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How to Install a Network Module in a Catalyst 9500 Switch?

The Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches support optional network modules for uplink ports on some of the configurations.

The default switch configuration does not include the network module. When you purchase the switch, you can choose from the network modules described in Tables2 and 3.

Table2. Network module numbers and descriptions

Network module

Description

C9500-NM-8X

Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Network Module 8-port 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet with SFP/SFP+

C9500-NM-2Q

Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Network Module 2-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet with QSFP+

C9500-NM-8X: This module has eight 10G SFP module ports. Any combination of standard SFP modules are supported.

Note: This is supported on the following switch models: C9500-16X, C9500-40X

C9500-NM-2Q: This module has two 40G QSFP module ports. Any combination of standard QSFP modules are supported.

Note: This is supported on the following switch models: C9500-16X, C9500-16X, C9500-40X

Blank Network Module (NM-C4-10G-BLANK): Insert this blank module when the switch has no uplink ports (this is required for sufficient air flow).

Table3. Network module matrix

Model	C9500-NM-8X	C9500-NM-2Q
C9500-32C	No	No
C9500-32QC	No	No
C9500-48Y4C	No	No
C9500-24Y4C	No	No
C9500-24Q	No	No
C9500-12Q	No	No
C9500-40X	Yes	Yes
C9500-16X	Yes	Yes

Figure1. C9500-NM-8X Network Module

C9500-NM-8X Network Module

Figure2. C9500-NM-2Q Network Module

C9500-NM-2Q Network Module

Figure3. Blank Network Module

Blank Network Module

Installing a Network Module in the Switch

Note: The switch can operate without a network module, but a blank module (with no ports or SFP slots) is available and should be installed when uplink ports are not required.

Note: The switch generates logs when you insert or remove a network module with SFP/SFP+/SFP28 slots.

Use only supported network modules and SFP, SFP+, SFP28 or QSFP modules. Each module has an internal serial EEPROM that is encoded with security information.

The network module is hot-swappable. If you remove a module, replace it with another network module or a blank module.

Note: The switch complies with EMC, safety, and thermal specifications when a network module is present. If no uplink ports are required, install a blank network module.

Before you begin

When installing network modules, observe these precautions:

Do not remove the blank module from the slot unless you are installing an SFP, SFP+, SFP28 or QSFP module. Either a module or a dust plug must be in the slot at all times.
Do not remove the dust plugs from the fiber-optic SFP, SFP+, SFP28 and QSFP modules or the rubber caps from the fiber-optic cable until you connect the cable. The plugs and caps protect the module ports and cables from contamination and ambient light.
Removing and installing a network module can shorten its useful life. Do not remove and insert a network module more often than is necessary.
To prevent ESD damage, follow your normal board and component handling procedures when connecting cables to the switch and other devices.

Procedure

Step1: Attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap to your wrist and to an earth ground surface.

Step2: Remove the module from the protective packaging.

Step3: Remove the blank module from the switch and save it.

Caution: Verify the correct orientation of your module before installing it. Incorrect installation can damage the module.

Caution: Do not install the network module with connected cables or installed SFP/SFP+/SFP28 modules. Always remove any cables and modules before you install the network module.

Caution: A module interface might become error-disabled when a network module with connected fiber-optic cables is installed or removed. If an interface is error-disabled, you can reenable the interface by using the shutdown and no shutdown interface configuration commands.

Step4: Position the module face up to install it in the module slot. Slide the module into the slot until the back of the module faceplate is flush with the switch faceplate. Secure the network module in place by latch.

Figure4. Installing the Network Module in the Switch

Removing a Network Module

Note: The switch complies with EMC, safety, and thermal specifications when a network module is present. If no uplink ports are required, install a blank network module.

Procedure

Step1: Attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap to your wrist and to an earth ground surface.

Caution: Do not remove the network module with connected cables or installed SFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP modules. Always remove any cables and modules before you remove the network module.

Step2: Disconnect the cables from the SFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP module.

Step3: Release latch and carefully slide the network module out of the slot.

Step4: Install a replacement network module or a blank module in the slot.

Step5: Place the module that you removed in an antistatic bag or other protective environment.

Finding the Network Module Serial Number

If you contact Cisco Technical Assistance regarding a network module, you need to know its serial number.

Figure5. Network Module Serial Number Location

Learn more: Catalyst 9500 Series Switches Install and Upgrade Guides

Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series configurations and port density

Table1. Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series configurations and port density

Model	Description	1G port density	10G port density	25G port density	40G port density	100G Port density	10G port density with breakout cable	25G port density with breakout cable
C9500-32C	Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series high-performance 32-port 100 Gigabit Ethernet switch with QSFP28	–	–	–	32 (64)	32 (64)	96	96
C9500-32QC	Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series high-performance 32-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet switch with QSFP+	–	–	–	32 (64)	16 (32)	-	-
C9500-48Y4C	Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series high-performance 48-port 1/10/25G Gigabit Ethernet switch with SFP28	48 (96)	48 (96)	48 (96)	4 (8)	4 (8)	–	–
C9500-24Y4C	Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series high-performance 24-port 1/10/25G Gigabit Ethernet switch with SFP28	24 (48)	24 (48)	24 (48)	4 (8)	4 (8)	–	–
C9500-24Q	Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series 24-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet switch with QSFP+	–	–	–	24 (48)	-	96	–
C9500-12Q	Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series 12-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet switch with QSFP+	–	–	–	12 (24)	-	48	–
C9500-40X	Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series 40-port 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet Switch with SFP/SFP+	48 (96)	48 (96)	–	2 (4)	-	8	–
C9500-16X	Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series 16-port 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet switch with SFP/SFP+	24 (48)	24 (48)	–	2 (4)	-	8	–