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: Some Catalyst 3850 modules (C3850-NM-4-1G/-4-10G etc.) can be used in the 9300, but C9300 modules cannot be used in 3850. Compatibility is one-way.

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)

Every Catalyst 9300 model supports the five C9300 uplink modules listed above.
However, some legacy 3850 modules can also be installed in 9300 chassis for temporary reuse:

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

Important: C9300 uplink modules cannot be used in Catalyst 3850 switches - the form factor and firmware differ.

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

Engineering Tip: Always match Cisco-qualified optics to ensure DOM/DDM monitoring and reliability. Generic modules can work but may lose telemetry features.

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:

-E models support DNA licenses only.
-A models support DNA or C1 subscriptions.
3-year licenses are stock items; 5/7-year terms are made-to-order.
When renewing, -A devices can switch between Advantage and Essentials tiers.

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: Yes, most 1G/10G/40G 3850 modules work in 9300, but C9300 modules cannot work in 3850.

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

A: 10 G is the current standard; 25 G is recommended for new Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 deployments and future scaling.

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: If you need basic network management, choose DNA Essentials; for SDA and automation, choose DNA Advantage or C1 (for -A models).

Q5: Do I need stacking cables?

A: Yes, for redundancy and simplified management across multiple 9300s. Add StackPower only if power redundancy is critical.

Select Smart, Deploy Fast

Choosing the right uplink module, license, and cables ensures your Catalyst 9300 switch performs at its best for years to come.

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

Network-Switch Expert Insight: “Our engineers recommend the C9300-NM-8X as the most balanced uplink option and DNA Advantage licenses for future-proof network automation.”

Visit Network-Switch.com for Cisco Catalyst 9300 modules, licenses, and pre-tested cables ready to ship worldwide.

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