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Cisco CISCO1921/K9 C1921 Modular Router

Cisco CISCO1921/K9 C1921 Modular Router is an enterprise-class branch router designed for secure and reliable connectivity in small and medium-sized business and branch-office networks. It features 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2 EHWIC expansion slots, 512 MB DRAM, and IP Base software, providing flexible WAN connectivity, modular expansion, and a solid platform for professional network deployments.

Description

The Cisco CISCO1921/K9 C1921 Modular Router is a professional modular routing platform designed for branch offices, small and medium-sized businesses, and enterprise network environments. Part of the Cisco 1900 Series Integrated Services Routers, the C1921 combines Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, modular expansion, and Cisco IOS-based routing capabilities in a compact platform.

The CISCO1921/K9 configuration provides 2 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, 2 Enhanced High-Speed WAN Interface Card (EHWIC) slots, 512 MB DRAM, and IP Base software, making it suitable for deployments that require flexible connectivity and expansion.

Key Features

  • Cisco C1921 Modular Router
  • Model/Part Number: CISCO1921/K9
  • Cisco 1900 Series Integrated Services Router
  • 2 × Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
  • 2 × EHWIC expansion slots
  • 512 MB DRAM
  • IP Base software
  • Modular architecture for flexible WAN expansion
  • Cisco IOS-based networking platform
  • Designed for branch-office and SMB deployments
  • Supports compatible Cisco interface modules
  • Suitable for professional and enterprise networking environments

Dual Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity

The Cisco C1921 provides two integrated Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, offering high-speed Ethernet connectivity for local networks and upstream network connections.

Gigabit Ethernet connectivity makes the router suitable for connecting to:

  • LAN switches
  • Enterprise networks
  • WAN Ethernet services
  • Servers and network infrastructure
  • Branch-office networks
  • Other routing and security devices

The two integrated interfaces can be used to establish separate network connections and support different network-design requirements.

Two EHWIC Expansion Slots

The C1921 includes two EHWIC slots, providing modular expansion capabilities for supported Cisco interface cards.

EHWIC technology allows organizations to extend the router’s connectivity with compatible modules rather than replacing the entire router when additional interfaces or specific WAN technologies are required.

This modular architecture makes the C1921 particularly useful for branch environments where network requirements may evolve over time.

512 MB DRAM

This configuration includes 512 MB of DRAM, providing memory resources for Cisco IOS operations, routing processes, and supported network services.

The available memory configuration should be considered when selecting IOS software and network features for the deployment.

IP Base Software

The CISCO1921/K9 configuration is specified with IP Base software.

IP Base provides the foundational routing and networking functionality required for standard IP network deployments. Available functionality depends on the specific Cisco IOS release and licensing configuration installed on the unit.

For deployments requiring advanced security, voice, VPN, or other specialized features, the applicable Cisco software licensing and feature set should be verified separately.

Modular Architecture

A key advantage of the C1921 is its modular design.

The two EHWIC slots allow supported expansion cards to be installed for additional connectivity options. This provides greater flexibility than a fixed-interface router and can help organizations adapt the platform to changing network requirements.

Potential applications for modular expansion include supported WAN and network interface technologies, depending on the EHWIC installed.

Branch Office Networking

The C1921 is designed for branch-office networking and can provide connectivity between local users, branch infrastructure, and corporate or service-provider networks.

Typical deployment scenarios include:

  • Corporate branch offices
  • Small and medium-sized businesses
  • Remote offices
  • Retail locations
  • Professional service offices
  • Educational facilities
  • Legacy enterprise infrastructure
  • Network laboratories

Cisco IOS Platform

The C1921 operates on the Cisco IOS networking platform, providing a familiar management and configuration environment for Cisco network administrators.

Cisco IOS can provide routing, interface configuration, network management, and other supported networking services according to the installed software release and license.

Flexible Network Expansion

The two EHWIC slots provide organizations with additional flexibility when designing their network.

Rather than relying exclusively on fixed interfaces, administrators can install compatible expansion modules according to the requirements of the deployment.

This can be particularly beneficial in branch networks where WAN technology, connectivity requirements, or interface requirements differ between locations.

Professional Network Deployment

The Cisco C1921 is suitable for organizations that require a dedicated routing platform with modular expansion capabilities.

Its combination of dual Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, dual EHWIC slots, 512 MB DRAM, and IP Base software provides a balanced platform for branch and small-business network environments.

Typical Applications

Branch Offices

Connect branch LANs to corporate or service-provider networks.

Small and Medium Businesses

Provide routing and network connectivity for professional office environments.

WAN Connectivity

Use compatible EHWIC modules to support required WAN connectivity options.

Enterprise Networks

Deploy as a branch or remote-site routing platform within a larger Cisco infrastructure.

Network Training

Useful for Cisco networking labs and hands-on routing configuration exercises.

Benefits

Dual Gigabit Ethernet: Two integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports provide high-speed network connectivity.

Modular Expansion: Two EHWIC slots allow compatible Cisco interface modules to be installed according to deployment requirements.

512 MB DRAM: Provides memory capacity for the router’s operating system and supported routing services.

IP Base: Provides the foundational Cisco IOS-based IP routing platform.

Scalable Design: Modular architecture allows the router to be adapted as network requirements change.

Enterprise-Oriented Platform: Designed for branch and professional networking environments.

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Brand Cisco
Series Cisco 1900 Series
Model C1921
Part Number CISCO1921/K9
Product Type Modular Integrated Services Router
Gigabit Ethernet Ports 2
Expansion Slots 2 × EHWIC
Memory 512 MB DRAM
Software IP Base
Operating Platform Cisco IOS
Architecture Modular
Primary Use Branch & WAN Routing
Target Environment SMB / Enterprise / Branch Office

Product Summary

The Cisco CISCO1921/K9 C1921 Modular Router is a flexible enterprise routing platform designed for branch-office and small-to-medium business networks. Equipped with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2 EHWIC expansion slots, 512 MB DRAM, and IP Base software, it provides a strong foundation for professional IP routing and modular network connectivity.

Its combination of integrated Gigabit Ethernet and expandable EHWIC interfaces makes the C1921 a practical choice for organizations requiring flexible branch routing and compatibility with Cisco modular networking infrastructure.

Product Category: Networking → Routers → Modular Routers
Brand: Cisco
Series: Cisco 1900 Series
Model: C1921
Part Number: CISCO1921/K9
Ethernet Ports: 2 × Gigabit Ethernet
Expansion: 2 × EHWIC
Memory: 512 MB DRAM
Software: IP Base
Primary Application: Branch / WAN Routing