Description
Detail Specifications
The HWIC-16A is a Cisco-branded high-speed wide area network (WAN) interface card that can be installed in a Cisco router. It provides 16 asynchronous serial ports, which can be used to connect the router to various types of serial-based WAN connections, such as T1, E1, and ISDN. The card supports data rates of up to 2Mbps and allows for flexible configuration options, such as support for PPP, HDLC, and Frame Relay protocols. It also supports advanced features such as quality of service (QoS) and advanced security. This card is typically used in enterprise or service provider network environments to connect remote sites to a central network.
The Cisco HWIC-16A is a High-Speed Wide Area Network (WAN) Interface Card designed to offer versatile and reliable connectivity solutions. With 16 ports supporting asynchronous serial connections, this interface card is a powerful addition to Cisco networking devices, providing efficient communication in various scenarios.
Understanding Interface Cards and Their Role
Interface cards are essential components in networking devices, enhancing their capabilities by providing specific functionalities. The Cisco HWIC-16A, being an interface card, expands the networking device’s capacity to support multiple asynchronous serial connections, making it suitable for a range of applications.
Features of Cisco HWIC-16A Interface Card16 Ports Supporting Asynchronous Serial Connections
The HWIC-16A provides 16 ports, each supporting asynchronous serial connections, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple devices.
High-Speed Wide Area Network (WAN) Connectivity
Designed for high-speed WAN connectivity, the interface card ensures efficient data transfer over wide area networks.
Importance of Asynchronous Serial Connectivity in Networking
Asynchronous serial connections play a crucial role in networking environments:
Flexible Communication
Asynchronous serial communication allows devices to communicate without the need for a synchronized clock, providing flexibility in data transmission.
Varied Applications
Asynchronous serial connections are commonly used in scenarios where devices communicate intermittently or where synchronization may be challenging.
Benefits of Using Cisco HWIC-16A Interface CardScalable Connectivity
With 16 ports, the HWIC-16A allows for scalable and simultaneous connectivity with multiple devices.
Versatility
The interface card’s support for asynchronous serial connections enhances its versatility, making it suitable for various networking applications.
Use Cases for Cisco HWIC-16A Interface CardRemote Site Connectivity
Ideal for connecting remote sites to a central network hub, ensuring reliable and scalable communication.
Industrial Applications
Suited for industrial settings where asynchronous serial communication is commonly used, such as in manufacturing or process control systems.
Networking Hubs
Useful in networking hubs where multiple devices need to communicate asynchronously, allowing for efficient data transfer.
Suitable Performance
The HWIC-16A Cisco 16-port asynchronous high-speed WAN interface card has several performance characteristics that make it well-suited for use in enterprise and service provider network environments.
- Data rates: Each of the 16 ports on the card supports data rates of up to 2Mbps, allowing for fast and reliable data transfer between remote sites and a central network.
- Protocol support: The card supports several WAN protocols, including PPP, HDLC, and Frame Relay, which allows for a wide range of connectivity options.
- Quality of service (QoS): The card supports QoS features such as traffic shaping and prioritization, which helps to ensure that critical traffic is given priority over less important traffic.
- Security: The card supports advanced security features such as password protection and access control lists (ACLs), which help to protect the network from unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Reliability: The card is designed with redundant power supply and cooling, which helps to ensure that it continues to operate even if there is a failure in one of the power or cooling systems.
High-Reliability
This item is a High-Speed WAN Interface Card (HWIC) that provides 16 asynchronous serial ports for Cisco routers. The reliability of the model depends on several factors, including the quality of the hardware, the proper configuration of the router, and the network environment in which it is deployed.
In general, Cisco HWICs are known for their reliability and durability. The model is no exception, it is a high-quality piece of hardware that is built to withstand the rigors of a demanding network environment.
However, proper configuration of the router and the network environment is critical for ensuring the reliability of the model. For example, if the router is not configured correctly, or if there are issues with the network infrastructure, the model may not perform as expected. Additionally, if the network is overloaded or if there is interference from other devices, the reliability of the HWIC-16A may be affected.
To ensure the reliability of the model, it is important to ensure that the router is configured correctly, the network infrastructure is in good working order, and that the network is not overloaded or experiencing interference from other devices. Additionally, it is important to keep the router and its software up to date, which can help to fix any bugs or known issues that may be affecting the reliability of the model.
General Information about this Cisco HWIC-16A
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU # HWIC-16A
- Product Name: 16-Port Async High-Speed WAN Interface Card
- Product Type: HWIC (High-Speed WAN Interface Card)
Technical Information
- Application/Usage: Wide Area Network
Interfaces/Ports
- Interfaces/Ports: 16 x Asynchronous Serial WAN
- Interfaces/Ports Details: 16 x Asynchronous Serial WAN
Performance
- Data Transfer Rate: 230.40 Kbps Maximum Asynchronous
Management & Protocols
- Protocols: X.25
- Protocols: SDLC
- Protocols: TCP/IP
Controls/Indicators
- Status Indicators
- CONN
Environmental Conditions
- Temperature: 32°F (0°C) to 104°F (40°C) Operating
- Temperature: -4°F (-20°C) to 149°F (65°C) Storage
- Humidity: 10% to 90% Non-condensing Relative Humidity
Miscellaneous
- Additional Information
- The HWIC-16A uses 8-port cables with a high-density 60-pin connector on the HWIC side, and 8 RJ-45 plugs on the other end
- The RJ-45 plugs can connect directly to the console ports of Cisco routers and switches, or to other equipment by using RJ-45 to DB-25 adapters
- DCN (Data Communications Network)
- Dialup Remote Access
Lead Manipulation
- Network Clock Synchronization
- Systems Network Architecture (SNA)
In summary, the Cisco HWIC-16A Interface Card, featuring 16 ports supporting asynchronous serial connections and designed for high-speed WAN connectivity, stands as a powerful solution for expanding the capabilities of Cisco networking devices. Its scalable connectivity, versatility, and suitability for various applications make it a valuable component in networking scenarios, including remote site connectivity, industrial applications, and networking hubs. Cisco’s commitment to providing robust and versatile networking solutions positions the HWIC-16A as an essential element for efficient and reliable wide-area network communication.
