Switch Expansion Modules

Matching a module to a switch

A switch module fits only the switch family and slot it was built for, and some families add a software condition. Three checks cover most orders: the switch family and model, the slot type, and the switch's software release. The tables below give the port options each maker documents.

Juniper EX uplink and expansion modules by switch

Juniper designs each EX uplink or expansion module for specific switch models, so start from the switch: the table gives the port options Juniper documents for each switch family.

Juniper lists the first Junos OS release for each EX4300 module, from 13.2X50-D10 for the earliest uplink module to 18.2R1 for the multirate module of the EX4300-48MP, with later releases for the -S models, so check the switch's software before you order. EX4300 uplink modules are hot-insertable and hot-removable, and Juniper's EX3200 data sheet says its uplink modules install without powering down, although an EX3200 or EX4200 has to reboot to detect a module of a different type. On the EX4600, swapping a 40GbE expansion module for a 10GbE one, or the reverse, briefly takes the interfaces down. Optics for these ports are on Optical Transceivers, and complete switches are under Juniper switches.

Cisco Catalyst network modules

Cisco's four network modules for the Catalyst 3750-X and 3560-X differ in the optics they accept, and Cisco states that all of them are hot-swappable.

• 1G network module: four 1G SFP slots; SFP+ modules are not supported.
• 10G network module: four slots in two pairs, each pair taking two 1G SFPs or one 10G SFP+.
• 10GBASE-T network module: two copper ports that run at 1 or 10 Gbps.
• 10G service module: two SFP or SFP+ slots, plus NetFlow and MACsec uplink encryption.

On the newer Catalyst 9300 family the module follows the switch line: Cisco supports Catalyst 3850 and Catalyst 9300 network modules on Catalyst 9300 switches and Catalyst 9300X modules only on the 9300X, as the Catalyst 9300 page explains.

Line cards and other modules

Chassis line cards and interface modules are matched by part number rather than by port type: switching modules for Catalyst 4500 and 6500 chassis, Nexus 5500 and 7000 modules, Dell N3000 and N4000 uplink and stacking modules and Cisco HWIC and VWIC router cards each fit only their own platform family. Every module family sits under Modules, and Cisco systems are under Cisco.