The Cisco HWIC-4ESW EtherSwitch High-Speed WAN Interface Card (HWIC) is a versatile networking module designed to add four 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet switch ports to compatible Cisco Integrated Services Routers (ISR). This HWIC provides seamless Layer 2 switching capabilities, allowing organizations to enhance network connectivity while maximizing the utility of their existing router infrastructure.

Supporting VLAN segmentation, the HWIC-4ESW enables effective network management, helping businesses segment and secure traffic for different departments or services. With support for up to 64 VLANs, it allows for flexible, isolated traffic flows across the network. The card also incorporates Quality of Service (QoS) features, such as IEEE 802.1p prioritization, which allows network administrators to prioritize critical data, voice, and video applications, enhancing overall performance and user experience.

Managed through Cisco IOS software, the HWIC-4ESW offers simple configuration and monitoring options, integrating with Cisco’s network management tools and supporting SNMP for network status tracking. Its compact, host-powered design fits easily into compatible Cisco routers, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to scale their network capabilities with minimal hardware investment. The Cisco HWIC-4ESW is a cost-effective and highly functional solution for organizations seeking advanced switching features without adding separate switches to their network setup