Cisco EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7-A
ATT HSPA+ R7 EHWIC with SMS/GPS based on MC8705
Product Highlights
When branch offices and remote sites need resilient WAN connectivity beyond the reach of wired infrastructure, cellular backup becomes mission-critical. The Cisco EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7-A is an enterprise-class 3G wireless WAN Enhanced High-Speed WAN Interface Card (EHWIC) purpose-built for AT&T networks in the United States. Based on the proven Sierra Wireless MC8705 modem, this module delivers HSPA+ Release 7 speeds of up to 21.1 Mbps downlink and 5.76 Mbps uplink across 850/900/1900/2100 MHz WCDMA bands, with fallback support for EDGE and GPRS.
Designed for the Cisco ISR G2 platform, the EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7-A installs into any available EHWIC slot on modular Cisco 1900, 2900, and 3900 Series routers. It supports both primary and backup WAN deployment scenarios, with auto-failover capabilities that keep critical data links online when primary connections drop. Integrated SMS and GPS functionality enables remote management and asset tracking directly from the router.
With dual TNC antenna connectors supporting main and diversity RF paths — plus GPS capability on the diversity port — this card maximizes signal reliability in challenging RF environments. For IT teams managing distributed networks on AT&T, the EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7-A provides a cost-effective, carrier-integrated 3G WAN solution within the trusted Cisco IOS ecosystem.
Features & Benefits
HSPA+ Release 7 Performance
The EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7-A supports 3GPP Release 7 HSPA+ with theoretical peak speeds of 21.1 Mbps downlink and 5.76 Mbps uplink. This provides sufficient bandwidth for business-critical applications including VPN tunnels, VoIP, and cloud-based services at remote or branch locations.
AT&T Network Optimization
This SKU is specifically localized for AT&T networks in the United States, operating on 850/900/1900/2100 MHz WCDMA and 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/EDGE/GPRS bands. Carrier-specific optimization ensures streamlined provisioning and reliable connectivity on AT&T's 3G infrastructure.
Integrated SMS & GPS
Built-in SMS support enables remote router management and alerting via text message, while GPS functionality provides location data for asset tracking and geofencing. The diversity antenna port doubles as a GPS receiver, eliminating the need for a separate GPS module.
Dual-Antenna Diversity
Two TNC antenna connectors provide main and diversity RF paths, improving signal reception and link stability in environments with multipath interference or weak cellular coverage. This is critical for maintaining reliable WAN uptime at remote or indoor installations.
Auto-Failover WAN Backup
Tightly integrated with Cisco IOS, the EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7-A supports automatic failover between primary wired WAN links and the 3G cellular connection. When the primary link goes down, traffic seamlessly switches to the cellular backup, minimizing downtime for branch operations.
Enterprise-Class ISR G2 Integration
The single-wide EHWIC form factor slots directly into Cisco 1900, 2900, and 3900 Series ISR G2 routers. Full Cisco IOS support (15.1(4)M or later) means unified management, SNMP monitoring, and consistent security policies across your entire routing infrastructure.
Deployment Scenarios
Branch Office WAN Backup
Deploy the EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7-A as a secondary WAN link in branch routers to provide automatic cellular failover when MPLS or broadband connections fail. This ensures business continuity for POS systems, VoIP, and cloud applications without manual intervention.
Temporary or Remote Site Primary WAN
At construction sites, pop-up retail locations, or field offices where wired connectivity is unavailable, the EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7-A serves as the primary WAN uplink. HSPA+ R7 speeds support VPN tunnels back to headquarters for secure data access.
Mobile Asset Tracking & Management
Leverage the integrated GPS receiver to track the physical location of mobile or transportable network assets. Combined with SMS-based remote management, IT teams can monitor and configure routers deployed in vehicles, kiosks, or portable enclosures.
ATM / Kiosk Connectivity
Financial institutions and retail operators can use this module to provide secure, always-on 3G connectivity for ATMs and self-service kiosks on the AT&T network, with cellular failover ensuring transaction availability.
General
Performance
Interfaces
Physical
Power
Platform Compatibility
Compliance
Lifecycle
Compatibility Notes
Platform Compatibility
- Supported Routers: Modular Cisco 1900, 2900, 3900, and 3900e Series Integrated Services Routers Generation 2 (ISR G2)
- Slot Requirement: One available EHWIC slot
- Minimum IOS Version: Cisco IOS Release 15.1(4)M or later (Universal IOS image)
Modem
- Sierra Wireless MC8705 (North America market)
SIM Card
- Standard mini-SIM (ISO-7816-2 compliant socket)
- Active AT&T data plan with SIM card required (SIM not included)
Antenna
- Two TNC antenna connectors (main + diversity/GPS)
- Cisco default dipole antenna 3G-ANTM1919D and cable 3G-AE010-R typically ship with new units
Note: This product has reached End-of-Sale (last order date: December 9, 2015) and End-of-Life. Cisco suggested the EHWIC-4G-LTE-AT= as the migration path for AT&T deployments. Units available on the secondary market are ideal for maintaining existing ISR G2 installations.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7 | Cisco 3G HSPA+ R7 EHWIC (Non-US / Worldwide) | Same HSPA+ R7 speeds and MC8705 modem but localized for non-US markets (EMEA, Japan). Choose this if deploying outside the United States. |
| EHWIC-3G-HSPA-U | Cisco 3G HSPA Universal EHWIC | Universal (worldwide) HSPA variant based on MC8795V modem with lower 7.2 Mbps downlink. Broader regional support but lacks HSPA+ R7 speeds. |
| EHWIC-4G-LTE-AT= | Cisco 4G LTE EHWIC for AT&T | Cisco's recommended migration path — upgrades to 4G LTE on AT&T AWS/700 MHz bands with HSPA+ fallback. Choose this for higher speeds and longer lifecycle. |
| EHWIC-3G-EVDO-V | Cisco 3G EVDO EHWIC for Verizon | CDMA-based 3G EVDO Rev A module for Verizon Wireless. Choose this if your deployment requires Verizon's CDMA network instead of AT&T GSM/HSPA+. |