C9500-NM-2Q – 2x40G QSFP+ Ports – Network Module – Catalyst 9500
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C9500-NM-2Q Description
C9500-NM-2Q is a Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series network module for adding high-speed uplink capacity to supported Catalyst 9500 switch deployments. It provides two 40G QSFP module ports, supports standard QSFP modules, and is documented for the C9500-16X and C9500-40X base switch models; Cisco interface documentation also places the C9500-NM-2Q in designs that use 40G QSFP connectivity or 4x10G breakout cabling from the module bay.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C9500-NM-2Q |
|
Product type |
Network module |
|
Cisco ordering description |
Cisco Catalyst 9500 2 x 40GE Network Module |
|
Network module description |
2-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet with QSFP+ |
|
Port count |
2 |
|
Port speed |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
|
Port type |
QSFP+ module ports |
|
Supported base PIDs |
C9500-16X and C9500-40X |
|
Supported media |
Standard QSFP modules |
|
Breakout cable support |
One 40G port can split into four 10G ports with a 4x10G breakout cable |
|
Two-QSFP operating mode |
FortyGigabitEthernet1/1/1 and FortyGigabitEthernet1/1/2 configurable |
|
Dual-breakout operating mode |
TenGigabitEthernet1/1/1 through TenGigabitEthernet1/1/8 configurable |
|
Introductory Release |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a |
Application Scenarios
Use C9500-NM-2Q when the installed or planned Catalyst 9500 base switch is C9500-16X or C9500-40X and the uplink design calls for two 40G QSFP+ module ports.
Select this module when a design may use QSFP-to-4x10G breakout cabling. Cisco documents two configurable 40G interfaces with QSFP modules and eight configurable 10G interfaces when both module ports use 4x10G breakout cables.
Keep C9500-NM-2Q distinct from C9500-NM-2Q= when building a quote or spare inventory plan, because Cisco lists the equals-suffix PID as the spare ordering form.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C9500-NM-2Q |
NM-C4-10G-BLANK | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Product type |
Network module |
Network module |
Blank network module |
|
Module Purpose |
40G QSFP+ uplink ports |
10G SFP/SFP+ uplink ports |
Slot filler when uplink ports are not required |
|
Port count |
2 |
8 |
No data ports |
|
Port speed |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
10 Gigabit Ethernet |
Slot protection and airflow support |
|
Port or Slot Type |
QSFP+ module ports |
SFP/SFP+ module ports |
Blank module faceplate |
|
Supported base PIDs |
C9500-16X and C9500-40X |
C9500-16X and C9500-40X |
C9500-16X and C9500-40X uplink bay use |
|
Supported media |
Standard QSFP modules |
Standard SFP modules |
No pluggable media |
|
Breakout Behavior |
Supports 4x10G breakout cabling on module ports |
Uses SFP/SFP+ module ports |
Used when the switch has no uplink ports |
|
Introductory Release |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a |
Hardware installation accessory |
|
Spare PID |
C9500-NM-2Q= |
C9500-NM-8X= |
NM-C4-10G-BLANK |
- C9500-NM-2Q is the 40G QSFP+ module choice for C9500-16X and C9500-40X switches when the uplink plan is based on two 40G ports or 4x10G breakout cabling.
- C9500-NM-8X fits the same supported base switch models when the design needs eight 10G SFP/SFP+ module ports rather than two 40G QSFP+ module ports.
- NM-C4-10G-BLANK is not a data-port module; Cisco documents it as the blank module to use when the switch has no uplink ports and needs proper airflow through the module bay.
Selection Guide
1. Choose C9500-NM-2Q for two 40G QSFP+ module ports
Select this SKU when the target switch is C9500-16X or C9500-40X and the uplink requirement is two 40G QSFP+ module ports.
2. Choose C9500-NM-8X for additional 10G SFP/SFP+ ports
If the requirement is eight 10G SFP/SFP+ module ports instead of two 40G QSFP+ ports, quote C9500-NM-8X rather than C9500-NM-2Q.
3. Confirm breakout cabling before optics approval
When the design uses 4x10G breakout cabling, verify the intended interface mode, cable type, and Cisco optics compatibility before the bill of materials is released.
4. Use the spare PID when the purchase is a replacement part
For replacement inventory or maintenance orders, check whether procurement requires C9500-NM-2Q or the Cisco-listed spare form C9500-NM-2Q=.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Exact SKU |
C9500-NM-2Q |
Confirms the order is for the 2-port 40GE module, not the 8-port 10GE module |
|
Base Switch PID |
C9500-16X or C9500-40X |
Cisco lists these as the supported base PIDs for this module |
|
Uplink Requirement |
Two 40G QSFP+ ports or 4x10G breakout use |
Determines whether C9500-NM-2Q matches the interface design |
|
Media Plan |
Cisco-supported QSFP modules or breakout cables |
Prevents ordering the module without compatible uplink media |
|
Software Release |
Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a or later support context |
Confirms the module is covered by the documented introductory release |
|
Blank Module Handling |
Replacement module or blank module available during maintenance |
The switch should operate with a network module or blank module installed |
|
Spare Requirement |
C9500-NM-2Q or C9500-NM-2Q= |
Separates a configured module order from spare-part procurement |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C9500-NM-2Q | Product type | Network module |
| Cisco ordering description | Cisco Catalyst 9500 2 x 40GE Network Module | Network module description | 2-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet with QSFP+ |
| Port count | 2 | Port speed | 40 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Port type | QSFP+ module ports | Supported base PIDs | C9500-16X and C9500-40X |
| Supported media | Standard QSFP modules | Two-QSFP operating mode | FortyGigabitEthernet1/1/1 and FortyGigabitEthernet1/1/2 configurable |
| Dual-breakout operating mode | TenGigabitEthernet1/1/1 through TenGigabitEthernet1/1/8 configurable | Breakout cable support | One 40G port can split into four 10G ports with a 4x10G breakout cable |
| Introductory Release | Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a | Spare Part Number | C9500-NM-2Q= |
| Serviceability | Hot-swappable network module |
Get More Information
Need pricing, stock, or shipping details for the C9500-NM-2Q ? Layer23-Switch can help you check current availability, lead time, and delivery options for this. Send us the part number, quantity, and destination country via live chat or email sales@layer23-switch.com for a fast quotation.
Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
-
What is C9500-NM-2Q?
-
Which Catalyst 9500 switches accept the C9500-NM-2Q module?
-
Does C9500-NM-2Q support 4x10G breakout cables?
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How many uplink ports does C9500-NM-2Q add in each operating mode?
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How does C9500-NM-2Q compare with the C9500-NM-8X module?
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Is C9500-NM-2Q= the spare version of C9500-NM-2Q?
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When should NM-C4-10G-BLANK be used instead of C9500-NM-2Q?
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