Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 Hardware Accessory & Procurement Guide

Looking for compatible modules, power supplies, or optics for Cisco Catalyst 9200 or 9300?

Here’s a quick compatibility overview:

• 9200 and 9300 uplink modules are NOT interchangeable
• 9200 requires identical PSU wattage (strict limitation)
• 9300 supports mixed PSU configurations
• “L” models have fixed uplinks (no module support)

This guide provides a complete compatibility reference including supported modules, PSU options, optics, PoE budgets, and stacking accessories with exact SKU details.

What Uplink Modules Are Supported on Cisco 9200 and 9300?

Selecting the correct uplink module requires navigating strict hardware boundaries to ensure you only purchase supported modules.

• Strict Incompatibility: Catalyst 9200 network modules are strictly incompatible with Catalyst 9300 switches.
• The “L” Series Limitation: Catalyst 9200L and 9300L models feature fixed, soldered uplinks directly on the motherboard. These variants do not possess a field-replaceable module slot.

Table 1: Cisco Catalyst 9200, 9300, and 9300X Uplink Module Compatibility

Series	Uplink Module SKU	Port Configuration & Description
C9200	C9200-NM-4G	4x 1G SFP (Does not support SFP+)
C9200	C9200-NM-4X	4x 1G/10G SFP+
C9200	C9200-NM-2Y	2x 25G SFP28 (Only supported on C9200 mGig models)
C9200	C9200-NM-2Q	2x 40G QSFP+ (Only supported on C9200 mGig models)
C9200	C9200-NM-BLANK	Blank module required for thermal airflow when no NM is installed
C9300	C9300-NM-4G	4x 1G SFP
C9300	C9300-NM-8X	8x 10G/1G SFP+
C9300	C9300-NM-2Y	2x 25G/10G/1G SFP28
C9300	C9300-NM-2Q	2x 40G QSFP+
C9300	C9300-NM-4M	4x Multigigabit (10G/mGig) Copper
C9300	NM-BLANK-T1	Type 1 Blank Network Module
C9300X	C9300X-NM-8M	8x 10G/mGig Copper (Port limits apply if used with C9300X-48HXN)
C9300X	C9300X-NM-8Y	8x 25G/10G/1G SFP28 (Port limits apply if used with C9300X-48HXN)
C9300X	C9300X-NM-2C	2x 100G/40G Dual-rate QSFP28
C9300X	C9300X-NM-4C	4x 100G/40G Dual-rate QSFP28 (Restricted to C9300X-24Y, C9300X-48HX, C9300X-48TX)
C9300X	C9300X-NM-BLANK	Blank module

What Optics Are Compatible with Cisco 9200 and 9300?

Optical transceiver selection relies heavily on required bandwidth and physical distance across your campus or data center. Downlink fiber models (such as the C9300-24S, C9300-48S, C9300X-12Y, and C9300X-24Y) rely exclusively on finding a compatible SFP, SFP+, or QSFP transceiver for access layer connectivity.

Table 2: Common Optical Transceivers by Distance and Scenario

Optic SKU	Transceiver Type	Speed	Max Distance & Use Case
GLC-T	RJ45 Copper	1G	100m / Standard copper patching
GLC-SX-MMD	SFP (Multimode)	1G	550m / Wiring closet to edge
SFP-10G-SR	SFP+ (Multimode)	10G	400m / High-speed floor distribution
SFP-10G-LR	SFP+ (Single-mode)	10G	10km / Campus building-to-building
SFP-25G-SR-S	SFP28 (Multimode)	25G	100m / High-speed server access
QSFP-40G-SR4	QSFP+ (Multimode)	40G	150m / Core aggregation
QSFP-100G-SR4-S	QSFP28 (Multimode)	100G	100m / Data Center Backbone

What Power Supplies Are Compatible with Cisco 9200 and 9300?

Power supply procurement entails strict configuration rules enforced by hardware firmware. Reviewing the available PSU options and understanding their limitations is key.

• The Catalyst 9200 Wattage Lockout: The Catalyst 9200 and 9200L models enforce a rigid rule where a single chassis supports power supplies of exactly one wattage value. If you insert power supplies of different wattages into slots A and B, the switch will generate a %PLATFORM_FEP-1-FRU_PS_INCOMPATIBLE syslog error and disable the module.
• PWR-C5 vs PWR-C6: The PWR-C5 and PWR-C6 series can be mixed in standard modular C9200 models, but fixed-uplink Catalyst 9200L models strictly prohibit the use of C6 variants.
• Legacy 3850 Compatibility: Older Catalyst 3850 power supplies share the same physical form factor and pinouts and are unofficially universal within the newer modular 9300 chassis.

⚠️ C9200 PSU Rule: Both power supplies must use the same wattage. Mixed PSU (e.g., 600W + 1000W) is not supported.

Table 3: Validated Base Power Supply (PSU) SKUs

Switch Series	Validated Primary Power Supply SKUs	Notes & Alternate Formats
C9200	PWR-C6-125WAC, PWR-C6-600WAC, PWR-C6-1KWAC	DC options supported: PWR-C6-715WDC=
C9200L	PWR-C5-125WAC, PWR-C5-600WAC, PWR-C5-1KWAC	DC options supported: PWR-C5-715WDC=
C9200CX	External Adapter (80W, 150W) or Internal Fixed (315W AC/HVDC)	Fanless design; no secondary PSU slot.
C9300 / C9300L	PWR-C1-350WAC-P, PWR-C1-715WAC-P, PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	All downlink fiber models (C9300-24S, C9300-48S) default to 715WAC-P.
C9300LM	PWR-C6-600WAC, PWR-C6-1KWAC	Shallow depth series uses C6 footprint.
C9300X	PWR-C1-715WAC-P, PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	Upgrades to PWR-C1-1900WAC-P supported.

How Much PoE Power Do Cisco 9200 and 9300 Support?

Cisco Catalyst switches deliver varying Power over Ethernet budgets depending on the installed power supply. For accurate procurement planning, PoE capacity must always be evaluated together with exact switch models and dual-PSU expansion.

⚠️ C9200 PSU Rule: Both power supplies must use the same wattage. Mixed PSU (e.g., 600W + 1000W) is not supported.

Table 4: Cisco Catalyst 9200 / 9200L PoE Budget and Power Supply Mapping

Specific Switch Model	Default PSU SKU	Default PoE (Single PSU)	Max PoE Budget (Dual PSU)
C9200-24P, C9200-24PB, C9200-24PXG	PWR-C6-600WAC	370W	740W
C9200-48PL	PWR-C6-600WAC	370W	740W
C9200-48P, C9200-48PB, C9200-48PXG	PWR-C6-1KWAC	740W	1440W
C9200L-24P-4G, C9200L-24P-4X, C9200L-24PXG-4X, C9200L-24PXG-2Y	PWR-C5-600WAC	370W	740W
C9200L-48PL-4G, C9200L-48PL-4X	PWR-C5-600WAC	370W	740W
C9200L-48P-4G, C9200L-48P-4X, C9200L-48PXG-4X, C9200L-48PXG-2Y	PWR-C5-1KWAC	740W	1440W
C9200CX-12P, C9200CX-8P, C9200CX-8UXG	Fixed Internal 315W	240W	240W (Not upgradable)

Table 5: Cisco Catalyst 9300 / 9300L / 9300X PoE Budget and Power Supply Mapping

Specific Switch Model	Default PSU SKU	Default PoE (Single PSU)	Max PoE Budget (Dependent on 2nd PSU)
C9300-24P	PWR-C1-715WAC-P	445W	720W (Capped at 24 ports x 30W)
C9300-48P	PWR-C1-715WAC-P	437W	1440W
C9300-24U, C9300-24UB	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	830W	1440W (Capped at 24 ports x 60W)
C9300-48U, C9300-48UB	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	822W	1537W (Reaches 1800W if dual 1900W used)
C9300-24UX, C9300-24UXB	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	560W	1275W (Reaches 1440W if dual 1900W used)
C9300-48UN	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	645W	1360W (Reaches 2545W if dual 1900W used)
C9300-48UXM	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	490W	1205W (Reaches 2880W if dual 1900W used)
C9300-24H	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	830W	1545W (Reaches 2160W if dual 1900W used)
C9300-48H	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	822W	1537W (Reaches 2880W if dual 1900W used)
C9300L-24P-4G, C9300L-24P-4X	PWR-C1-715WAC-P	505W	720W (Capped at 24 ports x 30W)
C9300L-48P-4G, C9300L-48P-4X	PWR-C1-715WAC-P	505W	1220W
C9300L-48PF-4G, C9300L-48PF-4X	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	890W	1440W
C9300L-24UXG-4X, C9300L-24UXG-2Q	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	880W (4X) / 722W (2Q)	1440W
C9300L-48UXG-4X, C9300L-48UXG-2Q	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	675W	1390W
C9300LM-24U-4Y	PWR-C6-600WAC	420W	1420W (Requires 1KWAC for expansion)
C9300LM-48U-4Y, C9300LM-48UX-4Y	PWR-C6-1KWAC	790W	1505W
C9300X-24HX	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	735W	1450W (Reaches 2160W if dual 1900W used)
C9300X-48HX	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	590W	1305W (Reaches 3290W if dual 1900W used)
C9300X-48HXN	PWR-C1-1100WAC-P	690W	1405W (Reaches 3390W if dual 1900W used)

Stacking Accessories Compatibility for Cisco 9200 & 9300

Stacking technologies vary heavily across the Catalyst portfolio. Understanding stacking bandwidth, required kits, and stacking cable compatibility is critical for deployment planning.

• Stack Kits: The Catalyst 9200 requires a physical stack kit to function, which must be factored into the Bill of Materials (BOM). Conversely, the Catalyst 9300 features built-in stacking ports, meaning only the cables are needed.
• Connector Differences: The Catalyst 9300L uses STACK-T3 cables with a push-tab connector, while the shallower Catalyst 9300LM uses STACK-T3A cables with a thumb-screw connector.
• StackPower: StackPower allows interconnected switches to pool their power supplies dynamically. This feature is exclusive to the 9300 series and requires CAB-SPWR-30CM or CAB-SPWR-150CM cables.

Table 6: Complete Stacking Compatibility Matrix

Switch Series (All Models Included)	Stacking Technology	Stacking Kit Required?	Stack Cable / Kit SKU
C9200	StackWise-160	Yes	Kit: C9200-STACK-KIT Cables: STACK-T4-50CM, STACK-T4-1M, STACK-T4-3M
C9200L	StackWise-80	Yes	Kit: C9200L-STACK-KIT Cables: STACK-T4-50CM, STACK-T4-1M, STACK-T4-3M
C9200CX	Not Supported	N/A	None
C9300	StackWise-480	No (Built-in)	Cables: STACK-T1-50CM, STACK-T1-1M, STACK-T1-3M
C9300X	StackWise-1T	No (Built-in)	Cables: STACK-T1-50CM, STACK-T1-1M, STACK-T1-3M
C9300L	StackWise-320	Yes	Kit: C9300L-STACK-KIT or C9300L-STACK-KIT2 Cables: STACK-T3-50CM, STACK-T3-1M, STACK-T3-3M
C9300LM	StackWise-320	Yes	Kit: C9300L-STACK-KIT2 Cables: STACK-T3A-50CM, STACK-T3A-1M, STACK-T3A-3M
C9300 / C9300X Power	StackPower	No (Built-in)	Cables: CAB-SPWR-30CM, CAB-SPWR-150CM

Real-World Procurement Scenarios & BOM Examples

Translating compatibility matrices into actionable Bill of Materials (BOM) is critical for error-free procurement. Below are three common enterprise deployment scenarios.

• Scenario 1: The Cost-Optimized Branch Office
  • Objective: Provide reliable PoE+ for standard VoIP phones, desktop PCs, and basic security cameras while minimizing CapEx.
  • Design Choice: The Catalyst 9200L is ideal here. By utilizing fixed uplinks, you avoid the cost of modular network modules.
  • BOM:
    • Switch: 2x C9200L-48P-4G-E (48-port PoE+, 4x 1G fixed uplinks)
    • Power Supply: 2x PWR-C5-1KWAC (Provides 740W PoE budget per switch)
    • Stacking Kit: 2x C9200L-STACK-KIT (Mandatory for “L” series)
    • Stacking Cable: 1x STACK-T4-50CM
    • Optics: GLC-SX-MMD
• Scenario 2: The High-Density Wi-Fi 6E/7 Campus Edge
  • Objective: Support a massive deployment of Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 access points requiring Multigigabit throughput and 90W UPOE+ power budgets.
  • Design Choice: The Catalyst 9300X is the platform of choice to drive 100G uplinks and deliver 90W UPOE+.
  • BOM:
    • Switch: 2x C9300X-48HX-A (48-port mGig, UPOE+)
    • Uplink Module: 2x C9300X-NM-4C (4x 100G QSFP28 slots)
    • Power Supply: 4x PWR-C1-1900WAC-P (Dual PSUs to achieve max 3290W PoE budget)
    • Stacking Kit: None required
    • Stacking Cable: 1x STACK-T1-50CM
    • StackPower Cable: 1x CAB-SPWR-30CM
    • Optics: QSFP-100G-SR4-S
• Scenario 3: The Value Enterprise Access (Fixed Uplink Architecture)
  • Objective: Deploy Catalyst 9300 performance for standard enterprise floors without the cost overhead of modular uplinks.
  • Design Choice: The Catalyst 9300L hits the sweet spot for enterprise procurement with fixed 10G uplinks.
  • BOM:
    • Switch: 2x C9300L-48P-4X-A (48-port PoE+, fixed 4x 10G uplinks)
    • Power Supply: 2x PWR-C1-715WAC-P (Default)
    • Stacking Kit: 2x C9300L-STACK-KIT (Mandatory for “L” models)
    • Stacking Cable: 1x STACK-T3-50CM (Must use the push-tab “T3” cable)
    • Optics: SFP-10G-SR

Common Mistakes When Buying Cisco Switch Components

• Mixing Incompatible Uplinks: Buying modular uplinks (like the C9300-NM-8X) for Catalyst “L” series models (like the C9200L or C9300L). The “L” signifies fixed uplinks; they do not feature expansion slots.
• Mismatched Power Wattage in the 9200: Attempting to run a Catalyst 9200 with mismatched power supply capacities (e.g., Slot A: 600W, Slot B: 1000W) will instantly trigger the %PLATFORM_FEP-1-FRU_PS_INCOMPATIBLE error.
• Forgetting Stacking Hardware: Believing that the 9200 operates identically to the 9300 and forgetting to purchase the mandatory physical stacking kit (C9200-STACK-KIT).

Frequently Asked Questions (Hardware & Procurement)