Cisco HWIC-2A-S 2-Port Serial WAN Interface Card

BRAND NEW. FACTORY SEALED. FULL CISCO WARRANTY INCLUDED. MANUFACTURED BY CISCO. FROM CHICAGO COMPUTER SUPPLY

Overview

The Cisco HWIC-2A-S is a two-port asynchronous and synchronous serial WAN interface card built for enterprise and branch-office routing environments. It enables reliable serial connectivity for legacy WAN links, console access, and specialized transport protocols without requiring a router platform upgrade.

Designed for flexibility, this module supports multiple serial standards and is best for environments that still depend on legacy infrastructure alongside modern IP networks.

Key Features

• Two asynchronous/synchronous serial WAN ports
• Supports legacy and modern serial protocols
• Enables WAN access, console server, and dial access use cases
• Plug-in HWIC form factor for fast deployment
• Designed for Cisco Integrated Services Routers
• Cisco-genuine hardware with enterprise reliability

Technical Specifications

Device Type: WAN Interface Expansion Module

Model: HWIC-2A-S

Form Factor: Plug-in Module

Interface Type: HWIC

Ports: 2 × Serial

Data Link Protocols:

• RS-232
• RS-530 / RS-530A
• RS-449
• V.35
• X.21

Maximum Data Rate: 128 Kbps

UPC: 00882658146695

Use Cases

The Cisco HWIC-2A-S is best in environments that require both asynchronous and synchronous serial connectivity within a single router platform. It maintains legacy WAN circuits such as leased lines and carrier-based serial links while integrating them into modern IP routing architectures. Many organizations rely on it for console server deployments, enabling secure remote management of networking and infrastructure equipment across distributed sites.

It is also well-suited for dial-access services, low-density WAN aggregation, and legacy-protocol transport in enterprise networks where RS-232, V.35, X.21, or related standards remain in use. In hybrid infrastructures, the HWIC-2A-S enables businesses to preserve existing serial investments while gradually transitioning to Ethernet-based WAN technologies without disrupting mission-critical connectivity.

Why Choose HWIC-2A-S 

• Preserves investment in legacy serial infrastructure
• Supports multiple serial standards in one card
• Reduces the need for external serial adapters
• Proven compatibility across Cisco ISR platforms
• Ideal for hybrid legacy-to-IP network environments

FAQs

What is the HWIC-2A-S used for?

It provides two serial WAN ports for asynchronous and synchronous connectivity in Cisco routers.

Which serial standards does it support?

It supports RS-232, RS-530, RS-530A, RS-449, V.35, and X.21.

Is this module suitable for modern networks?

Yes. It is best for hybrid environments where legacy serial systems coexist with IP-based infrastructure.

Can it be used as a console server?

Yes. You can see it often in remote console and device management.

Is this an original Cisco module?

Yes. It is Cisco-genuine hardware and ships with full Cisco warranty coverage.