Cisco NME-WAE-502-K9
WAAS Network Module For 2800, 3800 ISR - 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD
Product Highlights
Branch offices often struggle with sluggish application performance over the WAN — slow file transfers, laggy ERP sessions, and poor user experiences that erode productivity. The Cisco NME-WAE-502-K9 solves this by embedding Wide Area Application Services (WAAS) directly into your existing Cisco ISR router, eliminating the need for a standalone WAN optimization appliance.
This WAAS network module is equipped with 1 GB of RAM and a 120 GB hard disk drive, providing the processing power and local storage needed for advanced caching, data deduplication, and TCP optimization at the branch. It installs into a standard NME slot on Cisco 2800 and 3800 Series Integrated Services Routers, and is also supported on second-generation ISR G2 platforms including the Cisco 2911, 2921, 2951, 3925, and 3945.
The NME-WAE-502-K9 works in concert with other Cisco Wide Area Application Engines (WAEs) deployed across your network to intercept and optimize TCP traffic transparently. By reducing redundant data transfers and accelerating application protocols, it delivers a noticeably faster user experience for centralized applications — while lowering bandwidth consumption and deferring costly WAN circuit upgrades. Designed for small to medium-sized enterprise branches, this module is an ideal fit for organizations running Cisco WAAS deployments that want to consolidate WAN optimization into their existing router infrastructure.
Features & Benefits
Integrated WAN Optimization
The NME-WAE-502-K9 hosts Cisco WAAS software directly on the router, eliminating the need for a separate appliance at each branch. This consolidation reduces hardware footprint, simplifies management, and lowers total cost of ownership for distributed WAN optimization deployments.
Application Acceleration & Caching
With 1 GB of RAM and a 120 GB hard disk, the module provides substantial capacity for local content caching and data deduplication. Repetitive data transfers are served locally rather than traversing the WAN, reducing latency and improving response times for business-critical applications like ERP, file sharing, and web services.
TCP Traffic Optimization
The WAAS network module works together with other WAEs in your network to intercept and optimize TCP traffic transparently. Built-in application policies determine whether to optimize or pass through traffic, ensuring that acceleration is applied where it delivers the most benefit without disrupting existing workflows.
Broad ISR Platform Compatibility
Designed for Cisco 2800 and 3800 Series ISRs, the NME-WAE-502-K9 also supports ISR G2 platforms including the 2911, 2921, 2951, 3925, and 3945. This broad compatibility protects your investment across router generations and simplifies standardization across multi-site deployments.
Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity
The module features a single 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45 port, supporting auto-negotiation for seamless integration into your existing network infrastructure. Gigabit Ethernet ensures the module itself does not become a throughput bottleneck in optimized traffic flows.
Deployment Scenarios
Small to Medium Branch Office WAN Optimization
Deploy the NME-WAE-502-K9 in branch routers to accelerate access to centralized applications hosted at the data center. By caching frequently accessed content locally and optimizing TCP sessions, branch users experience faster application response times without requiring dedicated WAN optimization appliances.
Multi-Site Enterprise WAAS Deployment
In organizations with dozens of branch locations, the NME-WAE-502-K9 provides a cost-effective way to extend Cisco WAAS to every site by leveraging existing Cisco ISR routers. This approach reduces per-site hardware costs and centralizes management through the Cisco WAAS Central Manager.
WAN Bandwidth Cost Reduction
Organizations facing rising WAN circuit costs can deploy this module to reduce bandwidth consumption through data deduplication and compression. By eliminating redundant data transfers across the WAN, the module helps defer expensive circuit upgrades while maintaining or improving application performance.
General
Memory & Storage
Interfaces
Compatibility
Physical
Compatibility Notes
Supported Router Platforms
- Cisco 2800 Series ISR: 2811, 2821, 2851
- Cisco 3800 Series ISR: 3825, 3845
- Cisco ISR G2: 2911, 2921, 2951, 3925, 3945
Licensing
The NME-WAE-502-K9 requires a Cisco WAAS software license. Two license tiers are available:
- WAAS-TRN-NM — WAAS Transport License (transport optimization features)
- WAAS-ENT-NM — WAAS Enterprise License (full enterprise feature set)
Cabling
Use a straight-through Category 5e UTP cable to connect the RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port to external devices. For NEBS compliance (Telcordia GR-1089), use only shielded intra-building cabling grounded at both ends.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| NME-WAE-302-K9 | Cisco WAAS Network Module (512MB/80GB) | Lower-cost option with 512 MB RAM and 80 GB HDD — suited for small branches needing WAAS Transport features only |
| NME-WAE-522-K9 | Cisco WAAS Network Module (2GB/160GB) | Higher-capacity model with 2 GB RAM and 160 GB HDD — designed for larger branches on Cisco 3800 Series ISRs |
| WAAS-ENT-NM | Cisco WAAS Enterprise License for NME | Enterprise-tier software license for NME-WAE-502 or 522 — unlocks the full WAAS feature set beyond Transport |
