Cisco HWIC-8A High-Speed 8-Port WAN Interface Card

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

Overview

The Cisco HWIC-8A is a high-speed asynchronous WAN interface card designed to deliver scalable serial connectivity for branch and enterprise router deployments. It provides eight RS-232 asynchronous ports in DTE format, enabling reliable communication with legacy serial devices.

Built for flexibility, the HWIC-8A supports data rates up to 230.4 kbps per port and integrates seamlessly into Cisco Integrated Services Routers. It is ideal for environments that require console server functionality, legacy protocol transport, or asynchronous WAN aggregation.

Key Features

• Eight asynchronous RS-232 serial ports
• Data rates up to 230.4 kbps per port
• DTE-format serial connectivity
• Supports legacy and modern WAN applications
• Plug-in HWIC form factor for easy installation
• Designed for Cisco ISR platforms

Technical Specifications

Device Type: High-Speed WAN Interface Card

Model: HWIC-8A

Form Factor: Plug-in Module

Ports: 8 × Asynchronous Serial

Data Link Protocol: RS-232

Maximum Data Rate: 230.4 Kbps per port

Interface Format: DTE

UPC: 00746320920153

Use Cases

The Cisco HWIC-8A best suits environments that require centralized console management, legacy serial device integration, or asynchronous WAN connectivity. It functions effectively as a console server, enabling management of routers, switches, firewalls, and other infrastructure devices from a single platform. Organizations also use it to connect industrial controllers, point-of-sale systems, and legacy communication equipment that rely on RS-232 interfaces. In branch offices and distributed enterprise networks, the HWIC-8A supports dial access services, terminal server roles, and low-density WAN aggregation, making it a practical solution for maintaining operational continuity while modernizing core network infrastructure.

Why Choose Cisco HWIC-8A

• Enables continued use of legacy serial equipment
• High port density in a single HWIC slot
• Reliable performance for asynchronous WAN traffic
• Broad compatibility across Cisco ISR platforms
• Enterprise-grade Cisco hardware reliability

FAQs

What type of ports does the HWIC-8A provide?

It provides eight asynchronous RS-232 serial ports in DTE format.

What is the maximum supported data rate?

Each port supports speeds up to 230.4 kbps.

Is this module suitable for legacy equipment?

Yes. It is ideal for connecting legacy serial devices and systems.

Which routers support the HWIC-8A?

It is compatible with multiple Cisco Integrated Services Routers across the 1800, 1900, 2800, 2900, 3800, and 3900 series.

Is this a genuine Cisco product?

Yes. It is Cisco-genuine hardware and ships factory sealed.