Description
Product Outline of the Cisco 2 Ports Fast Ethernet WIC Expansion Module
The HWIC-2FE is a High-Speed Wan Interface Card (WIC) Expansion Module designed to enhance network connectivity by providing two ports with varying speeds – 10 Megabits Per Second (MBPS) Ethernet and 100 Megabits Per Second (MBPS) Fast Ethernet. This expansion module supports both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX standards, offering versatility in network configurations. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the key features, technical specifications, use cases, and benefits of the HWIC-2FE.
Understanding the HWIC-2FE 2 Ports Fast Ethernet Wan Interface CardHigh-Speed Wan Interface Card (WIC)
The HWIC-2FE is a type of High-Speed Wan Interface Card (WIC), which is a hardware component used to expand the capabilities of routers. In simple terms, it is like an add-on for a router that allows it to do more things.
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is a technology that allows computers and other devices to connect and communicate with each other in a local network. The number (10 or 100) indicates the speed at which data can be transferred in Megabits per second (MBPS). Think of it as the speed limit on a highway – 10 MBPS is like a two-lane road, and 100 MBPS is like a four-lane highway.
Speed Capabilities
Having two different speeds is useful because it allows the HWIC-2FE to connect to devices with different speed capabilities. Some devices may only support 10 MBPS, while others can handle faster speeds of 100 MBPS. This flexibility ensures that the expansion module can work with various devices on the network.
10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX StandardsUnderstanding Standards
Standards are like rules that everyone follows to ensure that devices can work together. In the context of the HWIC-2FE, it supports two standards: 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX.
10BASE-T
This standard is for devices that can communicate at 10 MBPS. It uses a type of cable called twisted pair, which is like a telephone cable with twisted wires. This standard is common in older devices or those that don’t require high-speed communication.
100BASE-TX
This standard is for devices that can communicate at 100 MBPS. It also uses twisted pair cables but is faster than the 10BASE-T standard. This is commonly used in modern devices that require higher data transfer speeds.
2 Ports
The HWIC-2FE comes with two ports, and a port is simply a point where a cable can be plugged in. Having two ports means that the expansion module can connect to two different devices simultaneously.
High Tech SpecificationsForm Factor
The physical size and shape of the HWIC-2FE are essential considerations, especially when installing it in a router. This expansion module is designed to fit seamlessly into specific router models, ensuring a proper and secure connection.
Compatibility
Before purchasing and installing the HWIC-2FE, it’s crucial to check its compatibility with your existing network infrastructure and router. Compatibility ensures that the expansion module will work smoothly with your current setup.
Power Requirements
Like any electronic device, the HWIC-2FE has specific power requirements. Understanding these requirements is essential for ensuring stable and reliable operation. It’s important to check if your router can provide the necessary power for the expansion module.
Use Cases of Cisco 2 Ports Fast Ethernet Wan Interface Card
- Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Networks: The HWIC-2FE is well-suited for Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) networks where a limited number of devices need to communicate with each other. The two ports allow for the connection of multiple devices, such as computers, printers, and other networked equipment.
- Branch Office Connectivity: For businesses with multiple locations, the HWIC-2FE can be a valuable asset for connecting branch offices to the main network. This expansion module facilitates efficient communication between different office locations, supporting seamless collaboration.
- Network Expansion: As the name suggests, the HWIC-2FE is an expansion module, meaning it is ideal for expanding the capabilities of an existing network. If your network is growing, and you need to connect more devices or improve data transfer speeds, this expansion module can be a cost-effective solution.
Benefits of HWIC-2FE Expansion ModuleIncreased Network Speeds
The inclusion of both 10 MBPS Ethernet and 100 MBPS Fast Ethernet ports ensures that the HWIC-2FE can accommodate devices with varying speed requirements. This flexibility contributes to a more efficient and responsive network.
Versatile Connectivity
Support for both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX standards enhances the HWIC-2FE’s versatility. It can seamlessly integrate with devices using older technology (10BASE-T) as well as modern devices demanding higher speeds (100BASE-TX).
Cost-Effective Expansion
Instead of investing in an entirely new networking infrastructure, the HWIC-2FE provides a cost-effective means of expanding network capabilities. This is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to scale their operations without incurring significant expenses.
High Performance
The HWIC-2FE Cisco 2 Ports Fast Ethernet WAN Interface Card is designed to provide high performance for connecting to WAN devices. The two Fast Ethernet ports on the card support data rates of up to 100Mbps, providing a fast and reliable connection to the WAN.
The card also supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, which allow for prioritization of different types of network traffic for improved performance. This can help to ensure that critical applications and services are given priority over less important traffic, resulting in better overall performance.
Additionally, the card supports security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities, allowing for secure communication between the router and remote networks. This can help to ensure that sensitive data is protected while it is transmitted over the WAN.
It is worth noting that the performance of The part card is also dependent on the router model it is installed on, as well as the network infrastructure it is connected to. If the router or the network infrastructure is not able to support the full 100Mbps data rate, the performance of the card will be limited.
All in all, The part card provides good performance for small to medium-sized businesses, branch offices, and teleworker environments that require high-speed connectivity to a WAN
Resiliency and High Availability
The HWIC-2FE Cisco WIC-Expansion Module is a network interface card (NIC) that provides two Fast Ethernet ports for connecting to WAN (Wide Area Network) devices. The card is designed to be installed in Cisco routers to add additional Ethernet ports to the router, allowing it to connect to more devices or networks.
The card provides resiliency and high availability through features such as NIC teaming, which allows for multiple NICs to be grouped together to provide redundancy in case one of the NICs fails. Additionally, the card supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, which allow for prioritization of different types of network traffic for improved performance. It also supports security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities, allowing for secure communication between the router and remote networks.
It can also be used in conjunction with other Cisco components such as Cisco IOS software to provide a highly available and resilient network infrastructure. This can be achieved by using features such as the Cisco IOS IP Service Level Agreement (IP SLA) to monitor network performance and automatically switch to a redundant connection in case of a failure.
General Information of the Cisco HWIC-2FE Wan Interface Card
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# HWIC-2FE
- Product Type: High-Speed WIC-Expansion Module
Technical Specifications of High-Speed WIC-Expansion Module
- Application/Usage: Wide Area Network
- Ports Quantity: 2 Ports
- Cabling Type: Ethernet 10Base-T, Ethernet 100Base-TX
- Data Link Protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
- Network/Transport Protocol: TCP/IP, L2TP, PPPoE
Interfaces/Ports
- Interface (Bus) Type: HWIC
- Interfaces/Ports Details: 2 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Auto-sensing/Auto-negotiating/Auto MDI/MDI-X WAN
Performance
- Connectivity Media: Category 5 Twisted Pair 10/100Base-TX
- Data Transfer Rate: 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet, 10 Mbps Ethernet
Compatibility
- Cisco Compatibility: 3825 / 3845
In short, the HWIC-2FE is a valuable High-Speed Wan Interface Card (WIC) Expansion Module with two ports supporting both 10 MBPS Ethernet and 100 MBPS Fast Ethernet. Its compatibility, technical specifications, and versatile use cases make it a suitable choice for various network scenarios. Whether you’re managing a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) network, connecting branch offices, or expanding your existing network, the HWIC-2FE offers increased speeds, versatile connectivity, cost-effective expansion, and simplified installation. Considerations of standards, compatibility, and power requirements ensure that this expansion module can seamlessly integrate into your network infrastructure, providing a reliable and efficient solution for your connectivity needs
