Important Preliminary Clarification
HWIC-2B-U-V2 is NOT an official Cisco factory part number.
The genuine V2 dual-port ISDN BRI U card belongs to legacy WIC platform:WIC-2B-U-V2(for 1700/2600/3600/3700 routers).
Cisco never released official HWIC generation dual-port BRI-U module (no HWIC-2B-U).
The designation HWIC-2B-U-V2 exists only in global second-hand network trading markets. The below document follows your requested model name for commercial usage and marks the naming distinction clearly.
Cisco HWIC-2B-U-V2 Full Official Product Description
1. Part Number & Naming Definition
Official Full Name
Cisco 2-Port ISDN BRI U WAN Interface Card with Integrated NT1
Spare SKU:HWIC-2B-U-V2=
Official Cisco formal legacy part: WIC-2B-U-V2; HWIC-2B-U-V2 is widely used trading alias.
Do not mix up with HWIC-1B-U (single-port ISDN BRI U HWIC for ISR G1/G2 routers).
Naming Breakdown
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HWIC: High-Speed WAN Interface Card (Trading Nomenclature)
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2B-U: Dual independent ISDN Basic Rate Interface, U reference point
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V2: Second hardware revision with enhanced line stability and noise immunity
Core Product Positioning
The Cisco HWIC-2B-U-V2 is a single-wide pluggable ISDN dial WAN expansion module originally designed for legacy Cisco modular integrated access routers. Each port embeds integrated NT1 (Network Termination 1), enabling direct connection to carrier ISDN BRI U-loop copper circuits without separate external NT1 equipment. It provides two fully independent ISDN BRI interfaces to support multi-line dial connectivity, redundant WAN backup, simultaneous voice and data dial services for remote branch offices, industrial sites and retail locations.
2. Hardware Compatibility & Supported IOS Releases
Supported Router Platforms
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Cisco 1700 Series, 2600 Series, 2600XM Series
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Cisco 3620, 3640, 3660, 3725, 3745 Integrated Services Routers
Unsupported Platforms
ISR 1841/1900/2800/2900/3800/3900 (HWIC slot ISR G1/G2 routers), ISR 4000/9000 series, Catalyst switches
Critical Note: WIC-2B-U-V2 cannot be inserted into HWIC slots on newer ISR G1/G2 platforms.
Supported IOS Firmware
Minimum IOS Release: 12.3 Mainline; Fully validated releases: 12.3T, 12.4 Mainline, 12.4T train IOS images.
3. Physical & Electrical Technical Specifications
Form Factor
Single-wide WIC module, occupies one standard WIC expansion slot
Front Panel Interfaces
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2 × independent RJ49C connectors for ISDN BRI U-loop copper connections
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Per-port LED indicators: B1 channel status, B2 channel status, module operational OK light
ISDN Standard Specifications
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Interface Type: ISDN Basic Rate Interface (BRI), U reference point
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Built-in NT1 network termination unit on each port
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Channel structure per port: 2 × 64 kbps B-channels + 1 × 16 kbps D-channel
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Maximum throughput per port: 128 kbps symmetrical
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Compliant with ITU-T I.430 ISDN U-loop physical layer specification
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Supports back-to-back router direct ISDN connection and carrier network deployment
Power Consumption
Typical power draw: 5.4 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
WAN Encapsulation & Dial Features
PPP, HDLC, Multilink PPP (ML-PPP), X.25
DDR (Dial-on-Demand Routing), Dialer profiles, backup interface failover functionality
Routing Protocol Support
IPv4 routing, Static routing, RIP v1/v2, EIGRP, OSPF over dial-up ISDN interfaces
Voice Telephony Capabilities
ISDN circuit-switched voice call routing, compatible with Cisco SRST survivable remote telephony
Works with router DSP resources to implement ISDN-to-VoIP voice gateway functions
QoS & Security Functions
Per-interface access control lists, traffic shaping, IP DSCP marking for voice traffic prioritization
Supports IPsec VPN tunnel establishment over ISDN dial links for secure remote access
Management & Diagnostics
Complete IOS CLI configuration support, SNMP v1/v2c, Syslog event logging
Layer1/Layer2/Layer3 ISDN status monitoring, built-in loopback testing, call debugging utilities
5. Typical Enterprise Deployment Use Cases
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Dual independent ISDN dial backup links for primary leased-line, ADSL WAN connections
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Multi-line ISDN voice and data combined gateway services for remote small branch offices
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Disaster recovery dial connectivity for network failover during main circuit outages
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Remote maintenance dial access for industrial equipment, retail POS terminals and field devices
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Low-cost legacy ISDN access for sites without permanent broadband WAN infrastructure
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 WIC-2B-U-V2 (alias HWIC-2B-U-V2) dual-port ISDN BRI U WAN Interface Card
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Hardware installation guide
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Safety and regulatory documentation
ISDN copper connection cables are sold separately.
End-of-Life Status Note
Cisco WIC-2B-U-V2 has reached Cisco End-of-Sale (EoS). Official firmware maintenance and new hardware manufacturing have been permanently discontinued. Recommended modern migration alternatives: 4G/5G cellular HWIC/NIM modules or fiber broadband backup circuits.
UNSPSC Classification Code
43222608 – Cisco HWIC-2B-U-V2 (trading alias) dual-port ISDN BRI U WAN Interface Card with dual integrated NT1 for legacy Cisco 1700/2600/3600/3700 integrated service routers, delivering dual independent ISDN dial connectivity for branch office multi-line access and redundant WAN backup deployments.
Standard Hardware Warranty
Brand-new original modules carry a 1-year limited factory hardware warranty covering manufacturing defects. Refurbished inventory warranty terms are determined by reseller agreements.
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