Cisco HWIC-2FE Full Official Product Description
1. Part Number & Naming Definition
Official Full Name
Cisco 2-Port Fast Ethernet High-Speed WAN Interface Card
Spare SKU:HWIC-2FE=
Naming Breakdown
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HWIC: High-Speed WAN Interface Card
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2FE: Dual independent 10/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet routed interfaces
Core Product Positioning
The Cisco HWIC-2FE is a single-wide pluggable Layer 3 routed Ethernet expansion module designed for Cisco Integrated Services Routers. It delivers two independent Fast Ethernet ports with dedicated MAC addresses, extending router connectivity for multi-homing internet access, inter-router Layer 3 links, local LAN aggregation and redundant Ethernet WAN connections. All ports support full enterprise IOS routing, QoS and security features identical to the router’s built-in LAN interfaces.
2. Hardware Compatibility & Supported IOS Releases
Supported Router Platforms
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Cisco 1841
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Cisco 1900 Series: 1921, 1941
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Cisco 2800 Series: 2801, 2811, 2821, 2851
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Cisco 2900 Series: 2901, 2911, 2921, 2951
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Cisco 3800 Series: 3825, 3845
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Cisco 3900 Series: 3925, 3945, 3925E, 3945E
Unsupported Platforms
Legacy 1700/2600/3600 ISRs, ISR 4000 / ISR 9000 series, Catalyst switching platforms
Supported IOS Firmware
Minimum IOS Release: 12.4(20)T; Fully validated releases: 12.4T, 15.0, 15.1, 15.2(4)M and later IOS mainline versions
3. Physical & Electrical Technical Specifications
Form Factor
Single-wide HWIC module, occupies one HWIC expansion slot
Front Panel Interfaces
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2 × RJ45 10/100BASE-TX ports
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Per-port LED indicators: LNK/ACT, Speed, Duplex/Collision status
Ethernet Standards
IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T, IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX
Auto-negotiation, Auto-MDI/MDI-X, full/half duplex auto detection
Maximum cable length: 100 meters over Category 5 UTP cable
Power Consumption
Typical power draw: 5.0 W
Environmental Operating Parameters
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Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F – 104°F)
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Storage temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F – 158°F)
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Relative Humidity: 5% – 85% non-condensing
4. Key Protocol & Networking Feature Set
Layer 2 & Virtual Networking
IEEE 802.1Q VLAN trunking, multiple routed subinterfaces, 802.3x flow control
Note: ISL trunking is not supported
Routing & Multicast
Dual-stack IPv4 / IPv6, Static Route, RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, HSRP, GLBP, IGMP, MPLS forwarding
Tunneling & WAN Access
PPPoE, GRE, L2TP, IPsec VPN termination
QoS Capabilities
802.1p CoS marking, traffic policing & shaping, WRED, modular QoS CLI queue scheduling
Security Functions
Per-interface ACL filtering, NAT, IOS zone-based firewall, MAC address filtering
Management Features
SNMP v1/v2c/v3, RMON, NetFlow traffic accounting, Syslog logging, full IOS CLI configuration
5. Typical Enterprise Deployment Use Cases
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Dual Ethernet multi-homing for branch office dual ISP internet connectivity
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Redundant Layer 3 inter-router links between distributed enterprise routers
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Local LAN extension for connecting access switches, firewalls and surveillance devices
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Backup Ethernet WAN links to provide failover for primary serial leased circuits
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Segmented network deployment for separating corporate office and guest traffic
6. Regulatory & Compliance Certifications
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Safety Standards: UL 60950-1, CSA C22.2 No.60950-1, IEC/EN 60950-1
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EMC & EMI Compliance: CE Mark, FCC Part 15 Class A, ICES-003 Class A, VCCI Class A
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Environmental Directives: EU RoHS 2.0 compliant, EU WEEE compliant
7. Standard Factory Package Contents
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Cisco HWIC-2FE dual-port Fast Ethernet HWIC module
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Hardware installation guide
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Safety and regulatory documentation
Ethernet patch cables are sold separately.
End-of-Life Status Note
Cisco HWIC-2FE has reached Cisco End-of-Sale (EoS). Official firmware maintenance and new hardware manufacturing have been discontinued. Recommended migration replacement: NIM-2FE for ISR 4000 series routers.
UNSPSC Classification Code
43222608 – Cisco HWIC-2FE dual-port 10/100 Fast Ethernet High-Speed WAN Interface Card for Cisco ISR 1800/1900/2800/2900/3800/3900 integrated service routers, providing two independent Layer 3 routed Ethernet ports for multi-homing, redundant inter-router connections and branch office network expansion.
Standard Hardware Warranty
Brand-new modules carry a 1-year limited factory hardware warranty covering manufacturing defects. Refurbished inventory follows supplier warranty terms.
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