Cisco HWIC-4SHDSL-E
4-pair EFM Based HWIC
Product Highlights
When fiber isn't available at a branch office or remote site, extending reliable, symmetrical WAN connectivity over existing copper becomes essential. The Cisco HWIC-4SHDSL-E is a 4-pair G.SHDSL High-Speed WAN Interface Card designed to deliver high-speed Ethernet services over SHDSL access using IEEE 802.3ah Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM) technology.
This HWIC enables point-to-point Ethernet connectivity over copper wires spanning typical carrier service areas of 9,000 to 12,000 feet. By bonding up to four copper pairs via 802.3ah loop aggregation, the HWIC-4SHDSL-E achieves symmetrical bandwidth rates up to 4 x 5.696 Mbps using ITU-T G.991.2 Annexes F and G. This makes it an effective replacement for legacy HDSL, SDSL, T1, and E1 services.
Deployed in Cisco Integrated Services Routers (ISR) and ISR G2 platforms with HWIC slots, the card is ideal for small-to-medium businesses and enterprise branch offices that need cost-effective, symmetrical WAN links for converged voice, video, and data traffic. The HWIC-4SHDSL-E helps service providers and enterprises deliver Ethernet services to sites with no fiber access while integrating voice and data on the same WAN link to reduce operational costs.
Features & Benefits
EFM-Based Symmetrical DSL
The HWIC-4SHDSL-E complies with the 2BASE-TL standard based on IEEE 802.3ah EFM, using ITU-T G.991.2 bis technology. This standards-based approach ensures interoperability with carrier-side DSLAM equipment and provides rate-adaptive symmetrical data transport across copper pairs.
Multi-Pair Bonding for Higher Throughput
By bonding up to four copper pairs through EFM bonding (802.3ah loop aggregation), the card scales bandwidth from a single pair at up to 5.696 Mbps to four bonded pairs at up to 4 x 5.696 Mbps. This flexibility lets you match bandwidth to application requirements without upgrading physical plant.
Compact Single-Port Design
All four DSL pairs are delivered through a single RJ-45 connector, simplifying cabling and reducing rack clutter. The card occupies a standard HWIC slot, preserving other module slots for additional functionality on the host router.
Dying Gasp Notification
The HWIC-4SHDSL-E supports the Dying Gasp feature as defined in ITU-T G.991.2. When the card detects a power loss, it sends a notification to the far-end device, enabling faster fault isolation and reducing mean time to repair (MTTR).
Converged Voice & Data
Paired with Cisco ISR routers, the HWIC-4SHDSL-E provides sufficient symmetrical bandwidth for critical traffic such as VoIP and video conferencing. Integrating voice and data on a single WAN link reduces the need for separate circuits and lowers recurring telecom costs.
Deployment Scenarios
Enterprise Branch Office WAN Connectivity
For branch offices where fiber is unavailable, the HWIC-4SHDSL-E delivers symmetrical Ethernet WAN services over existing copper pairs. Bonding multiple pairs provides the bandwidth needed for converged voice, video, and data applications without costly last-mile fiber builds.
Service Provider Managed CPE
Service providers can deploy the HWIC-4SHDSL-E in Cisco ISR routers at customer premises to deliver business-grade Ethernet services over copper. The EFM-compliant design ensures interoperability with central-office DSLAM equipment and supports differentiated SLAs.
T1/E1 Replacement & Migration
Organizations looking to retire legacy T1 or E1 circuits can use the HWIC-4SHDSL-E to deliver comparable or higher symmetrical bandwidth over copper. The card covers applications traditionally served by HDSL, SDSL, T1, and E1 services.
VPN & Secure Remote Site Connectivity
Combined with Cisco IOS security features on ISR routers, the HWIC-4SHDSL-E provides a stable, symmetrical DSL underlay for site-to-site VPN tunnels. The bonded copper pairs deliver consistent bandwidth for encrypted traffic at remote locations.
General
Interfaces & Connectivity
Performance
Standards & Compliance
Platform Compatibility
Features
Compatibility Notes
Supported Platforms:
- Compatible with all Cisco ISR and ISR G2 routers that have HWIC slots, except the Cisco 3825 and Cisco 2811.
- Supported ISR G2 platforms include the Cisco 1921, 1941, 2901, 2911, 2921, 2951, 3925, 3925E, 3945, and 3945E.
- Requires Cisco IOS Software Release 15.1(1)T or later on ISR G2 platforms.
- Supported in all Cisco IOS Software feature sets (IP Base and above).
Connector: 1 x RJ-45 (carries all four DSL pairs).
Note: IMA and ATM SAR modes are not supported on this EFM-only HWIC. For combined EFM/ATM support, see the EHWIC-4SHDSL-EA.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| EHWIC-4SHDSL-EA | Multimode 4-Pair G.SHDSL EFM/ATM EHWIC | Supports both EFM and ATM modes (not simultaneously) on a double-wide EHWIC; successor to the HWIC-4SHDSL-E for ISR G2 platforms. |
| HWIC-4SHDSL | 4-Pair G.SHDSL HWIC with IMA | ATM/IMA-based 4-pair G.SHDSL HWIC without EFM support; does not support Dying Gasp. |
| HWIC-2SHDSL | 2-Pair G.SHDSL HWIC | Lower-density 2-pair G.SHDSL HWIC with ATM/IMA support; suitable when only one or two copper pairs are available. |
| WIC-1SHDSL-V3 | 1-Port G.SHDSL WIC | Legacy WIC-based G.SHDSL solution superseded by the HWIC-2SHDSL and HWIC-4SHDSL family. |