Understanding the Compatibility of Cisco HWIC Cards with ISR Routers

Cisco Hardware Interface Card (HWIC) cards provide additional functionality to Cisco IOS-based routers. This article explores the compatibility of various HWIC cards across Cisco Integrated Services Routers (ISR) and highlights which routers support them. Understanding this compatibility is crucial for network administrators and engineers looking to enhance their router capabilities.

Introduction to Cisco HWIC Cards

Cisco HWIC cards are modular add-ins that can be installed in slots on Cisco ISR routers to add various types of functionality, such as T1/E1, asynchronous serial interfaces, voice, and data services.

There are several types of HWIC cards available, each designed to support different services. For this discussion, we will focus on the HWIC-1T, HWIC-1DSU-T1, HWIC-2T, and HWIC-2A/S cards, which are commonly used for T1/E1, asynchronous serial, and cable services.

Understanding ISR Routers and Their Capabilities

ISR routers, such as the Cisco 1800 series, 2800 series, and 3800 series, offer a range of built-in interfaces and functionalities. However, not all ISR models come with the same interface options. It is essential to understand which card is supported by which model of the ISR router to avoid compatibility issues.

Compatibility Table

A detailed compatibility table outlines which ISR routers support which HWIC cards. Here is a summary of the compatibility based on the Cisco ISR models:

ISR Model HWIC-1T HWIC-1DSU-T1 HWIC-2T HWIC-2A/S Cisco 1900 Not supported Not supported Not supported Not supported Cisco 2900 Supported Supported Supported Not supported Cisco 3700 Not supported Not supported Not supported Not supported Cisco 3800 Supported Supported Supported Not supported Cisco 4800 Supported Not supported Not supported Not supported

This table shows that the Cisco 1921 router does not support the HWIC-1T, HWIC-1DSU-T1, and HWIC-2T cards, while the CIF-2A/S card is not supported on any of the ISR models mentioned in this table.

Why Understanding Compatibility Matters

Understanding the compatibility of HWIC cards with ISR routers is crucial for several reasons:

Cost and Efficiency: Choosing the appropriate HWIC card can lead to cost savings by avoiding unnecessary purchases of unsupported or outdated cards. Service Delivery: Ensuring that the correct HWIC card is installed can prevent service delivery issues and ensure that the router is capable of providing the necessary functionality. Planning: Network administrators can plan their infrastructure upgrade more effectively by knowing which cards are supported by their existing or planned ISR routers.

Leveraging Cisco's Documentation for Further Information

For detailed information about Cisco ISR HWIC cards, refer to the official documentation. The CISCO ISR ONE- AND 2-PORT SERIAL AND ASYNCHRONOUS HIGH-SPEED WAN INTERFACE CARDS DATASHEET offers a comprehensive guide on these specific HWIC cards and their functionalities. Additionally, the official Cisco website and support forums can provide further assistance and relevant updates.

Conclusion

While Cisco HWIC cards offer a wide range of functionalities for ISR routers, it is essential to understand their compatibility with different ISR models. By consulting the compatibility table and official documentation, network administrators can ensure that they are making the best choices for their infrastructure, leading to more efficient and reliable network services.

Keywords

Cisco HWIC ISR Routers compatibility supported cards