not supported on C3850; verify the precise module and current documentation before reuse.

Upgrade Strategy:

Reusing old 3850 modules is fine for short transition periods.
For long-term projects or higher throughput (10/25 G), use native C9300 modules with matching SFP optics.

Step 3 - Choose the Right Optics and Cables

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	≤ 150 m (SR4)
mGig	RJ-45 Port	Cat6A / Cat7 Copper	≤ 100 m

Optic support depends on the exact port, transceiver or cable PID, software, distance, fiber, connector, and support policy. Check the current compatibility matrix and the SFP compatibility guide; do not infer telemetry or reliability from brand alone.

Step 4 - Select the Right License (DNA vs C1)

Operating System Tiers

Tier	Function	Typical Use
Network Essentials	Basic Layer 3 switching and management	Access networks
Network Advantage	Advanced routing, SD-Access, security features	Enterprise and campus core

DNA Subscription Options

License	Duration	Applicable Models
DNA Essentials / Advantage	3 / 5 / 7 Years	-E and -A models
C1 Subscription	3 / 5 / 7 Years	-A models only

Selection Rules:

License and subscription requirements for an -E SKU must be confirmed from the exact orderable PID, software, feature tier, order date, and current quote.
License and subscription requirements for an -A SKU must be confirmed from current Cisco ordering and entitlement documentation.
Available subscription terms, stock status, and lead time are transaction-specific; verify them on the current quote.
Renewal and tier-change options depend on the active entitlement, PID, software, contract, and current Cisco policy.

Scenario Recommendations:

Use Case	Recommended License
Basic network management	DNA Essentials
SD-Access / automation / policy	DNA Advantage
Cloud integrations / extended analytics	C1 Subscription
Large-scale deployment (> 3 years)	5 or 7 Year term to lower TCO

Step 5 - Stacking and Console Cables

Cable Type	Part Number	Description	Notes
StackWise Type 3	STACK-T1-50CM / 1M / 3M	Data stacking cable between switches	Not included with chassis
StackPower	CAB-SPWR-30CM / 150CM	Power stack cable for redundant power sharing	Optional
Console USB	CAB-CONSOLE-USB	USB Type A ↔ mini-B 6 ft	Optional
Console RJ-45	CAB-CONSOLE-RJ45	RJ-45 ↔ DB9 6 ft	Optional

StackWise ≠ StackPower: StackWise links data planes; StackPower links power supplies.
Power cords are included with switches and do not need separate ordering.

Step 6 - Example BOM Templates (Ready to Order)

10 G Uplink Access Layer (48P PoE)

C9300-48P-A × 2
C9300-NM-8X × 2
SFP-10G-SR × 4 uplinks + DAC-10G-1 m × 4 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

☑ Confirm switch model and matching network module.
☑ Verify optical modules and cables (distance / speed / connector).
☑ Plan StackWise and StackPower topology.
☑ Select license tier and term (3 / 5 / 7 Years).
☑ Check rack space, cooling, and uplink capacity to upstream switches.
☑ Prepare spares (DAC / optics

FAQ — Common Questions

Q1: Can 3850 uplink modules work in Catalyst 9300?

A: Cisco documents supported C3850 network-module reuse on applicable C9300 modular-uplink models, but not every module/chassis combination should be assumed. C9300 modules are not supported on C3850. Verify both PIDs in current Cisco documentation.

Q2: Should I choose 10 G or 25 G uplinks?

A: Choose 10G or 25G from measured uplink demand, oversubscription, redundancy, upstream ports, optic or cable reach, cost, and growth. Wi-Fi generation alone does not make 25G mandatory.

Q3: Do mGig ports require Cat6A cables?

A: For 2.5/5 G, Cat6 may suffice; for 10 G mGig, Cat6A is recommended for distance and stability.

Q4: DNA vs C1 - which should I pick?

A: Map required features to the current Network and add-on entitlements for the exact PID and software, then verify the order and renewal terms on the quote. Organization size is not the deciding rule.

Q5: Do I need stacking cables?

A: Stacking cables are required only if the validated design uses physical StackWise on supported members. A stack can simplify management and provide specific resiliency behaviors, but it is not universally required and does not eliminate every failure mode.

Select Smart, Deploy Fast

Correct selection depends on exact chassis and module compatibility, port and media requirements, software, licenses, stacking, power, support, lifecycle, and a validated bill of materials; it does not guarantee long-term performance.

Pick uplink modules based on your speed and scaling needs.
Match licenses to your software feature requirements.
Plan stacking and power topologies in advance.

Selection boundary: there is no universal best uplink module or license tier. Choose from measured requirements and current Cisco documentation for the exact PID.

Compare current C9300 product records and request a written compatibility and commercial scope. Testing, stock, delivery, warranty, support, seller status, and reviewer qualifications must be verified for the transaction.

Did this article help you or not? Tell us on Facebook and LinkedIn . We’d love to hear from you!