Cisco NIM-SSD
NIM Carrier Card for SSD Drives
Product Highlights
As branch networks take on more demanding workloads — from application hosting and local caching to security logging and unified communications — the need for reliable, on-board storage in your router becomes critical. The Cisco NIM-SSD is a Network Interface Module (NIM) carrier card that enables solid-state drive storage directly within Cisco ISR 4000 Series routers.
The NIM-SSD supports up to two 2.5-inch (7 mm max) SATA SSDs, providing nonvolatile flash storage for firmware images, packet captures, application data, and system logs. It installs into a standard NIM slot on compatible ISR 4000 platforms including the ISR 4321, 4331, 4351, 4431, and 4451-X, giving network administrators a straightforward path to expanded local storage without external appliances or additional rack space.
By consolidating storage into the router itself, the Cisco NIM-SSD simplifies branch deployments, reduces hardware sprawl, and supports edge computing use cases where local data persistence is essential. Whether you're running Cisco IOx applications, storing IOS XE images for boot resilience, or maintaining extended syslog archives, the NIM-SSD carrier card delivers the storage foundation your branch infrastructure needs.
Features & Benefits
Dual-Drive SSD Capacity
The NIM-SSD carrier card accommodates up to two 2.5-inch SFF SATA SSDs (7 mm maximum height), supporting both SATA2 and SATA3 interfaces. This dual-drive design lets you scale storage capacity to match your deployment requirements — from basic log retention to full application hosting at the branch edge.
Seamless ISR 4000 Integration
Designed specifically for the Cisco ISR 4000 Series NIM slot architecture, the NIM-SSD installs cleanly into the router chassis with no external cabling or additional power supplies required. The module is recognized natively by Cisco IOS XE, enabling straightforward provisioning and monitoring through the CLI.
Local Nonvolatile Storage
The NIM-SSD provides persistent, on-board flash storage for a variety of use cases including IOS XE image storage, syslog archiving, packet capture files, and Cisco IOx container hosting. Local storage eliminates dependency on remote file servers for critical boot images and operational data.
Compact NIM Form Factor
The carrier card occupies a single NIM slot, preserving valuable chassis real estate for other interface modules. Its compact, integrated design reduces branch hardware sprawl and simplifies inventory management compared to external USB or NAS-based storage alternatives.
Deployment Scenarios
Branch Office Router Storage Expansion
Deploy the NIM-SSD in branch ISR 4000 routers to store local IOS XE boot images, configuration backups, and extended syslog files. On-board storage ensures the router can boot independently even when WAN connectivity to central file servers is unavailable.
Edge Application Hosting with Cisco IOx
Use the NIM-SSD to provide persistent storage for Cisco IOx containers and edge applications running directly on the ISR 4000 platform. Local SSD storage delivers the I/O performance needed for lightweight application workloads at the network edge.
Security Logging and Packet Capture
Leverage on-board SSD storage for extended packet capture archives and security event logs. Having local nonvolatile storage allows network engineers to retain forensic data at the branch without streaming every packet to a centralized collector in real time.
General
Storage
Compatibility
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Platforms
- Cisco ISR 4451-X (fits NIM slot 3; only one NIM-SSD supported per router)
- Cisco ISR 4431
- Cisco ISR 4351
- Cisco ISR 4331
- Cisco ISR 4321
- Cisco ISR 4221
Compatible SSD Drives (sold separately)
- SSD-SATA-200G — 200 GB SATA SSD for NIM-SSD
- SSD-SATA-400G — 400 GB SATA SSD for NIM-SSD
Drive Requirements
- 2.5-inch SFF form factor, 7 mm maximum height
- SATA2 or SATA3 interface
Software
- Requires Cisco IOS XE with storage module support
Note: The NIM-SSD is a carrier card only — SSD drives must be ordered separately.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| SSD-SATA-200G | Cisco 200 GB SATA SSD for NIM-SSD | 200 GB SATA SSD drive that installs into the NIM-SSD carrier card — the carrier card itself is required. |
| SSD-SATA-400G | Cisco 400 GB SATA SSD for NIM-SSD | 400 GB SATA SSD drive for higher-capacity storage needs within the NIM-SSD carrier card. |
| SM-X-NIM-ADPTR | SM-X to NIM Adapter for ISR 4000 | Allows NIM modules (including NIM-SSD) to be installed in an SM-X service module slot for added flexibility. |