Cisco Catalyst C8200-1N-4T Edge Router

The Cisco Catalyst C8200-1N-4T is a high-performance branch router engineered for advanced SD-WAN and security. Delivering up to 1 Gbps of IPsec throughput with 8GB RAM, it seamlessly replaces the ISR 4321 for multi-cloud connectivity and edge application hosting.
Quick Specs:
· WAN/LAN Ports: 4x 1G (2x RJ-45, 2x SFP)
· Module Slots: 1x NIM, 1x PIM (For LTE/5G)
· Memory / Storage: 8 GB RAM / 8 GB Flash
· Throughput: Up to 1 Gbps (SD-WAN IPsec)
· OS Support: Cisco IOS XE (Traditional & SD-WAN)
· Form Factor: 1RU Rack-mountable

Comprehensive Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C8200-1N-4T Edge Platform is the purpose-built, next-generation successor to the highly popular Cisco ISR 4321. Designed to accelerate enterprise branch transformation, this cloud-native routing platform delivers secure, high-speed, and predictable connectivity to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), public clouds, and traditional data centers.
Unlike basic edge routers, the standard C8200-1N-4T is driven by a highly robust multi-core x86 architecture backed by 8GB of default memory. This massive processing power allows the platform to not only handle intense 1 Gbps IPsec encryption workloads for Cisco SD-WAN but also run advanced Unified Threat Defense (UTD) security features and host third-party containerized applications directly at the branch edge.

Key Features & Business Benefits

High-Performance SD-WAN: Maximize your WAN bandwidth. With custom Cisco silicon and optimized hardware encryption, the router delivers up to 1 Gbps of secure IPsec throughput, ensuring zero-bottleneck performance for bandwidth-hungry cloud applications.

Edge Computing & Application Hosting: Do more with a single device. Thanks to its 8GB RAM and multi-core CPU, the router supports Cisco Edge Compute, allowing IT teams to deploy containerized applications, network analytics (ThousandEyes), and local security services directly on the router.

Advanced Branch Security (UTD): Eliminate the need for standalone firewalls at the branch. The C8200-1N-4T supports Cisco Umbrella integration, enterprise-grade Layer 7 application firewalls, IPS/IDS, and URL filtering.

Flexible 1G & 5G Connectivity: Features four built-in 1G ports (two copper RJ-45, two fiber SFP) for primary WAN/LAN. Additionally, a dedicated Pluggable Interface Module (PIM) slot allows for the integration of 4G LTE or ultra-fast 5G cellular backup.

Legacy Infrastructure Support: The built-in Network Interface Module (NIM) slot ensures seamless integration with legacy telecom connections, allowing businesses to install T1/E1, ISDN, or extra LAN switch modules.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details for C8200-1N-4T
Product Series	Cisco Catalyst 8200 Series Edge Platforms
Integrated WAN/LAN Ports	4 Total: 2 x 1G RJ-45 (Copper) + 2 x 1G SFP (Fiber)
NIM Slots	1 (Network Interface Module)
PIM Slots	1 (Pluggable Interface Module for Cellular/LTE)
Default Memory (RAM)	8 GB
Default Flash Storage	8 GB
IPsec Throughput (1400 Bytes)	Up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit per second)
IPv4 Forwarding Throughput	Up to 3.8 Gbps
Operating System	Cisco IOS XE (Autonomous or Controller mode)
Dimensions (H x W x D)	1.73 x 17.25 x 11.8 in. (4.39 x 43.8 x 29.9 cm)
Weight	10 lbs (4.54 kg)

Ideal Application Scenarios

Medium to Large Branch Offices: The ideal high-speed gateway for branches with 50-100 users, requiring robust 1Gbps encrypted SD-WAN connections back to headquarters or the public cloud.

Branches Requiring Consolidated IT: Perfect for remote locations looking to reduce hardware footprint by running routing, advanced firewalls (UTD), and local application hosting all on a single 1RU appliance.

High-Availability Retail & Healthcare: Utilize the PIM slot for 5G cellular backup to ensure that critical patient data transmissions or Point-of-Sale (POS) systems maintain 100% uptime, even during a fiber cut.

Supported Accessories & Modules

Customize your C8200-1N-4T deployment with these official Cisco modules:
P-5GS6-GL: Cisco 5G Sub-6 GHz Pluggable Interface Module (For high-bandwidth cellular WAN backup).
NIM-ES2-8: 8-port Gigabit Ethernet Switch NIM (To expand local LAN connectivity).
NIM-1MFT-T1/E1: 1-port Multiflex Trunk Voice/Clear-channel Data T1/E1 Module.
MEM-C8200-16GB / 32GB: RAM upgrades to support extensive Unified Threat Defense (UTD) policies and ThousandEyes agent hosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the primary difference between the C8200-1N-4T and the C8200L-1N-4T?

A1: Performance and memory. The standard C8200 features a more powerful CPU, delivers double the IPsec throughput (up to 1 Gbps vs. 500 Mbps), and comes with 8GB of default RAM (vs. 4GB on the “L” version), making it capable of running advanced security features (UTD) and edge applications.

Q2: Is the C8200-1N-4T the correct upgrade path for my ISR 4321?

A2: Yes. Cisco explicitly positions the Catalyst C8200-1N-4T as the next-generation replacement for the ISR 4321. It offers the same 1 NIM slot footprint but delivers drastically higher SD-WAN performance and cloud readiness.

Q3: Can I run third-party applications directly on this router?

A3: Yes. Thanks to the 8GB of RAM and multi-core x86 CPU, the C8200-1N-4T supports Cisco Edge Compute. You can host containerized Linux applications or network monitoring tools like Cisco ThousandEyes natively on the device.

Q4: Do I need a Smart License to operate this router?

A4: Yes. All Cisco Catalyst 8000 Series Edge Platforms require a Cisco DNA subscription license (Essentials, Advantage, or Premier). The license level determines your SD-WAN capabilities, security features, and permitted bandwidth tier.

Q5: Are my older ISR 4000 series NIM modules compatible with the C8200?

A5: In most cases, yes. The Catalyst 8200 series is designed for investment protection and supports a wide variety of existing NIMs used in the ISR 4000 series. However, it is highly recommended to verify specific module compatibility via the Cisco hardware matrix before deploying.

Product Details

Cisco Catalyst C8200-1N-4T Edge Router

Comprehensive Product Overview

Key Features & Business Benefits

Technical Specifications

Ideal Application Scenarios

Supported Accessories & Modules

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Product Details

Cisco Catalyst C8200-1N-4T Edge Router

Comprehensive Product Overview

Key Features & Business Benefits

Technical Specifications

Ideal Application Scenarios

Supported Accessories & Modules

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Recommended Products

Cisco Catalyst C8500-12X Edge Router

Cisco Catalyst C8300-2N2S-4T2X Edge Router

Cisco Catalyst C8300-1N1S-6T Edge Router

Cisco Catalyst C8200L-1N-4T Edge Router

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