Cisco SM-BLANK-KIT
Blank faceplate for SM slot with divider for Cisco 2900,3900
Product Highlights
Empty service module slots in your Cisco ISR chassis aren't just an eyesore — they compromise airflow, expose internal components, and can cause electromagnetic interference issues that affect the reliability of your entire network.
The Cisco SM-BLANK-KIT is a genuine Cisco blank faceplate kit with integrated divider, purpose-built for SM (Service Module) slots on Cisco 2900 series and 3900 series Integrated Services Routers. By covering unused SM bays, this faceplate maintains the chassis's designed front-to-back airflow path, contains EMI, and shields personnel from hazardous voltages inside the router — all critical requirements outlined in Cisco's own hardware installation guidelines.
Whether you're staging routers for future service module expansion, replacing a removed module during maintenance, or simply ensuring your deployment meets safety and compliance standards, the SM-BLANK-KIT is an essential chassis accessory. It installs quickly into any vacant SM slot and includes the slot divider needed to properly segment the bay. For IT teams managing fleets of Cisco ISR G2 routers, keeping a supply of SM-BLANK-KIT faceplates on hand ensures every chassis remains compliant and thermally optimized.
Features & Benefits
Proper Chassis Airflow Management
Open slots disrupt the carefully engineered front-to-back airflow inside Cisco ISR routers, potentially causing thermal throttling or premature component failure. The SM-BLANK-KIT seals unused SM bays to maintain optimal cooling efficiency and protect internal components from overheating.
EMI Shielding & Safety Compliance
Cisco's hardware installation documentation states that blank faceplates serve three critical functions: they prevent exposure to hazardous voltages and currents, contain electromagnetic interference that could disrupt other equipment, and direct cooling airflow through the chassis. The SM-BLANK-KIT fulfills all three requirements for SM slot bays.
Integrated Slot Divider
Unlike simple blank covers, the SM-BLANK-KIT includes a slot divider that properly segments the SM bay. This is particularly important on platforms like the Cisco 3925 and 3945 where double-wide service modules may require divider removal — having the divider available as part of this kit ensures you can restore proper slot configuration when reverting to single-wide modules or leaving slots empty.
Genuine Cisco Quality
As an authentic Cisco accessory, the SM-BLANK-KIT is manufactured to exact chassis tolerances for a precise fit. This ensures a flush, secure installation with no gaps that could compromise airflow or EMI containment.
Deployment Scenarios
New Router Deployment with Future Expansion
When deploying Cisco 2900 or 3900 series routers with fewer service modules than available slots, the SM-BLANK-KIT covers unused SM bays to maintain chassis integrity while preserving the option to add modules later.
Service Module Removal During Maintenance
When a service module is removed for RMA, troubleshooting, or redeployment, the SM-BLANK-KIT immediately fills the vacant slot so the router can continue operating with proper airflow and EMI shielding.
Fleet Standardization & Compliance
Enterprise IT teams managing large fleets of ISR G2 routers can stock SM-BLANK-KIT faceplates to ensure every chassis meets Cisco's safety and operational guidelines, regardless of how many service modules are installed.
General
Compatibility
Function
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Platforms
The SM-BLANK-KIT is designed for the SM (Service Module) slots on the following Cisco ISR Generation 2 routers:
- Cisco 2900 Series: Cisco 2951 (and variants including Voice, Security, SRE, UCSE, and WAAS bundles)
- Cisco 3900 Series: Cisco 3925, 3925E, 3945, 3945E (and variants including Voice, Security, SRE, and WAAS bundles)
Note: The Cisco 2901 and 2911 do not have full-size SM slots and use EHWIC-size blanks instead. Verify your specific router model's slot configuration before ordering.
Related Blank Faceplates
- SM-S-BLANK — Removable faceplate for SM slot (without divider)
- SM-BLANK — Removable blank faceplate for SM slot
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| SM-S-BLANK | Cisco SM Slot Removable Faceplate | Simple removable faceplate for SM slot without the slot divider included in the SM-BLANK-KIT |
| SM-BLANK | Cisco SM Slot Blank Faceplate | Basic blank faceplate for SM slot on Cisco 2900/3900 routers; does not include divider |
| EHWIC-BLANK | Cisco EHWIC Slot Blank Cover | Blank cover for EHWIC slots rather than SM slots — use for smaller interface card bays |