Cisco NIM-1GE-CU-SFP
1-port GE WAN NIM, dual-mode RJ45 & SFP
Product Highlights
Branch offices and remote sites demand reliable, high-speed WAN connectivity — but rigid, single-media interfaces can limit your deployment options and drive up cabling costs. The Cisco NIM-1GE-CU-SFP solves this by delivering a 1-port Gigabit Ethernet WAN Network Interface Module with dual-mode RJ45 and SFP support, giving you the freedom to connect over copper or fiber from a single combo port.
Designed for the Cisco 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers, this NIM brings flexible GE connectivity to platforms like the ISR 4221, 4321, 4331, 4351, and 4431. Whether you're establishing a primary WAN uplink, adding a secondary link for redundancy, or connecting to an upstream LAN switch, the NIM-1GE-CU-SFP adapts to your site's cabling infrastructure without requiring a module swap.
The module accelerates applications such as Ethernet WAN access, inter-VLAN routing, and high-speed connectivity to LAN switches and servers. Its compact NIM form factor occupies a single slot, leaving remaining NIM and SM-X bays available for voice, serial, or additional Ethernet modules. With auto-negotiation and a lightweight 240-gram design, the NIM-1GE-CU-SFP simplifies installation and reduces operational overhead across multi-site deployments.
Features & Benefits
Dual-Mode Copper & Fiber Connectivity
The NIM-1GE-CU-SFP provides a single combo port supporting both RJ45 copper and SFP fiber connections. This dual-mode design lets you match the interface to your site's existing cabling — deploy over Cat5e/6 copper at one branch and swap to an SFP fiber optic at another, all without changing the module hardware.
Cisco ISR 4000 Series Integration
Purpose-built for the Cisco 4000 Series ISR platform, this NIM slides into any available NIM slot on routers such as the ISR 4221, 4321, 4331, 4351, and 4431. Feature support is identical to the onboard GE and SFP ports on the router, ensuring consistent behavior and simplified management across all interfaces.
Compact, Lightweight Design
At just 1.25 × 3.50 × 7.24 inches and 240 grams, the NIM-1GE-CU-SFP is one of the most space-efficient ways to add a GE WAN port to your router. Its single-slot footprint preserves remaining NIM bays for voice, serial, or additional Ethernet expansion modules.
WAN Application Acceleration
The module accelerates key branch applications including Ethernet WAN access, inter-VLAN routing, and high-speed uplinks to LAN switches and servers. With Gigabit Ethernet throughput and auto-negotiation, it delivers reliable performance for data, voice, and video traffic at the network edge.
Deployment Scenarios
Branch Office WAN Uplink
Deploy the NIM-1GE-CU-SFP in an ISR 4000 Series router at a branch office to establish a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet WAN uplink to headquarters or a service provider handoff. The dual-mode port lets you connect via copper RJ45 or fiber SFP depending on the carrier's demarcation equipment.
Redundant WAN Link for High Availability
Add the NIM-1GE-CU-SFP as a secondary WAN interface alongside the router's onboard ports to create a redundant uplink path. Combined with routing protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, or BGP, this provides automatic failover and improved WAN resilience for business-critical sites.
Small Office / Retail Site Connectivity
In small offices or retail locations where a separate LAN switch may not be justified, use the NIM-1GE-CU-SFP to provide an additional GE port for connecting a server, IP phone system, or point-of-sale infrastructure directly to the router.
General
Interfaces
Physical
Environmental
Compatibility Notes
Supported Cisco ISR Platforms
- ISR 4221 (ISR4221/K9) — 2 NIM slots
- ISR 4321 (ISR4321/K9) — 2 NIM slots
- ISR 4331 (ISR4331/K9) — 2 NIM slots
- ISR 4351 (ISR4351/K9) — 3 NIM slots
- ISR 4431 (ISR4431/K9) — 3 NIM slots
The SFP port accepts Cisco-compatible SFP transceivers (sold separately). Consult the Cisco SFP compatibility matrix for supported optics on the ISR 4000 platform.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| NIM-2GE-CU-SFP | Cisco 2-Port GE WAN NIM | Provides 2 dual-mode GE/SFP combo ports instead of 1 — ideal when you need two WAN uplinks in a single NIM slot. |
| NIM-ES2-4 | Cisco 4-Port GE LAN Switch NIM | A 4-port Layer 2 GE LAN switch module for LAN-side switching rather than WAN uplink connectivity. |
| NIM-ES2-8 | Cisco 8-Port GE LAN Switch NIM | An 8-port Layer 2 GE LAN switch module — choose this when you need integrated LAN switching, not a WAN interface. |
| EHWIC-1GE-SFP-CU | Cisco 1-Port GE EHWIC (SFP/CU) | Legacy EHWIC form factor for ISR G2 (2900/3900) routers — the NIM-1GE-CU-SFP is the ISR 4000 equivalent. |
