Cisco 4G LTE WWAN EHWIC for Cisco ISR G2

Elevate your network resilience with the Cisco 4G LTE WWAN EHWIC for Cisco ISR G2. This modular, enterprise-grade WAN interface card brings robust cellular connectivity directly into your Cisco ISR G2 platform, enabling secure data, voice, video, and mobility services across predictable and remote locations. Designed for Cisco 1900, 2900, and 3900 Series ISR G2 routers, this EHWIC offers seamless LTE performance, dependable fallback to 3G when needed, and tight integration with Cisco IOS XE for unified policy, security, and management. Whether you need a reliable backup link for business continuity or a primary uplink to support mobile or distributed workforces, the 4G LTE WWAN EHWIC delivers the agility and reliability modern networks demand.

• Seamless 4G LTE WAN integration: The EHWIC plugs into the Cisco ISR G2 platform to provide a cellular uplink that works in concert with your primary Internet connection. With integrated QoS, VPN support, and policy-based routing, you can prioritize critical traffic such as VoIP, video conferencing, and business-critical applications, ensuring consistent performance even as network conditions change. This enables smooth, high-quality communications for branch offices, mobile workforces, and remote sites.
• Broad carrier compatibility and intelligent fallback: Built to operate on a wide range of LTE networks and offerings, the module supports 4G LTE and, where LTE is unavailable, gracefully falls back to 3G networks. By aligning with carrier-provisioning requirements (APN, SIM authentication, and roaming capabilities as applicable), the EHWIC helps organizations maintain connection continuity without manual intervention.
• Modular, scalable design for ISR G2: As a true EHWIC, this module preserves slot space while delivering scalable WAN options. It is designed for the modular Cisco ISR G2 routers (1900, 2900, 3900 Series), allowing you to add cellular capability without replacing existing hardware. The compact form factor reduces hardware footprint while expanding the network’s reach and flexibility.
• Security, mobility, and enterprise-grade features: The 4G LTE WWAN EHWIC integrates with Cisco IOS XE to provide secure access, VPN (IPsec) capabilities, firewall features, and access control policies. This ensures secure remote connectivity, centralized management, and consistent security posture across cellular and fixed links. Mobility features help maintain sessions and protect sensitive data as users move between networks.
• Centralized management and reliability: Management is streamlined through the same Cisco IOS XE interface you use for other ISR G2 components. Telemetry, interface monitoring, and SLA performance data enable proactive optimization of cellular performance, while automated failover and route management help keep critical paths available during network disruptions.

Technical Details of Cisco 4G LTE WWAN EHWIC for Cisco ISR G2

• Form factor and compatibility: Enhanced High-Width WAN Interface Card (EHWIC) designed for Cisco ISR G2 routers; compatible with Cisco 1900, 2900, and 3900 Series devices.
• Interface and connectivity: 4G LTE WAN interface with 3G fallback support; requires an active SIM card from a cellular carrier and appropriate APN configuration.
• Performance characteristics: LTE data rates are contingent on carrier network conditions; suitable for primary or backup uplinks, mobile-access scenarios, and remote-site connectivity with predictable latency for business applications.
• Security and features: Integrated with Cisco IOS XE for enterprise security, including VPN (IPsec), firewall controls, QoS, and network policy enforcement across the cellular link.
• Antenna options: Supports external antenna connections to optimize signal quality and coverage, especially in challenging reception environments.
• Management and monitoring: Supports Cisco IOS XE management, CLI access, SNMP, and Cisco Network Assistant; provides visibility into cellular link status, signal strength, and uptime metrics.
• Deployment scope: Suitable for office branches, retail locations, campuses, and remote sites where fixed broadband is limited or where redundant connectivity is essential for uptime.

How to install Cisco 4G LTE WWAN EHWIC for Cisco ISR G2

Follow these installation steps to add cellular WAN capability to your Cisco ISR G2 router. The process is designed to be straightforward for IT professionals familiar with Cisco hardware and IOS configuration.

• Prepare the site: Ensure you have a compatible SIM card from your cellular carrier, the correct APN details, and any required authentication credentials. Confirm that your carrier supports the LTE bands available in your deployment region.
• Power down and disconnect: Turn off the Cisco ISR G2 router and disconnect all network cables to prevent electrical damage during installation.
• Install the EHWIC: Remove the cover if needed and insert the Cisco 4G LTE WWAN EHWIC into an available EHWIC slot in the ISR G2 chassis. Push firmly until the module seats properly and any retention mechanism clicks into place.
• Connect antennas and SIM: Attach external LTE antennas to the module’s antenna connectors if your installation requires improved signal. Insert the SIM card into the EHWIC or access slot per vendor guidance and ensure it is firmly seated.
• Power up and verify: Reconnect power and boot the router. Use the CLI or a network management tool to verify that the new interface is recognized (look for the cellular controller and interface status).
• Configure cellular connectivity: Access the router’s CLI and configure the cellular interface, APN, and any authentication (username/password or SIM-based authentication as applicable). Define IP addressing or DHCP settings for the cellular interface and establish routing policies to enable primary or backup use. Apply QoS rules to prioritize latency-sensitive traffic and set up health checks or IP SLA to monitor the cellular path.
• Test and validate: Run connectivity tests (ping, traceroute) to confirm reachability of key servers and services. Validate failover behavior by simulating a primary link outage and observing the switchover to the cellular uplink. Monitor signal strength and throughput to ensure reliable performance over the cellular network.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco 4G LTE WWAN EHWIC for Cisco ISR G2? It is a modular cellular WAN interface card that adds 4G LTE (with 3G fallback) connectivity to Cisco ISR G2 routers, enabling secure data, voice, and video over cellular networks while maintaining compatibility with Cisco IOS XE features.
• Which ISR G2 models support this EHWIC? It is designed for modular Cisco ISR G2 routers in the 1900, 2900, and 3900 Series, allowing adapters to be installed without replacing existing hardware.
• Can this module be used as a primary uplink or only as a backup? The module supports both deployment modes, depending on your network design. It can function as a primary uplink in mobile-first branches or as a reliable backup link to protect against fixed broadband outages.
• What do I need to configure to get it working? You will need an active SIM from your carrier, APN details, and any required authentication information. After installation, configure the cellular interface in Cisco IOS XE, set up routing or policy-based routing, and apply QoS for sensitive traffic.
• Do I need external antennas? External antennas are optional but recommended in areas with weak cellular signals. The EHWIC supports external antenna connections to improve signal strength and reliability.
• Is the 4G LTE WWAN EHWIC secure? Yes. The module integrates with Cisco IOS XE security features, enabling VPNs, firewall rules, and secure management across both cellular and fixed links for end-to-end protection.