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Network Modules

Network modules are components that extend, upgrade, or specialise the capabilities of a switch, router, or chassis. These modular pieces of equipment accept additional line cards, uplink modules, Fibre Channel expansion modules, and management cards that allow the same chassis to serve very different roles. This makes them an essential component for growing networks.

At ITinStock, we stock a range of high-quality new and refurbished network modules from leading vendors, including Cisco (Nexus expansion modules, UCS Fabric Interconnect modules, and Catalyst line cards), Dell (PowerConnect and PowerSwitch uplink modules), HPE (FlexNetwork and FlexFabric switch modules), Juniper (MIC and PIC modular interface cards), Extreme Networks (Alpine and Summit management and expansion modules), Supermicro (AOC network add-on cards), and Brocade (Foundry Networks XFP and expansion modules), amongst others.

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Benefits of Network Modules

One key benefit of network modules is that they let you extend the life and capability of existing hardware. For example, a Cisco Nexus 5000 series switch can be fitted with a Cisco N5K-M1060 6-port Fibre Channel expansion module to add native FC SAN connectivity to an existing Ethernet fabric, without the need to purchase a separate Fibre Channel switch. Elsewhere, a Juniper MX Series router can be fitted with a MIC-3D-4XGE-XFP 4-port 10GbE modular interface card to increase uplink capacity as traffic demands grow. No matter the manufacturer, network modules are typically hot-swappable in chassis-based systems, meaning they can be installed or replaced without powering down the switch or causing a network outage.

Network modules also make it straightforward to support mixed connectivity types from a single chassis. A modular switch that started life as a pure Ethernet platform can be expanded with a Fibre Channel module for SAN access, or a 40GbE or 100GbE uplink module for higher-bandwidth inter-switch links, without needing a separate dedicated device for each function. Management modules, such as the Extreme Networks Alpine Switch Management Module, provide centralised control plane and management functions for multi-slot chassis platforms, and are often required for the chassis to operate at all. Choosing refurbished network modules from ITinStock means accessing genuine, vendor-tested components at a significantly lower cost than new, with full testing and warranty included as standard.

Why Choose Refurbished Network Modules from ITinStock?

At ITinStock, we are happy to discuss any bespoke configurations for your network module requirements, whether that's a specific port type, speed, or connectivity standard for an existing chassis or switch platform. Each of our refurbished network modules undergoes rigorous testing, in which all ports and interfaces are verified for connectivity and throughput, firmware is checked and updated where required, and each unit is inspected before dispatch. We can deliver quickly to the UK and worldwide using our courier partners. Our expert support team is on hand to help with any pre-sales questions and compatibility queries you may have.

Complement Your Network Module Setup

Maximise your networking investment with these complementary IT components:

  • Networking Switches We stock refurbished switches from all major vendors, including Cisco, Dell, HPE, Juniper, Arista, and Extreme Networks, to pair with the expansion modules in this range.
  • Network Transceivers Many network modules require SFP, SFP+, XFP, QSFP+, or QSFP28 transceivers to be populated separately. Take a look at our transceiver range for compatible optics across all major speeds and reach specifications.
  • UPS Systems Protect your network investment with an Uninterruptible Power Supply to ensure continuous connectivity during power disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a network module, and what types do you stock?
A network module is a hardware component that slots into a compatible switch, router, or chassis to add or extend its functionality. Common types include uplink modules (which add higher-speed or additional uplink ports to a fixed switch), line cards (which populate the port slots of a modular chassis switch or router with a specific port type and speed), Fibre Channel expansion modules (which add native FC ports to an Ethernet switch for SAN connectivity), and management modules (which provide the control plane, management interface, and supervisor functions for a multi-slot chassis). We stock all of these types across brands including Cisco (Nexus, Catalyst, and UCS modules), Dell (PowerConnect and PowerSwitch add-on modules), HPE (FlexNetwork and FlexFabric modules), Juniper (EX and MX Series MIC and PIC cards), Extreme Networks (Alpine and Summit modules), Supermicro (AOC add-on cards), and Brocade Foundry Networks (XFP and expansion modules). If you need a specific module not currently listed, contact our team and we will check availability.

How do I know if a network module is compatible with my switch or chassis?
Compatibility between a network module and its host chassis is determined by three main factors: the physical slot type, the software version running on the chassis, and vendor qualification. Most vendors publish a compatibility matrix for each chassis platform listing which modules are supported in which slots and from which software release. For Cisco Nexus platforms, the N5K-M1060 Fibre Channel module is only compatible with Nexus 5010 and 5020 chassis running NX-OS 4.0 or later, for example. For Juniper MX Series, MIC cards slot into MPC line cards and must be matched to a compatible MPC generation. For HPE FlexNetwork and FlexFabric switches, add-on modules must match the specific switch model as listed in HPE's compatibility guide. It is also important to ensure the chassis has sufficient power supply headroom to support the additional module. When you order from ITinStock, our team will verify compatibility against your specific chassis model, slot availability, and software version before dispatch.

What are Fibre Channel expansion modules, and when would I need one?
A Fibre Channel (FC) expansion module adds native Fibre Channel ports to a switch that would otherwise only support Ethernet connectivity. Fibre Channel is the protocol used in traditional enterprise SAN (Storage Area Network) environments to connect servers to shared storage arrays at very high speeds with very low latency. Adding an FC expansion module to an existing Ethernet switch allows organisations to consolidate SAN and LAN traffic onto fewer physical devices, reducing rack space, cabling complexity, and cost. The Cisco N5K-M1060 is a widely deployed example: it adds 6 x 4/8-Gbps native Fibre Channel ports to a Cisco Nexus 5000 series switch, allowing the same chassis to serve as both an Ethernet top-of-rack switch and a Fibre Channel switch for direct connection to FC storage arrays or FC SAN fabrics. If your environment uses FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) rather than native FC, a dedicated FC expansion module may not be required, as FCoE can run over standard 10GbE ports. Our team at ITinStock can advise on the right module for your storage connectivity requirements.

Do network modules come with transceivers included, or are they sold separately?
In most cases, network modules are supplied without transceivers. Line cards, uplink modules, and expansion modules typically include the physical ports or cages but require separately purchased SFP, SFP+, XFP, QSFP+, or QSFP28 transceivers to be populated before they can carry traffic. This is standard across all major vendors, including Cisco, HPE, Juniper, and Extreme Networks, and applies to both new and refurbished modules. The transceiver type required depends on the module and the cabling or fibre type in your environment. For example, a Juniper MIC-3D-4XGE-XFP module requires four XFP transceivers, while a Cisco Nexus line card with QSFP28 cages requires QSFP28 transceivers. When ordering a network module from ITinStock, please check with our team whether transceivers are included with a specific unit, or browse our dedicated Network Transceivers category for compatible optics.

Does ITinStock offer warranty on refurbished IT equipment?
Yes. All our refurbished IT equipment - servers, storage, networking and components, are thoroughly inspected and tested before dispatch to make sure they function as intended. In the event that any equipment develops a fault or arrives damaged through no fault of the customer, we offer a 3-year warranty on all refurbished equipment covering repair or replacement. Please speak with our account managers and customer service team for full warranty terms and conditions.

Find Your Ideal Network Module Today

Browse our complete range of refurbished network modules or contact our team for expert advice on selecting the right module for your networking switch or chassis.

Phone: +44 (0)20 4631 3555
Email: hello@itinstock.com

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