Cisco HWIC-1T Module

Cisco’s serial and asynchronous High-Speed WAN Interface Cards (HWICs) are designed to provide versatile and reliable connectivity for a range of Cisco Integrated Services Routers, specifically the 1800, 1900, 2800, 2900, 3800, and 3900 series. These cards offer businesses a flexible way to address common networking challenges, such as remote management, low-density WAN aggregation, and the transport of legacy protocols.

By allowing users to mix and match different interface cards, organizations can create cost-effective, tailored networking solutions that meet their specific operational needs. These HWICs are built to integrate seamlessly into existing network infrastructures, helping to simplify management and improve overall network performance.

Product overview

Cisco offers four distinct models within this HWIC lineup to support various connectivity requirements. The product range includes the 1-Port T1/Fractional T1 DSU/CSU WAN Interface Card (HWIC-1DSU-T1), the 1-Port Serial WAN Interface Card (HWIC-1T), the 2-Port Serial WAN Interface Card (HWIC-2T), and the 2-Port Asynchronous/Synchronous Serial WAN Interface Card (HWIC-2A/S).

Each card is engineered to facilitate essential applications, including WAN access, legacy protocol transport, and dial access server functionality. The HWIC-1DSU-T1 is particularly notable for its integrated CSU/DSU, which streamlines configuration and troubleshooting by allowing the router and the CSU/DSU to be managed as a single entity. These cards support a wide array of serial protocols and are compatible with various Cisco IOS software releases, ensuring they can be deployed across diverse enterprise environments.

Features and benefits

• Versatile WAN Connectivity: Supports WAN access and aggregation with serial speeds reaching up to 8 Mbps per port.
• Legacy Protocol Support: Facilitates the transport of legacy traffic—such as SNA, SDLC, Bisync, and X.25—over TCP/IP networks, which helps eliminate the need for expensive, separate leased lines.
• Integrated Management: The HWIC-1DSU-T1 simplifies network administration by combining the router and CSU/DSU into a single SNMP-managed entity, complete with built-in troubleshooting tools like loopbacks and alarm counters.
• Dial Access Capabilities: Asynchronous HWICs enable the connection of external dial modems, providing an efficient solution for low-density dial access servers.
• Flexible Cabling Options: Most models utilize Cisco Smart Serial connectors, supporting a variety of cable types (V.35, EIA-232, EIA-449, X.21, and EIA-530) to suit different physical infrastructure requirements.
• Broad Compatibility: Designed for use across multiple Cisco Integrated Services Router series, offering scalability as network demands evolve.
• Robust Standards Compliance: All cards meet rigorous safety, immunity, and emission standards, ensuring reliable operation in professional networking environments.