Cisco C3850-NM-BLANK Catalyst 3850 Network Module Blank

C3850-NM-BLANK is the filler plate for the uplink bay on a Catalyst 3850 switch. Cisco's ordering list names it the "Network module blank spare", orderable as C3850-NM-BLANK=, in the same table as the 4x1G, 2x10G and 4x10G network modules.

It applies to every 3850 model that has a network module bay. The one exception in Cisco's compatibility matrix is the 48-port SFP+ model, WS-C3850-48XS, which lists no network modules at all. A blank goes in when a switch runs without an uplink module, or when a module is pulled for use in another switch.

Five modules can take its place: the C3850-NM-4-1G, NM-2-10G, NM-4-10G, NM-8-10G and NM-2-40G. Cisco publishes their weights at 0.62 to 0.75 lb (0.28 to 0.34 kg) and notes that its switch weight figures do not include an uplink FRU. Which of the five a given switch accepts depends on its model, as set out in the 3850 compatibility matrix.

Fit check: if the network module bay already holds a module such as the C3850-NM-4-1G or C3850-NM-2-10G, no blank is needed. Modules and switches for this family are grouped on the Cisco Catalyst 2960, 3850 and 9300 hub.