Network Interface Module Cisco C-NIM-4X= — 4x SFP/SFP+ ports, 10 Gigabit & Gigabit Ethernet, for Catalyst 8300

The Cisco C-NIM-4X= is a network interface module for Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series routers that delivers four SFP/SFP+ ports supporting Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. The compact module (89 × 184 × 32 mm) supports SGMII/1000BASE-X SFP and 10GBASE-R SFP+ pluggables, enabling flexible deployment of fiber or copper transceivers for uplinks and aggregation. It implements next-generation 1G/10G LAN/WAN connectivity with local Layer 2 switching on all four ports and optional native Layer 3 operation on the two highest-numbered ports for parity with embedded WAN interfaces.

Advantages

The module provides a cost-effective, low-density 4-port Layer 2 LAN switch with up to 10 Gbps per port and the capability to support Layer 3 features when required. It supports a variety of SFP and SFP+ transceivers including 100-Mbps optic pluggables via compatible SFPs, and offers MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) support for link-level traffic confidentiality and integrity. A single 10-Gbps-capable internal backplane link connects the four WAN ports, simplifying integration into Catalyst 8300 platforms and enabling high-speed aggregation for branch and edge deployments.

Suitable for

• Branch and edge routers requiring mixed 1G and 10G uplinks
• Fiber or copper uplink connections using SFP/SFP+ transceivers
• Deployments needing local Layer 2 switching with optional Layer 3 on two ports
• Environments where MACsec link protection is required

Key specifications

• Port count: 4 SFP/SFP+ ports supporting 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps speeds
• Supported transceivers: SGMII/1000BASE-X SFP and 10GBASE-R SFP+
• Physical dimensions: 89 × 184 × 32 mm
• Layer functionality: Local Layer 2 switching on all ports; two highest-numbered ports configurable for native Layer 3
• Backplane connection: Single 10-Gbps-capable internal link connecting all four WAN ports (4:1 oversubscription at full capacity)
• Security: IEEE 802.1AE MACsec support
• Compatibility: Designed for Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series routers

How to use

Install the C-NIM-4X= module into a compatible expansion slot on a Catalyst 8300 Series router following standard Cisco module insertion procedures and chassis power-down or hot-swap guidance provided by the router documentation. Populate the SFP or SFP+ slots with appropriate transceivers for the chosen media (fiber or copper) and connect uplink or WAN links. Configure port modes via the router operating system to enable local Layer 2 switching or set the two highest-numbered ports to native Layer 3 operation as required. Enable MACsec and any additional features through the Catalyst 8300 configuration interface when link-level encryption is needed.

Usage recommendations

Choose SFP/SFP+ transceivers certified for use with Cisco Catalyst platforms. When planning bandwidth, account for the internal 10-Gbps backplane link that creates a potential 4:1 oversubscription if all ports operate at their maximum speed. Use the Layer 3 configuration on the two highest-numbered ports when router parity with embedded WAN ports is necessary, and enable MACsec for sensitive links that require data confidentiality and integrity.