The Cisco Catalyst C8200L-1N-4T is a cost-effective, cloud-ready branch router designed for secure SD-WAN. Featuring 4x 1G WAN/LAN ports and 1 NIM slot, it delivers robust routing, security, and multi-cloud connectivity for small to medium enterprise branches.
Quick Specs:
· WAN/LAN Ports: 4x 1G (2x RJ-45, 2x SFP)
· Module Slots: 1x NIM, 1x PIM (For LTE/5G)
· Memory / Storage: 4 GB RAM / 8 GB Flash
· Throughput: ~500 Mbps (SD-WAN IPsec)
· OS Support: Cisco IOS XE (Traditional & SD-WAN)
· Form Factor: 1RU Desktop or Rack-mountable
Comprehensive Product Overview
The Cisco Catalyst C8200L-1N-4T Edge Platform is the next-generation successor to the widely deployed Cisco ISR 4221. Purpose-built for the cloud edge, this platform accelerates digital transformation by providing highly secure, automated, and predictable connectivity to SaaS applications, public clouds, and corporate data centers. As a core component of Cisco’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and SD-WAN architecture, the C8200L-1N-4T is driven by a powerful multi-core x86 CPU. It provides businesses with the ultimate flexibility to route traffic using traditional Cisco IOS XE protocols or transition to a centralized, software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) model via Cisco vManage, ensuring optimal application performance and reduced WAN costs.
Key Features & Business Benefits
Accelerated SD-WAN Performance: Leverage Cisco’s industry-leading SD-WAN capabilities. The router dynamically steers traffic across broadband, MPLS, and 5G links, delivering up to 500 Mbps of IPsec throughput to ensure cloud applications run without latency.
Flexible Connectivity Options: The “4T” indicates four built-in Gigabit ports (two RJ-45 copper and two SFP fiber), allowing for versatile WAN and LAN connections without needing additional modules.
Future-Proof Expansion: The “1N” signifies one Network Interface Module (NIM) slot. This allows you to add legacy T1/E1 connections, extra LAN ports, or advanced Voice capabilities. Additionally, a dedicated Pluggable Interface Module (PIM) slot supports advanced 4G LTE and 5G cellular backup.
Enterprise-Grade Security: Protect your branch perimeter. The C8200L features hardware-anchored Secure Boot, Cisco Trust Anchor technologies, advanced encryption, and integrated Layer 7 enterprise firewalls.
Compact & Quiet Design: Designed for small branch offices that may lack a dedicated IT closet. Its 1RU footprint and highly optimized thermal design allow for quiet, unintrusive operation.
Technical Specifications
Specification
Details for C8200L-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)
4 GB
Default Flash Storage
8 GB
IPsec Throughput (1400 Bytes)
Up to 500 Mbps
IPv4 Forwarding Throughput
Up to 1.5 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
Small to Medium Branch Offices: The perfect gateway for branch locations needing a secure, direct-to-cloud path for Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and other SaaS applications using SD-WAN.
Retail Stores & Bank Branches: Highly secure, compact routing with the ability to insert a 4G/5G PIM module, ensuring Point-of-Sale (POS) and ATM transactions never go offline, even if the primary broadband fails.
Managed IT Services (MSP CPE): An affordable, easily managed Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) device that MSPs can drop-ship to clients and provision remotely via zero-touch deployment.
Supported Accessories & Modules
Maximize the capabilities of your C8200L-1N-4T with these official Cisco modules: NIM-ES2-4 / NIM-ES2-8: 4-port or 8-port Gigabit Ethernet Switch NIM (Expands local LAN ports). P-5GS6-GL: Cisco 5G Sub-6 GHz Pluggable Interface Module (For ultra-fast cellular WAN backup). NIM-2T: 2-port Serial WAN NIM (For legacy serial connections). MEM-C8200-8GB / 16GB: Memory upgrade options for heavier SD-WAN and security workloads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the C8200L-1N-4T the direct replacement for the Cisco ISR 4221?
A1: Yes. The Catalyst C8200L-1N-4T is the designated next-generation replacement for the legacy ISR 4221. It offers significantly higher IPsec throughput, more default memory, and native integration with Cisco’s cloud-first SD-WAN architecture.
Q2: What does “1N-4T” mean in the model number?
A2: “1N” indicates that the router has 1 slot for a Network Interface Module (NIM). “4T” indicates that the router has 4 integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports (two RJ45 copper and two SFP fiber) for WAN and LAN connectivity.
Q3: Do I need a Cisco DNA license to operate this router?
A3: Yes. When purchasing the Catalyst 8200 Series, a Cisco DNA subscription (Essentials, Advantage, or Premier) is mandatory. This license dictates whether you can use advanced SD-WAN features and manages the bandwidth tier of the router.
Q4: Can this router support 5G wireless connections?
A4: Yes. The router features a dedicated Pluggable Interface Module (PIM) slot on the front panel. By purchasing the optional Cisco 5G or 4G LTE PIM module, you can establish high-speed cellular connections for primary or backup WAN routing.
Q5: What is the difference between the C8200-1N-4T and the C8200L-1N-4T?
A5: The “L” stands for Lite. The standard C8200 offers higher processing power, 8GB default RAM, and supports up to 1 Gbps of IPsec throughput. The C8200L is optimized for smaller branches, with 4GB default RAM and up to 500 Mbps of IPsec throughput, offering a more budget-friendly price point.
