Modular switches are generally high capability switches or we can say high end

switches
which can be customized as per network requirement for an example 6500,4500
switches.
These switches are modular and can add different line cards as per your
requirement.
Like if you want 48 port ethernet card , this can be installed in 6500 and later
you want to remove it and just add 16 port gug module you can do the same.
You can also install firewall module, wireless module, ids module and many more on
modular switch like 6500. ALso they have higher capability and somewhat have more
features.

Now think of fixed switches like 3550, 2960, 3750 etc can you think of changing the
ports or
type of physical interface on these switches? No. Once you baught 3750 with 48 port
10/100/1000 potr
you cannot change the physical interfaces on this as they are fixed on to the box.
ALso you cannot upgrade DRAM and FLASH on the same, once installed from factory
done.
But modulat switches have the capability that if you want more DRAM of flash it can
be
upgraded as per the network requirement.