Cisco ISR 4221 Router

CiscoSKU: 5334433

Price:
Sale price$2,829.26

Description

Cisco ISR 4221 Router – Dual WAN, SFP Slots, 1U Rack-Mountable Enterprise Router

The Cisco ISR 4221 Router is a compact, high-performance integrated services router designed for branch offices, small to medium-sized businesses, and campus connectivity. Built to deliver secure, scalable networking with reliable failover, this 1U rack-mountable device combines powerful processing with modular expansion options. With two WAN ports and 2.0 SFP (mini-GBIC) slots, plus dedicated NIM (Network Interface Module) slots, the ISR 4221 supports a diverse range of connectivity, from copper Ethernet to fiber, enabling flexible deployment models. Its 8 GB of memory and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces provide ample headroom for VPNs, QoS, firewall and security services, voice and video traffic, and advanced networking features required by modern networks. The router adheres to essential networking standards—IEEE 802.3 for Ethernet, IEEE 802.1Q for VLAN tagging, IEEE 802.3ah for management, and IEEE 802.1ag for connectivity fault management—ensuring interoperability with diverse devices and robust network monitoring. In one compact unit, you gain enterprise-grade routing, security, and service integration that helps you streamline operations, reduce costs, and accelerate digital transformation across your organization.

  • Dual WAN connectivity with flexible uplinks: The Cisco ISR 4221 provides two WAN ports to support redundant internet access, load balancing, and improved uptime for branch offices. This setup protects critical services from single-path failures and ensures continuous access to cloud apps, SaaS platforms, and remote work resources.
  • 2.0 SFP (mini-GBIC) slots for high-speed uplinks: The SFP slots enable fiber or copper mini-GBIC connections, offering scalable bandwidth and the option to deploy long-reach links where needed. This flexibility is ideal for enterprise deployments that require secure, high-performance inter-site connections or data center access.
  • Modular NIM slots for future growth: In addition to fixed interfaces, the ISR 4221 includes NIM slots to accommodate additional network modules as your business grows. This modular approach lets you add voice, data, security, or platform-specific capabilities without replacing the router.
  • Robust performance with ample memory: With 8 GB of memory, the ISR 4221 delivers responsive VPN processing, firewall throughput, and quality of service (QoS) for mixed workloads. This capacity supports multiple simultaneous VPN tunnels, secure remote access, and voice/video traffic without compromising performance.
  • Enterprise-grade features in a compact 1U form factor: The 1U rack-mountable chassis fits neatly into standard equipment racks and data center closets. It supports essential enterprise networking features such as VLAN tagging (IEEE 802.1Q), management protocols, and fault monitoring for reliable, scalable deployment across branch locations.

Technical Details of Cisco ISR 4221 Router

  • 2 Ports
  • 2 WAN Port(s)
  • 2.0 SFP (mini-GBIC) Slots
  • Network Interface Module (NIM) Slots
  • 8 GB RAM
  • Gigabit Ethernet
  • IEEE 802.3
  • IEEE 802.1Q
  • IEEE 802.3ah
  • IEEE 802.1ag
  • 1U
  • Rack-mountable

how to install Cisco ISR 4221 Router

Setting up the Cisco ISR 4221 is designed to be straightforward for IT teams upgrading from older routers or expanding their network edge. Begin by choosing a proper installation location—prefer a secure, well-ventilated rack space with easy access to power and network cabling. Use standard 19-inch rack rails and mount the unit securely in a chassis, ensuring sufficient clearance for airflow and cooling. After mounting, follow these steps to bring the router online and begin configuration:

  • Power and initial check: Connect the router to a reliable power source, preferably with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Verify the device power-on self-test (POST) indicators and confirm that all fans and LEDs indicate normal operation.
  • Install SFP modules if needed: If your deployment relies on fiber or short-range copper SFP connections, insert the 2.0 SFP (mini-GBIC) modules into the SFP slots according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Ensure the modules are compatible with your fiber type and speed requirements.
  • Connect WAN and LAN interfaces: Attach your two WAN connections to the appropriate ports or SFP modules. Connect your internal LAN to the router’s gigabit Ethernet interfaces or to an adjacent switch, depending on your network design. If you plan to use VLANs, configure trunk ports (IEEE 802.1Q) as part of your initial setup.
  • Perform a basic configuration: Access the Cisco setup wizard via the console or web-based management interface. Define admin credentials, set a hostname, and configure basic network parameters (IP addressing strategy, DHCP scope, and DNS settings). Establish two WAN interfaces with failover and load-balancing policies that match your business requirements.
  • Enable security and services: Activate firewall rules, VPN termination (site-to-site or remote access), intrusion prevention, and any other security services your organization requires. If you plan to exploit NIM modules, install and configure the modules in advance for seamless integration with routing and security features.
  • Finalize with performance and reliability checks: Apply QoS policies to prioritize voice and video, set up monitoring for network health, and verify connectivity to external resources. Run basic throughput tests and ensure failover between the two WAN paths works as intended. Save and back up the configuration for disaster recovery.
  • Ongoing management and updates: Regularly check for firmware and software updates from Cisco to keep security and features current. Schedule routine backups of configuration data and establish a change-control process for network adjustments.

Note: While the ISR 4221 supports extensive modular expansion and advanced features, tailor the setup to your organization’s needs. Depending on your deployment, you may deploy additional NIMs for voice or security services, or configure more complex routing and VPN topologies to optimize connectivity between branches, datacenters, and cloud environments.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q: What is the Cisco ISR 4221 Router best suited for?

    A: It is ideal for small to mid-sized branch offices and edge deployments needing reliable dual WAN connectivity, modular expansion, and enterprise-grade routing and security features in a compact 1U form factor.

  • Q: How many WAN connections can I use with this router?

    A: The ISR 4221 provides two WAN ports, enabling redundancy, automatic failover, and load balancing for resilient internet access.

  • Q: Can I add more interfaces or features later?

    A: Yes. The router includes NIM slots for future module expansion, so you can add additional network interfaces or specialized services as your network grows.

  • Q: What kind of hardware memory does it have?

    A: The device ships with 8 GB of RAM, which supports VPN processing, security services, QoS, and multiple concurrent sessions for a smooth user experience.

  • Q: Is the ISR 4221 compatible with IEEE standards?

    A: Yes. It supports essential standards including IEEE 802.3 for Ethernet, IEEE 802.1Q for VLAN tagging, IEEE 802.3ah for management, and IEEE 802.1ag for connectivity fault management, ensuring interoperability and robust network monitoring.

  • Q: How do I install and configure this router?

    A: Installation involves mounting the unit in a standard 1U rack, connecting power and network cables (WAN and LAN), inserting any required SFP/NIM modules, and using Cisco’s setup wizard or CLI to configure routing, VPN, security, and QoS policies. Regular updates and backup are recommended for ongoing reliability.

  • Q: Do I need special software to manage the ISR 4221?

    A: Management is typically done through Cisco’s web-based GUI or CLI, with optional centralized management options available for larger deployments. This enables streamlined configuration, monitoring, and reporting across multiple devices.


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