Description
Product Overview for the Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE 4 Ports Ethernet Switch
The Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE is a WAN Interface Card (WIC) that slots into compatible Cisco routers, expanding their capabilities by integrating a powerful 4-port Ethernet switch. This WAN Interface card is tailored for organizations seeking a compact yet high-performance solution for connecting multiple devices to a WAN. This versatile card is designed to empower businesses with robust and efficient networking solutions, providing seamless connectivity and power delivery over a high-speed WAN.
Key Features of the WAN Interface Card Module
4 Ports
This Interface Card is equipped with four ports, each supporting 10/100Base-TX Ethernet. These ports facilitate high-speed data transfer within the network, ensuring efficient communication between connected devices.
Ethernet Switch Capability
The inclusion of a built-in Ethernet switch is a key feature of the Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE. This switch allows for the seamless integration of multiple devices into the network. It acts as a central hub, enabling devices to communicate with each other while efficiently managing the flow of data.
Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Functionality
One distinctive feature that sets the Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE apart is its Power over Ethernet capability. PoE simplifies the deployment of network devices by providing both data and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable. This is particularly useful for devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones, as it eliminates the need for separate power sources.
Enhanced Connectivity
With four additional Ethernet ports, the Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE significantly expands the connectivity options of a Cisco router. This is particularly valuable in scenarios where the existing number of ports is insufficient to accommodate the growing number of devices in a network.
Streamlined Network Architecture
The built-in Ethernet switch simplifies network architecture by reducing the need for external switches. This not only saves physical space but also minimizes cable clutter, contributing to a more organized and manageable network infrastructure.
Cost-Effective Power Distribution
The PoE capability of the Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE is a cost-effective solution for powering network devices. It eliminates the need for separate power sources, reducing the overall cost of deploying and maintaining the network.
Efficient Resource Utilization
By integrating additional ports and PoE functionality into a single interface card, Cisco promotes efficient resource utilization. This consolidation allows for better management of network resources, ensuring optimal performance.
Efficient Network Management
Efficient network management of the HWIC-4ESW-POE involves optimizing its performance and ensuring the security of your network. This can be achieved through the following steps:
- Enable Power over Ethernet (POE) only on ports that require it to conserve power.
- Assign Virtual LANs (VLANs) to separate network traffic and improve security.
- Set up Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize critical network traffic.
- Regularly monitor the network using tools such as Cisco Network Assistant or Cisco Prime.
- Keep the IOS software up to date to ensure security and fix any bugs.
- Implement port security to prevent unauthorized access to the network.
- Enable Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent network loops.
- Regularly back up the configuration to restore it quickly in case of failure.
It is also important to follow best practices for network security and to document all changes to the network configuration.
Use Cases of 10/100Base-TX Ethernet SwitchSmall to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)
SMBs often face challenges related to limited resources and space. The Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE is well-suited for SMBs looking to expand their network capabilities without the need for extensive infrastructure changes. Its compact design and multifunctionality make it an ideal choice for such environments.
Surveillance Systems
In the realm of security and surveillance, the PoE capability of the Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE is particularly valuable. IP cameras can be conveniently powered and connected using a single interface card, simplifying the deployment of surveillance systems.
Wireless Networks
For organizations deploying wireless networks, the Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE offers a convenient solution for connecting and powering wireless access points. This streamlines the setup process and ensures a reliable power source for critical network components. This is especially valuable in large spaces or outdoor areas where running separate power cables for access points may not be feasible.
Benefits
The Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE is a High-Speed WAN Interface Card (HWIC) that provides four Ethernet ports and Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities for Cisco routers. The benefits of this HWIC include:
- PoE support: This product can provide power to devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras through Ethernet cables, eliminating the need for additional power sources.
- Ethernet switching: This product provides Layer 2 switching capabilities, allowing for efficient use of network bandwidth and improved network performance.
- Scalability: This product can be used to add additional Ethernet ports to a Cisco router, increasing the number of devices that can be connected to the network.
- Easy deployment: This product is easy to install and can be used with a variety of Cisco routers, making it a flexible solution for expanding network capabilities.
- Quality of Service (QoS): This product supports QoS, which allows for prioritization of network traffic and improved performance for critical applications.
- VLAN Support: This product supports VLANs, allowing logical segments of the networks.
Scalable and High-Performance
The Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE is designed to provide high performance in a variety of network environments. Some of the features that contribute to its high performance include:
- Wire-speed switching: This product can perform switching at wire speed, meaning that it can process packets as fast as they are received, without any delays or bottlenecks.
- Non-blocking architecture: This product is designed with a non-blocking architecture, which allows all ports to operate at full-duplex, providing maximum throughput and minimizing congestion.
- Quality of Service (QoS): This product supports QoS, which allows for prioritization of network traffic and improved performance for critical applications, such as voice and video.
- VLAN Support: This product supports VLANs, allowing logical segmenting of the networks, reducing the broadcast traffic, and improving the overall network performance.
- Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE): This product supports EEE, which reduces power consumption during periods of low network activity, helping to conserve energy and reduce operating costs.
- Link Aggregation: This product supports Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) which allows multiple physical links to be bundled together to form a single logical link, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy.
General Information for the Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE WAN Interface Card Module
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# HWIC-4ESW-POE
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Technical Information
- Application/Usage: Wide Area Network
- Interfaces/Ports Details: 4 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Auto-sensing/Auto-negotiating/Auto MDI/MDI-X
Media & Performance
- Connectivity Media: Category 3 UTP 10Base-T
- Connectivity Media: Category 4 UTP 10Base-T
- Connectivity Media: Category 5 UTP 10/100Base-TX
- Data Transfer Rate: 10 Mbps Ethernet Half/Full-duplex
- Data Transfer Rate: 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Half/Full-duplex
Environmental Parameters
- Temperature: 32°F (0°C) to 104°F (40°C) Operating
- Temperature: -4°F (-20°C) to 149°F (65°C) Non-operating
- Humidity: 10% to 85% Non-condensing Operating
- Humidity: 5% to 95% Non-condensing Non-operating
In short, the Cisco HWIC-4ESW-POE stands as a testament to Cisco’s commitment to providing robust and versatile networking solutions. This guide has explored its features, applications, advantages, installation procedures tips, and glimpses into the future of networking technology. Whether deployed in small businesses, remote locations, or surveillance systems, this 4-port Ethernet Switch WAN Interface Card with Power Over Ethernet is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of efficient and reliable network connectivity.
