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.
