Cisco HWIC-16A
16-Port Async HWIC
Product Highlights
Managing legacy serial devices, out-of-band console access, and traditional protocol transport across a modern IP network can be complex — especially when port density and cost efficiency matter. The Cisco HWIC-16A solves this challenge by delivering 16 asynchronous EIA-232 serial ports in a single High-Speed WAN Interface Card (HWIC) slot.
Designed for Cisco 1800, 1900, 2800, 2900, 3800, and 3900 Series Integrated Services Routers, the HWIC-16A provides flexible RS-232 DTE connectivity at data rates up to 230.4 Kbps per port. It uses two high-density 8-port connectors, each paired with a CAB-HD8-ASYNC octal cable that terminates in eight RJ-45 plugs — enabling direct connection to console ports on routers, switches, and other managed devices.
The HWIC-16A supports key applications including console server functionality for centralized out-of-band device management, legacy protocol transport (SNA, SDLC, Bisync, X.25) over TCP/IP, and low-density dial access when paired with external modems. Network operators can converge serial traffic onto their IP infrastructure, eliminating costly dedicated leased lines while maintaining reliable connectivity to legacy equipment. For branch offices, data centers, and NOC environments that require high-density async serial access, the HWIC-16A is a proven, cost-effective solution.
Features & Benefits
High-Density Async Serial Connectivity
The HWIC-16A packs 16 asynchronous EIA-232 ports into a single HWIC slot, maximizing port density without consuming additional router slots. This allows IT teams to connect more serial devices per router, reducing hardware costs and simplifying rack layouts.
Console Server & Out-of-Band Management
Asynchronous ports provide out-of-band access to console and craft ports on remote network devices. Network operators can manage an entire fleet of routers, switches, and servers from a central location — even when the primary network path is down — improving uptime and reducing mean time to repair.
Legacy Protocol Transport
The HWIC-16A supports transport of traditional protocols including SNA, SDLC, Bisync, and X.25 across a TCP/IP network. This enables network convergence by eliminating the need for separate, costly leased lines dedicated to legacy traffic.
Flexible Cabling with High-Density Connectors
Two high-density 68-pin connectors accept standard CAB-HD8-ASYNC octal cables, each providing eight RJ-45 plugs. RJ-45 plugs connect directly to Cisco device console ports, or can be adapted to DB-25 DTE/DCE using standard modular adapters — keeping cabling organized and deployment straightforward.
Dial Access Server Support
The HWIC-16A can connect to external dial modems to provide low-density dial access server functionality. This is valuable for remote sites that still require modem-based dial-in access for management or backup connectivity.
Deployment Scenarios
Centralized Console Server / Out-of-Band Management
Deploy the HWIC-16A in a Cisco ISR at a data center or network operations center to provide out-of-band serial console access to up to 16 devices. Operators can remotely troubleshoot and recover network equipment even during primary network outages, dramatically reducing downtime and truck rolls.
Legacy Protocol Transport & Network Convergence
Organizations running legacy SNA, SDLC, Bisync, or X.25 applications can use the HWIC-16A to transport that traffic over their existing TCP/IP infrastructure. This eliminates the need for dedicated leased lines and consolidates traffic onto a single converged network, reducing operational costs.
Branch Office WAN Aggregation
In branch environments with multiple low-speed serial WAN links, the HWIC-16A aggregates connections from remote sites into a single ISR. This simplifies branch router design and provides a cost-effective way to maintain connectivity to serial-attached devices and services.
Low-Density Dial Access Server
Pair the HWIC-16A with external dial modems to create a low-density dial access server for remote management or backup dial-in connectivity. This is ideal for utility, retail, or industrial environments where modem-based access remains a requirement.
General
Interfaces
Performance
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Compatibility
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Router Platforms:
- Cisco 1800 Series (1841, etc.)
- Cisco 1900 Series (1921, 1941, etc.)
- Cisco 2800 Series (2801, 2811, 2821, 2851)
- Cisco 2900 Series
- Cisco 3800 Series (3825, 3845)
- Cisco 3900 Series
Minimum Cisco IOS Software: Release 12.3(14)T (varies by platform; consult Cisco's compatibility matrix for your specific router model).
Required Cabling: CAB-HD8-ASYNC (8-port high-density async cable with 68-pin connector to 8× RJ-45). Two cables required for full 16-port connectivity. Optional RJ-45-to-DB-25 modular adapters for DTE/DCE conversion.
Slot Requirement: Occupies one HWIC slot. Supported in all Cisco IOS Software feature sets on compatible platforms.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| HWIC-8A | Cisco 8-Port Async HWIC | Half the port density (8 async ports vs. 16) — ideal when fewer serial connections are needed at lower cost. |
| HWIC-4A/S | Cisco 4-Port Async/Sync Serial HWIC | 4 ports with both synchronous (up to 256 Kbps) and asynchronous modes — choose when sync support is required. |
| HWIC-8A/S-232 | Cisco 8-Port Async/Sync HWIC (EIA-232) | 8 ports supporting both sync and async modes on EIA-232 — a middle ground between port count and protocol flexibility. |
| SM-32A | Cisco 32-Port Async Serial Service Module | Double the port density (32 async ports) in a service module slot — for maximum-density console server deployments. |
