Cisco HWIC-SLOT-DIVIDER
HWIC Slot Divider (Guide) for Cisco 1900, 2900, 3900 ISR
Product Highlights
When you reconfigure interface card slots on your Cisco ISR G2 router — swapping a double-wide HWIC or EHWIC for two single-wide cards — you need the physical slot divider back in place. Missing or damaged dividers leave you unable to properly seat single-wide modules, creating airflow gaps and potential mechanical instability.
The Cisco HWIC-SLOT-DIVIDER is the genuine Cisco slot divider (guide) designed for the Cisco 1900, 2900, and 3900 Series Integrated Services Routers. This simple but essential mechanical accessory partitions a double-wide EHWIC/HWIC slot into two independent single-wide slots, each capable of accepting a WIC, VWIC, HWIC, or single-wide EHWIC. It slides between the chassis rails at the bottom of the interface card bay and secures with a retention screw — no tools beyond a Phillips screwdriver required.
Whether you're re-deploying refurbished ISR routers, reconfiguring branch-office infrastructure, or maintaining a parts inventory for field service, the HWIC-SLOT-DIVIDER ensures your chassis is ready to accept the full range of single-wide Cisco interface cards. It is a must-have spare for any organization still operating Cisco ISR G2 platforms.
Features & Benefits
Broad ISR G2 Compatibility
The HWIC-SLOT-DIVIDER is compatible with the full range of Cisco ISR Generation 2 routers, including the 1921, 1941, 2901, 2911, 2921, 2951, 3925, and 3945. One part number covers the entire ISR G2 family, simplifying spares procurement across multi-site deployments.
Flexible Slot Configuration
Installing the divider converts a double-wide EHWIC/HWIC slot into two single-wide slots, enabling you to install two independent interface cards (WIC, VWIC, HWIC, or single-wide EHWIC). Removing it opens the bay for a single double-wide module. This flexibility lets you adapt the router to changing WAN or voice requirements without replacing the chassis.
Simple, Tool-Minimal Installation
The slot divider guides into the two rails at the bottom of the interface card bay and locks into place. A single retention screw secures it. Installation or removal takes under a minute, minimizing maintenance windows and reducing the risk of handling damage to the router.
Proper Airflow & Mechanical Stability
A missing slot divider can leave gaps in the chassis that disrupt internal airflow and prevent single-wide cards from seating correctly. Keeping dividers in place ensures consistent cooling across installed modules and maintains the mechanical integrity Cisco designed into the ISR G2 platform.
Deployment Scenarios
Refurbished Router Deployment
When re-deploying pre-owned or refurbished Cisco ISR G2 routers, slot dividers are frequently missing. The HWIC-SLOT-DIVIDER restores the chassis to full single-wide slot capability, ensuring you can populate every available HWIC/EHWIC bay with the interface cards your deployment requires.
Branch Office Reconfiguration
A branch office upgrading from a double-wide WAN card to two single-wide HWIC modules (e.g., adding a serial HWIC alongside an Ethernet HWIC) needs the slot divider reinstalled. This accessory enables the transition without a chassis swap.
Field Service Spares Inventory
Network operations teams maintaining a fleet of Cisco 1900, 2900, or 3900 routers should stock HWIC-SLOT-DIVIDER units as standard spares. Having dividers on hand prevents delays when field technicians need to reconfigure interface card bays during on-site maintenance.
General
Compatibility
Physical
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Cisco Router Platforms
- Cisco 1900 Series: 1921, 1941
- Cisco 2900 Series: 2901, 2911, 2921, 2951
- Cisco 3900 Series: 3925, 3945
Note: The Cisco 1900, 2900, and 3900 ISR platforms have reached End-of-Sale. Cisco announced End-of-Sale for select ISR 1900/2900/3900 products as of May 2022. This accessory remains essential for organizations continuing to operate these routers under existing support contracts or in secondary-market deployments.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| HWIC-BLANK-KIT= | HWIC Blank Faceplate Kit | Covers an empty HWIC slot opening; does not partition slots like the HWIC-SLOT-DIVIDER |
| SM-BLANK-KIT= | Service Module Blank Kit | Covers empty service module (SM) slots on 2921/3925/3945; not for HWIC/EHWIC bays |
| EHWIC-D-8ESG | 8-Port Gigabit EHWIC (Double-Wide) | Double-wide EHWIC that requires removal of the slot divider for installation |