Cisco NM-BLANK-T1 Catalyst Type 1 Network Module Blank

Cisco NM-BLANK-T1 — Compatible Blank Module for Catalyst 9300 Series

The Cisco NM-BLANK-T1 is an OEM blanking plate designed specifically for the Catalyst 9300 family of switches. Manufactured by Cisco and listed under part number NM-BLANK-T1, this module provides a tidy, compliant finish for unused network module bays while preserving airflow and chassis integrity.

Key Features and Technical Highlights

• Official Cisco part, ensuring form-factor and fitment accuracy.
• Designed to occupy an empty Type 1 network module slot on Catalyst 9300 switches.
• Helps maintain proper chassis cooling by directing airflow where it’s needed.
• Durable construction for long-term rack-and-stack deployments.
• Simple snap-in installation — no special tools required in most cases.

Compatibility and Fitment

This blanking plate is tailored for Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches that accept Type 1 network modules. Confirm slot type and chassis revision before purchasing to ensure correct compatibility with your specific 9300 model.

Manufacturer Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number / SKU: NM-BLANK-T1

Operational Benefits

• Thermal management: Maintains designed airflow patterns and cooling efficiency.
• Hardware protection: Shields vacant I/O bays from dust, debris, and accidental contact.
• Professional appearance: Keeps rack installations looking finished and manufacturer-compliant.
• Compliance: Preserves the chassis configuration recommended by Cisco for warranty and serviceability.

Maintenance and Replacement

Blanking plates are low-maintenance but should be inspected during routine hardware checks to ensure they remain seated and undamaged. Replace any cracked or deformed plates to retain cooling efficiency and chassis protection.

Final Technical Reminder

Part number NM-BLANK-T1 is the official Cisco identifier for the Catalyst Type 1 blanking module. For accurate inventory and support, reference this SKU when checking compatibility, ordering replacements, or opening support tickets with Cisco or your reseller.

Cisco NM-BLANK-T1

The Cisco NM-BLANK-T1 (Catalyst Type 1 Network Module Blank) is the official spare blank network module designed for the Cisco Catalyst 9300 family of switches. Engineered as a precision-fit cover for unused modular uplink bays, the NM-BLANK-T1 performs a deceptively simple but essential role: it preserves chassis airflow, prevents dust and debris ingress, and maintains a finished, professional appearance for production racks and staged hardware. For enterprises, service providers, and system integrators who prioritize uptime, cleanliness, and consistent thermal performance, the NM-BLANK-T1 is a low-cost, high-impact component to include in spare parts inventories.

Key functional benefits

• Airflow preservation: Maintains proper front-to-back or back-to-front airflow channels designed by Cisco for the Catalyst 9300 family.
• Contaminant protection: Blocks dust, lint, and small debris from entering empty uplink or expansion bays.
• Physical security: Provides a tamper-evident cover for unused slots in multi-switch stacks.
• Aesthetic finish: Keeps rack-mounted switch ensembles looking uniform and professional.
• Inventory spare: Standardized Cisco part for quick replacement during service or staging.

Compatibility and part numbering

The NM-BLANK-T1 is identified in Cisco ordering and spare lists as the Type 1 network module blank intended for Catalyst 9300 modular uplink models. It appears in official Catalyst 9300 ordering guides and parts tables as the spare cover for Type 1 uplink slots (see ordering documentation for exact SKU mapping). Because it is a manufacturer-specified spare, NM-BLANK-T1 guarantees mechanical and fit compatibility with supported Catalyst 9300 chasses — something third-party covers may not reliably provide.

Supported models and slot types

• Cisco Catalyst 9300 modular uplink variants (Type 1 connector/slot form factor).
• Where applicable, similar chassis designs that explicitly list NM-BLANK-T1 or “Type 1 blank” as a compatible spare.

Note: Always cross-reference your switch’s product ID and Cisco spare list before purchase to confirm exact compatibility. The Catalyst 9300 family includes both fixed and modular uplink models; the NM-BLANK-T1 is intended specifically for devices that accept Type 1 network modules.

Use cases and workplace scenarios

The NM-BLANK-T1 is useful across a wide range of deployment scenarios:

Staging and spare stock

When staging new Catalyst 9300 units or storing switch spares, install NM-BLANK-T1 covers on open slots to keep inventory pristine. For managed services and MSPs that handle rollouts at multiple sites, keeping a small number of NM-BLANK-T1s in each kit avoids improvised covers or tape that can trap moisture.

Edge and branch offices

Branch and campus-edge deployments often operate in less controlled environments. Installing blank modules reduces the ingress of dust or insects and minimizes service calls caused by environmental contaminants.

Laboratory and testing environments

In lab racks where modules are frequently changed, applying blanks to inactive slots helps keep test equipment functional longer and provides a reliable baseline for thermal and acoustic measurements.

Procurement, ordering, and spare-part management

The NM-BLANK-T1 commonly appears in Cisco Catalyst 9300 ordering and spare parts lists. For procurement, list the part number exactly as NM-BLANK-T1 when requesting quotes or entering purchase orders to ensure you receive an OEM spare and not a non-standard third-party cover. Because these items are low-cost, many organizations purchase them in small multiples so that replacements are available immediately during on-site maintenance.

Regulatory, acoustic, and environmental notes

The NM-BLANK-T1 contributes to the thermal and acoustic envelope of an installed switch. While the blank itself does not alter electrical performance, preserving the intended airflow path helps the chassis maintain its rated noise levels and thermal dissipation. For installations where acoustic performance and noise emissions are specified, ensure all chassis openings are properly fitted (blanks, filled bays, or installed modules) to keep fan operation within expected ranges.

Environmental and compliance considerations

• Because it is a passive mechanical component, NM-BLANK-T1 typically carries minimal regulatory marking. Still, it should be treated as a Cisco spare when tracking compliance and asset registers.
• Discard damaged blanks responsibly; consult your organization’s electronic equipment disposal policy for guidance.

NM-BLANK-T1 vs. non-OEM covers and tape

In field expediency, teams sometimes use makeshift covers — tape, cardboard, or adhesive sheeting — to seal unused ports. While quick, these methods are not recommended for production environments:

1. Airflow mismatch: Improvised covers rarely replicate the chassis’ designed sealing properties and can allow turbulence that forces fans to run harder.
2. Contamination risk: Adhesives can outgas or leave residue that attracts dirt and moisture.
3. Physical damage: Non-fitting covers can snag or protrude, increasing the chance of accidental knocks in a rack environment.

Purchasing NM-BLANK-T1 covers ensures a predictable, tested mechanical fit and avoids the long-term risks associated with temporary fixes.