Cisco EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU
EHWIC 1 port dual mode SFP(100M/1G) or GE(10M/100M/1G)
Product Highlights
Branch offices and remote sites need reliable, flexible WAN and LAN uplinks — but dedicated fiber and copper interfaces often mean choosing one medium over the other. The Cisco EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU eliminates that trade-off by delivering both an SFP slot and an RJ-45 copper port on a single enhanced high-speed WAN interface card.
Designed for the Cisco ISR G2 platform (1900, 2900, and 3900 series routers), this single-wide EHWIC provides Gigabit Ethernet connectivity through either a dual-mode SFP port operating at 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps, or a copper RJ-45 port supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps — with one port active at a time. The card delivers up to 800 Mbps unidirectional and 1600 Mbps bidirectional Ethernet throughput (platform-dependent), making it ideal for Ethernet WAN access, inter-VLAN routing (IVR), and high-speed connectivity to LAN switches.
As a true routed port card, the EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU lets you assign IP addresses directly to the interface without configuring VLAN trunking or switched virtual interfaces. It also supports Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) per the SFF-8472 MSA standard, giving you real-time visibility into SFP health metrics. Whether you're connecting a branch to an EWAN service over fiber or linking to a local LAN switch over copper, this EHWIC delivers the flexibility and performance your ISR G2 deployment demands.
Features & Benefits
Dual-Mode SFP & Copper Connectivity
The EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU integrates one SFP slot and one RJ-45 copper port, with either port active at a time. The SFP port operates at 100M/1G while the copper port supports 10/100/1000 Mbps auto-negotiation. This dual-mode design lets you deploy fiber for long-distance WAN links or copper for local LAN connections — all from a single interface card.
High-Performance Gigabit Throughput
With up to 800 Mbps unidirectional and 1600 Mbps bidirectional Ethernet throughput, the EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU delivers the bandwidth needed for modern branch-office applications. Actual throughput is platform-dependent, ensuring the card scales with your router's capabilities.
True Routed Port Architecture
Unlike switched port configurations that require SVI setup and VLAN trunking, this EHWIC operates as a true routed port. You can configure an IP address directly on the interface, simplifying deployment and reducing configuration complexity for WAN-facing links.
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)
The SFP port supports DOM as specified by the SFF-8472 MSA, enabling real-time monitoring of optical output power, optical input power, temperature, laser bias current, and transceiver supply voltage. This proactive visibility helps you identify and resolve fiber issues before they impact service.
Broad SFP & Connectivity Support
Beyond standard Gigabit Ethernet SFPs like the GLC-LH-SMD and GLC-SX-MMD, the EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU also supports T1/E1 and T3/E3 SFPs as well as Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) SFPs. This broad transceiver compatibility extends the card's usefulness across diverse connectivity scenarios.
Diagnostic Loopback Support
The card supports both MAC layer loopback and driver-type loopback for troubleshooting. MAC loopback detects MAC-level failures while driver loopback identifies transceiver issues, giving network engineers powerful built-in diagnostic tools.
Deployment Scenarios
Branch Office Ethernet WAN Access
Connect branch-office ISR G2 routers to carrier Ethernet WAN (EWAN) Layer 2 and Layer 3 services using the SFP port for fiber uplinks. The dual-mode design provides a copper fallback option, ensuring connectivity flexibility as WAN services evolve.
Inter-VLAN Routing (IVR) Gateway
Use the EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU as a high-speed routed interface for inter-VLAN routing on your ISR G2. The true routed port architecture simplifies IP configuration, and Gigabit throughput ensures smooth traffic flow between VLANs.
High-Speed LAN Switch Uplink
Connect your ISR G2 router to a local LAN switch via the copper RJ-45 port at 10/100/1000 Mbps or via fiber SFP for longer runs. This provides a dedicated, high-bandwidth link between your router and switching infrastructure.
Interoffice Fiber Connectivity
Avoid expensive leased lines by using the SFP port with a long-haul fiber SFP transceiver to connect offices directly. The EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU provides a cost-effective alternative for campus or metro-area interoffice links.
General
Interfaces & Ports
Performance
Physical
Environmental
Compatibility
Reliability
Lifecycle
Compatibility Notes
Supported Cisco ISR G2 Platforms
| Platform | Max Modules Supported |
|---|---|
| Cisco 1921 ISR | 1 |
| Cisco 1941 ISR | 2 |
| Cisco 1941W ISR | 2 |
| Cisco 2901 ISR | 4 |
| Cisco 2911 ISR | 4 |
| Cisco 2921 ISR | 4 |
| Cisco 2951 ISR | 4 |
| Cisco 3925 ISR | 4 |
| Cisco 3925E ISR | 3 |
| Cisco 3945 ISR | 4 |
| Cisco 3945E ISR | 3 |
Firmware Requirement
- Minimum IOS Version: Cisco IOS Release 15.1(4)M or later
Supported SFP Transceivers
- GLC-LH-SMD — 1000BASE-LX/LH, MMF/SMF, 1310nm, DOM
- GLC-SX-MMD — 1000BASE-SX, MMF, 850nm, DOM
- GLC-T — 1000BASE-T SFP
- T1/E1 and T3/E3 SFPs
- EPON SFPs
Important Notes
- Only one port (SFP or RJ-45) can be active at a time.
- Online insertion and removal (OIR) is not supported for the EHWIC itself; however, SFPs are hot-swappable.
- The EHWIC occupies a single-wide EHWIC slot with no slot restrictions.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| EHWIC-4ESG | Cisco 4-Port GbE Ethernet Switch EHWIC | Provides 4 x 10/100/1000 copper switched ports with Layer 2 switching vs. the EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU's single dual-mode routed port |
| HWIC-1GE-SFP | Cisco 1-Port GbE SFP HWIC | SFP-only predecessor without the integrated RJ-45 copper port; fits HWIC slots on older ISR platforms |
| SM-2GE-SFP-CU | Cisco 2-Port GbE SFP Service Module | Service module form factor with 2 dual-mode GbE SFP/copper ports for higher port density on ISR G2 |
| EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU= | Cisco EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU (Spare) | Identical module sold as a spare part (= suffix) — no bundled router license; same functionality |