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Cisco NIM-ES2-8-RF 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch NIM with SFP Expansion Slots
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This Cisco expansion module delivers eight independent Gigabit Ethernet ports, each capable of supporting industry-standard SFP transceivers for distances up to the limits of the installed optic. The module interfaces with the router's backplane, providing line-rate switching capacity between its ports and the router's central forwarding engine. It operates as a Layer 2 switch within the router, supporting essential Ethernet features for segmenting and managing traffic.
The SFP slots accept a wide range of Cisco-compatible optical (singlemode or multimode) and copper SFP modules, allowing network designers to tailor connectivity for short-reach intra-building links or longer-distance fiber runs. The module is managed through the router's integrated IOS-XE software, providing a unified configuration and monitoring interface for all network interfaces.
Key Product Advantages
The NIM-ES2-8-RF consolidates switching and routing functions into a single, manageable platform, reducing network complexity and hardware sprawl. By adding modular, high-density Ethernet switching directly inside the router, it eliminates the need for external top-of-rack switches in branch or aggregation deployments, saving on power, cabling, and management overhead.
Density and Flexibility
Eight SFP slots provide significant port density in a single module slot, supporting mixed media types to adapt to existing cabling infrastructure or future network upgrades.
- Mix copper and fiber SFP modules
- Support for various reach distances
Integrated Management
All ports are configured and monitored through the router's familiar CLI or web interface, providing a single pane of glass for routing and switching policies, QoS, and security.
- Unified IOS-XE configuration
- Centralized monitoring and troubleshooting
Refurbished Reliability
This refurbished unit has been professionally tested and restored to full working condition, offering a cost-effective alternative to new hardware while maintaining compatibility and performance.
- Fully tested and certified
- Significant cost savings
Deployment / Use Cases
This switch NIM is ideal for expanding the Ethernet port capacity of Cisco ISR 4000 Series routers in branch offices, retail locations, or small data centers where space and simplicity are priorities. It allows a single router to serve as both the WAN gateway and the LAN aggregation switch, simplifying network architecture.
Common deployment scenarios include connecting multiple floors or departments via fiber uplinks, providing high-density access for IP phones and wireless access points, or aggregating traffic from security cameras and IoT devices. The ability to use optical SFPs makes it suitable for extending networks between buildings or across campuses where copper distance limitations are a concern.
Branch Office Consolidation
Replace a separate switch by integrating eight Gigabit Ethernet ports directly into the branch router, reducing hardware footprint and simplifying power and cooling requirements.
Fiber Aggregation Point
Use optical SFP modules to aggregate traffic from remote switches or endpoints over singlemode or multimode fiber, serving as a cost-effective media converter and switch combo.
Highlights
- 8 SFP (mini-GBIC) slots for Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
- Compatible with Cisco ISR 4000 Series routers: 4451-X, 4431, 4351, 4331, 4321
- Hot-pluggable design for easy installation and maintenance
- Supports both optical and copper SFP transceiver modules
- Integrated Layer 2 switching managed via router IOS-XE
- Refurbished condition, professionally tested and certified
- Ideal for data and optical networking applications
- Reduces network hardware sprawl by consolidating functions
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cisco Systems, Inc |
| Manufacturer Part Number | NIM-ES2-8-RF |
| Brand Name | Cisco |
| Product Name | 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch NIM |
| Product Condition | Refurbished |
| Product Type | Expansion Module |
| Technical Information | |
| Application/Usage | Data Networking,Optical Network |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Total Number of Expansion Slots | 8 |
| Expansion Slot Type | SFP (mini-GBIC) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Compatibility | Cisco Switches: 4451-X 4431 4351 4331 4321 |
FAQ
What Cisco router models is the NIM-ES2-8-RF compatible with?
This expansion module is designed for specific Cisco ISR 4000 Series routers. It is compatible with the 4451-X, 4431, 4351, 4331, and 4321 models. It installs directly into an available NIM slot on these routers, integrating switching functionality into the existing chassis.
What types of SFP modules can I use in this switch NIM?
The eight SFP (mini-GBIC) slots support industry-standard Cisco-compatible SFP transceivers. You can use a mix of optical modules (both singlemode and multimode for various fiber distances) or copper SFP modules for short-reach twisted-pair connections. This flexibility allows you to tailor the media type to your existing cabling infrastructure.
How is this switch NIM managed and configured?
The NIM-ES2-8-RF is managed entirely through the host router's operating system, Cisco IOS-XE. You configure and monitor all eight ports using the same CLI commands or web interface you use for the router's other interfaces. This provides unified management for routing, switching, security, and quality of service policies without needing a separate switch management platform.
What does 'refurbished' mean for this product?
This unit is a professionally refurbished Cisco NIM-ES2-8-RF. It has been thoroughly tested, cleaned, and restored to full working condition. Refurbished products offer significant cost savings compared to new hardware while providing reliable performance and full compatibility with supported router models.