Cisco EHWIC-4ESG-P 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch Interface Card with PoE
Cisco EHWIC-4ESG-P is a 4-port 10/100/1000 Ethernet switch interface card with Power over Ethernet (PoE), designed for compatible Cisco Integrated Services Routers. It adds four Gigabit Ethernet switching ports and PoE capability to supported router platforms, making it suitable for connecting network devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and other Ethernet endpoints.
Description
The Cisco EHWIC-4ESG-P is an Enhanced High-Speed WAN Interface Card (EHWIC) that provides four integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet switch ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE) for compatible Cisco Integrated Services Router platforms.
Designed for organizations that need to expand their router’s local Ethernet switching capabilities, the module combines Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and PoE functionality in a compact interface card. It is well suited for branch-office networks and deployments where IP phones, wireless access points, and other powered Ethernet devices need to connect directly through the router platform. Cisco identifies the EHWIC-4ESG-P as a four-port 10/100/1000 Ethernet switch interface card with PoE.
Key Features
- Brand: Cisco
- Model: EHWIC-4ESG-P
- Product Type: Enhanced High-Speed WAN Interface Card
- 4 × 10/100/1000 Ethernet switching ports
- Gigabit Ethernet support
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability
- RJ-45 Ethernet connectivity
- Designed for compatible Cisco ISR platforms
- Provides integrated Layer 2 switching functionality
- Suitable for branch-office and enterprise network deployments
- Supports connection of PoE-enabled network endpoints
Four Gigabit Ethernet Ports
The EHWIC-4ESG-P adds four Ethernet switch ports capable of operating at 10 Mbps Ethernet, 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet, or 1 Gbps Gigabit Ethernet, allowing connected devices to operate at the appropriate network speed.
This makes the module useful for expanding the number of local Ethernet connections available from a compatible Cisco router without requiring a separate external switch for every small branch deployment.
Power over Ethernet
The “-P” version provides PoE functionality, allowing compatible powered devices to receive power through their Ethernet connection while also carrying network traffic.
Typical PoE applications include:
- IP phones
- Wireless access points
- Other compatible PoE network endpoints
Cisco specifically distinguishes the EHWIC-4ESG-P from the non-P EHWIC-4ESG model as the four-port Ethernet switch interface card with PoE.
Integrated Switching
The module is designed as an Ethernet switching interface rather than simply providing four additional routed interfaces. This allows it to be used for local device connectivity and branch-office switching requirements within compatible Cisco ISR environments.
Its integrated design can help reduce the need for additional networking hardware in smaller deployments.
Network Management
The module can be managed through the Cisco router’s IOS-based management environment. Depending on the host router and software configuration, administrators can use familiar Cisco networking features for configuring interfaces, VLANs, QoS, and related switching functions.
Suitable Applications
Branch Offices: Add local Gigabit Ethernet switching and PoE connectivity to compatible Cisco ISR routers.
IP Telephony: Connect compatible PoE-powered Cisco IP phones directly to the switching module.
Wireless Networking: Provide Ethernet connectivity and PoE for compatible wireless access points.
Small Enterprise Networks: Expand local network connectivity without necessarily deploying a separate access switch.
Integrated Network Infrastructure: Combine routing, switching, and PoE capabilities within a compatible Cisco router platform.
Key Benefits
Four Gigabit Ports: Provides four 10/100/1000 Ethernet switch interfaces.
PoE Capability: Supports power delivery to compatible PoE network devices.
Integrated Design: Adds switching functionality directly to compatible Cisco ISR routers.
Flexible Speed Support: Supports 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1 Gbps Ethernet connectivity.
Space Efficient: Can reduce the need for additional external switching hardware in suitable deployments.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cisco |
| Model | EHWIC-4ESG-P |
| Product Type | Enhanced High-Speed WAN Interface Card |
| Port Count | 4 |
| Ethernet Speed | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Port Type | RJ-45 |
| Interface Type | Ethernet Switch |
| PoE | Yes |
| Gigabit Ethernet | Yes |
| Application | Router-Based Ethernet Switching |
| Management | Cisco IOS / compatible management features |
| Typical Use | Branch Office, IP Phone, Wireless & Enterprise Networking |
Cisco lists NIM-ES2-8-P as the migration/replacement product for the EHWIC-4ESG-P in its end-of-sale announcement.
Compatibility Note
The EHWIC-4ESG-P is designed for specific Cisco ISR platforms, so customers should verify compatibility with their exact router model and Cisco IOS software before purchasing.
As this is a legacy/end-of-sale Cisco module, availability may vary depending on supplier and inventory status. Cisco’s official end-of-sale documentation identifies the EHWIC-4ESG-P as an affected discontinued product.
Product Summary
The Cisco EHWIC-4ESG-P 4-Port 10/100/1000 Ethernet Switch Interface Card with PoE is a practical expansion module for compatible Cisco ISR routers. It provides four Gigabit Ethernet switching ports with PoE, allowing organizations to connect and power compatible network endpoints such as IP phones and wireless access points.
It is particularly suitable for branch offices, small enterprise networks, IP telephony deployments, wireless networking, and integrated Cisco router/switch environments.



