C3850-NM-4-1G: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re in the market for a network module that offers gigabit speeds, you might have come across the C3850-NM-4-1G. We will provide you with a detailed overview of this network module, its features, advantages, and potential drawbacks. There is a lot to cover for this modules and we would like to read through for a better understanding of how this module can help you build a solid network.

Table of Contents

• What is C3850-NM-4-1G?
• Compatibility
• Ports and Interfaces
• Advantages of C3850-NM-4-1G
• Drawbacks of C3850-NM-4-1G
• Cost
• Installation and Configuration
• Troubleshooting Tips
• Use Cases
• Comparison with other network modules
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

What is C3850-NM-4-1G?

The C3850-NM-4-1G is a network module that is compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 3850 series switches. It is designed to offer 1-Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to devices that are connected to the switch. The module comes with four 1-Gigabit Ethernet SFP (small form-factor pluggable) ports and one 1-Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port.

Compatibility

As mentioned earlier, the C3850-NM-4-1G is compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 3850 series switches. Specifically, it is compatible with the below CISCO Catalyst 3850 models:

WS-C3850-24T 
WS-C3850-48T
WS-C3850-24P
WS-C3850-48P
WS-C3850-48F
WS-C3850-24U
WS-C3850-48U
WS-C3850-24XU
WS-C3850-12X48U
WS-C3850-12S
WS-C3850-24S

Ports and Interfaces

The C3850-NM-4-1G comes with four SFP ports and one RJ45 port. The SFP ports are compatible with both 1-Gigabit and 100-Megabit SFP modules. The RJ45 port supports 10/100/1000-Mbps auto-negotiation.

Advantages of C3850-NM-4-1G

• The module offers gigabit speeds, which is ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications.
• The module is compatible with a wide range of SFP modules, making it flexible and customizable.
• The RJ45 port supports auto-negotiation, which ensures that the connected device operates at the highest possible speed.
• The module is easy to install and configure.

Drawbacks of C3850-NM-4-1G

• The module does not offer 10-Gigabit connectivity, which might be a deal-breaker for some users.
• The module is relatively expensive compared to other network modules that offer similar functionalities.

Cost

The cost of the C3850-NM-4-1G varies depending on the vendor and the location. A good idea in one is looking for the lowest possible pricing is to search for refurbished versions of the module. Usually the refurbished models last long enough to justify the cost.

It is worth noting that this module is the most cost-friendly among the line of other Catalyst 3850 series network modules.

Installation and Configuration

Installing the C3850-NM-4-1G is relatively easy. Simply insert the module into the slot on the switch and power on the switch. Once the switch is up and running, you can configure the module using the Cisco IOS command-line interface (CLI).

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues with the C3850-NM-4-1G, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check if the module is inserted correctly into the switch.
• Ensure that the module is compatible with the SFP module or RJ45 cable that you are using.
• Check the status of the module using the CLI.

Use Cases for C3850-NM-4-1G

The C3850-NM-4-1G is ideal for organizations that require gigabit speeds for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video streaming, data backup, and large file transfers. It is also useful in environments that require a high level of network customization, such as data centers and enterprise networks.

Comparison of C3850-NM-4-1G with other network modules

When it comes to network modules that offer gigabit speeds, the C3850-NM-4-1G is not the only option available. Other network modules that you might consider include:

• C3850-NM-2-10G: This module offers two 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports and is compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 3850 series switches.
• C9300-NM-8X: This module offers eight 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports and is compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches.
• C9300-NM-2Q: This module offers two 40-Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ ports and is compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is the C3850-NM-4-1G compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches?

A1. No, this module is only compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 3850 series switches.

Q2. Can I use 100-Megabit SFP modules with the C3850-NM-4-1G?

A2. Yes, the SFP ports on the C3850-NM-4-1G are compatible with both 1-Gigabit and 100-Megabit SFP modules.

Q3. Can I use the RJ45 port and SFP ports simultaneously?

A3. Yes, the RJ45 port and SFP ports on the C3850-NM-4-1G can be used simultaneously.

Q4. Is the C3850-NM-4-1G easy to install and configure?

A4. Yes, the C3850-NM-4-1G is easy to install and configure. Please see instruction above in this article for installation and configuration tit-bits.

Q5. Does the C3850-NM-4-1G support auto-negotiation?

A5. Yes, the RJ45 port on the C3850-NM-4-1G supports 10/100/1000-Mbps auto-negotiation.

Conclusion

The C3850-NM-4-1G is a reliable and efficient network module that offers gigabit speeds and is compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 3850 series switches. While it might be relatively expensive compared to other network modules, its flexibility and ease of use make it a valuable investment for organizations that require high-speed and customizable network connectivity.

If you’re in the market for a network module that offers gigabit speeds, the C3850-NM-4-1G is definitely worth considering.

Important Sources:

 
Catalyst 3850 Data SheetHow to Configure Catalyst 3850CISCO Catalyst 3850 Prices