The Cisco Catalyst C8300-1N1S-6T is a high-performance, cloud-native edge router for medium-to-large branches. Replacing the ISR 4431, it features 6x 1G ports, 1 NIM, and 1 SM slot, delivering massive IPsec throughput, advanced security, and SD-WAN capabilities.
Quick Specs:
· Integrated Ports: 6x 1G (4x RJ-45, 2x SFP)
· Module Slots: 1x SM, 1x NIM, 1x PIM
· Memory / Storage: 8 GB RAM / 8 GB Flash
· Throughput: Up to 1.9 Gbps (SD-WAN IPsec)
· Power: Dual Redundant Power Supplies
· Form Factor: 1RU Rack-mountable
Comprehensive Product Overview
The Cisco Catalyst C8300-1N1S-6T Edge Platform is a powerhouse routing solution engineered to drive the next generation of intent-based networking and secure SD-WAN. As the direct successor to the widely deployed Cisco ISR 4431, this platform is purpose-built for medium to large enterprise branch offices and regional hubs that require intense encrypted throughput, zero-trust security, and edge compute capabilities. Powered by a custom multi-core x86 architecture and dedicated hardware acceleration for IPsec encryption, the C8300-1N1S-6T effortlessly handles the heavy bandwidth demands of 5G, Microsoft 365, and public cloud applications. Its inclusion of a Service Module (SM) slot provides unparalleled investment protection, allowing businesses to integrate high-density LAN switches or full-fledged compute nodes directly into the router chassis.
Key Features & Business Benefits
Massive SD-WAN Performance: Experience zero bottlenecks. The platform delivers up to 1.9 Gbps of IPsec VPN throughput, ensuring that your Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and multi-cloud routing operations perform flawlessly under heavy user loads.
Service Module (SM) Expansion: The “1S” in the model name unlocks extreme versatility. The Service Module slot can host high-density EtherSwitch modules for local LAN consolidation, or Cisco UCS-E Series compute modules to run heavy virtual machines (VMs) locally at the branch.
6 Integrated High-Speed Ports: Out of the box, the “6T” configuration provides four 1G copper (RJ-45) ports and two 1G fiber (SFP) ports, granting network architects maximum flexibility for WAN uplinks and local LAN distribution without buying extra modules.
Enterprise-Grade Security (UTD): Protect the branch perimeter without deploying standalone firewalls. The router natively supports Cisco Unified Threat Defense (UTD), integrating Layer 7 application firewalls, IPS/IDS, and URL filtering.
5G & Cellular Readiness: Stay connected during broadband outages. The dedicated Pluggable Interface Module (PIM) slot allows for the seamless insertion of advanced 4G LTE or 5G modules, providing ultra-fast, resilient wireless WAN backup.
Technical Specifications
Specification
Details for C8300-1N1S-6T
Product Series
Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms
Integrated WAN/LAN Ports
6 Total: 4 x 1G RJ-45 (Copper) + 2 x 1G SFP (Fiber)
Service Module (SM) Slots
1 (Supports high-density switching / compute)
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 1.9 Gbps
IPv4 Forwarding Throughput
Up to 15 Gbps
Power Supply
Dual redundant AC or DC (Hot-swappable FRU)
Dimensions (H x W x D)
1.73 x 17.25 x 16.3 in. (4.39 x 43.8 x 41.4 cm)
Weight
14.5 lbs (6.58 kg)
Ideal Application Scenarios
Medium-to-Large Regional Branches: The ultimate gateway for branches with 100-300 users requiring secure, high-speed 1.9 Gbps SD-WAN connections back to the corporate core or public clouds.
IT Consolidation (Branch-in-a-Box): Utilize the SM slot to add a 24-port switch module and the compute capabilities to host local DNS/DHCP servers, effectively eliminating the need for separate switches and servers in the branch IT closet.
High-Availability Edge Environments: With its dual redundant power supplies and 5G cellular backup capabilities, it ensures mission-critical operations (like large retail hubs or regional hospitals) maintain 100% network uptime.
Supported Accessories & Expansion Modules
Maximize your router’s ROI with these official Cisco expansion modules: SM-N-24T-P: 24-port Gigabit Ethernet Switch Service Module (with PoE+). P-5GS6-GL: Cisco 5G Sub-6 GHz Pluggable Interface Module (For high-speed cellular WAN). NIM-1MFT-T1/E1: 1-port Multiflex Trunk Voice/Data NIM (For legacy telecom). PWR-CC1-250WAC: 250W AC Power Supply (Order a second unit for hardware redundancy). MEM-C8300-16GB / 32GB: RAM upgrades to support massive routing tables or UTD security loads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between a NIM slot and an SM slot?
A1: A NIM (Network Interface Module) slot is a standard-sized slot used for basic WAN/LAN connectivity, such as T1 lines, serial ports, or basic 4-port switches. An SM (Service Module) slot is much larger (double-wide) and connects directly to the router’s high-speed backplane. It is used for heavy-duty applications like 24-port high-density LAN switches or x86 server compute nodes.
Q2: Is the C8300-1N1S-6T the direct replacement for the Cisco ISR 4431?
A2: Yes. Cisco explicitly designed the C8300-1N1S-6T to replace the ISR 4431. It provides a similar port and slot configuration but delivers vastly superior IPsec SD-WAN throughput, multi-core processing, and 5G readiness.
Q3: Can I use dual power supplies with this router?
A3: Yes. Unlike the smaller 8200 series, the Catalyst 8300 series supports dual, hot-swappable redundant power supplies (AC or DC), ensuring enterprise-grade power resiliency.
Q4: Do I need a Cisco DNA Smart License for this router?
A4: Yes. All Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms require a Cisco DNA software subscription (Essentials, Advantage, or Premier). The license defines your SD-WAN controller access, advanced security features, and permitted WAN bandwidth tier.
Q5: Can I reuse my old modules from the ISR 4000 series?
A5: In most cases, yes. The C8300-1N1S-6T is highly backwards compatible with a wide array of existing NIMs and SM-X modules used in the ISR 4000 series, protecting your previous hardware investments. Always verify specific module compatibility via Cisco’s hardware matrix.
