Optics & Transceivers
An uplink is three separate purchases that people treat as one: the network module, the transceiver, and the cable.
Every switch and router uplink comes down to form factor, reach/media, and compatibility — and all three are commonly missing from used equipment. This guide covers SFP through QSFP28, fixed vs. modular uplinks across the Catalyst family, and how to actually verify compatibility before you order.
Individual networking products aren't listed for sale on this site yet — tell us the speed, media type and quantity and we'll confirm current availability and pricing.
Form Factors
Speed and physical form factor are the starting point — reach and media narrow it from there.
1G connectivity.
10G — typically accepts 1G SFP modules for backward compatibility.
25G — enables speed stepping on "25G/10G/1G" modules.
40G capability.
100G — usually supports 40G operation as well.
Beyond form factor, transceivers need to be specified by reach and media — multimode fiber, single-mode fiber, or copper BASE-T options — not just by speed.
Fixed vs. Modular Uplinks by Catalyst Model
| Catalyst 9200L | Fixed (4x 1G or 4x 1/10G, depending on SKU) |
|---|---|
| Catalyst 9200 | Modular, with field-replaceable network modules |
| Catalyst 9300L | Fixed (4x 10G/1G) |
| Catalyst 9300 / 9300X | Modular — separate network modules required |
| Catalyst 9500 | Fixed, integrated with the model configuration |
Available Modules for the 9300 Family
- C9300X-NM-8Y — 8x 25G/10G/1G
- C9300X-NM-2C — 2x 100G/40G
- C9300-NM-2Q — 2x 40G
Compatibility Verification
A matching form factor is not the same as compatibility
Transceivers are vendor-coded and may not cross platforms, and software version can affect which optics are supported. Cisco's official resource is the Optics Compatibility Matrix at tmgmatrix.cisco.com — confirm support there before ordering.
What's Commonly Missing from Used Equipment
None of these are implied by a switch or router's model number — they're routinely separate line items:
- Uplink network modules
- Transceivers
- Cables (DAC, AOC, fiber patch leads)
- Stacking hardware
- Secondary power supplies
What TekBoost Confirms
Individual networking products aren't listed for sale on this site. Availability of any particular item is confirmed by quote rather than published here.
1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, or 100G.
Multimode, single-mode, or copper, and the run length.
Transceiver coding requirements for the connected platform.
What's on the other end of the link, and its own optic requirements.
What to Tell Us
- Uplink speed — 1G, 10G, 25G, 40G or 100G.
- Number of uplinks needed.
- Distance and media type.
- Transceiver coding requirements.
- Connected device specifications.
- Cable inclusion — DAC, AOC, or fiber patch leads.
- Order quantity — volume pricing is available.
Networking equipment bought through a TekBoost quote carries our standard 3-year warranty — buying by quote rather than from an online listing makes no difference to cover — subject to the terms, exclusions and conditions on that page. Manufacturer warranty, software licensing and support entitlements are separate and are not included.