C8221-G2 – 2×1/10GE SFP+ – 8x1GE Copper – 8 GB DRAM – Desktop Router
Established Global IT Distributor
With over a decade of industry experience, we are a certified Cisco Partner delivering genuine enterprise networking hardware and trusted services to system integrators, ISPs, and enterprises worldwide.
C8221-G2 Description
The C8221-G2 is the transport tier of the all-gigabit Cisco 8200 Series desktop routers. It presents 2x 1/10 GE SFP+ uplinks and eight 1 GE copper ports arranged as two WAN, two Flex and four LAN, with no cellular bay, no module slot and no PoE-capable supply. Cisco publishes the same 19 Gbps forwarding, 5 Gbps IPsec and 4 Gbps SD-WAN figures for it as for C8225-G2, and the two share every other line in the data sheet; what differs is 8 GB of DRAM rather than 16 GB and 1 Gbps of Threat protection rather than 2.4 Gbps. Typical draw is 21W, the chassis weighs 5 lb, and the platform starts at Cisco IOS XE Release 26.1.2.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C8221-G2 |
|
Platform type |
Desktop form factor |
|
WAN Ports |
2x 1/10 GE SFP+ and 2x 1 GE RJ-45 |
|
Flex Ports |
2x 1 GE RJ-45 |
|
LAN Ports |
4x 1 GE RJ-45 |
|
Cellular Slot |
None on this platform |
|
PoE capability |
Not a PoE power sourcing device |
|
Default power supply model |
66W AC external adapter |
|
Forwarding throughput |
19 Gbps at 512 bytes |
|
Threat protection throughput |
1 Gbps at EMIX |
|
DRAM |
8 GB |
|
Chassis weight |
5 lb (2.27 kg) |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE Release 26.1.2 |
Product Performance
Key Features
Forwarding, IPsec and SD-WAN are the 19, 5 and 4 Gbps figures Cisco publishes for C8225-G2 as well, so a branch measured on routing and encryption rather than inspection sees no difference between the two.
Two WAN, two Flex and four LAN copper ports all run at 1 GE, while the pair of 1/10 GE SFP+ cages take either gigabit or ten-gigabit optics, which covers a branch whose circuit is faster than its local devices.
The 10 GE capability sits in the SFP+ cages rather than on an RJ-45 port, so a ten-gigabit copper handoff needs C8221L-G2 instead of an optic in this chassis.
Typical draw is 21W and the chassis is 5 lb, the lightest and lowest-power configuration in the 19 Gbps tier of this series.
Cisco lists no PoE-capable adapter for this model, so the absence of PoE is a property of the SKU rather than a supply choice that can be changed at order time.
C8221-G2, C8225-G2 and C8221L-G2 all start at Cisco IOS XE Release 26.1.2, one train apart from the multigigabit 8200 models at 17.18.1.
Application Scenarios
Deployed where the router terminates the circuit, routes and encrypts, while deep packet inspection and malware scanning run centrally.
Installed where the incoming circuit arrives on fibre through an SFP+ cage and every local device connects at 1 GE.
Placed across many small sites where 21W of typical draw and a 5 lb body keep power and mounting requirements uniform.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C8221-G2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Platform type |
Desktop |
Desktop |
Desktop |
|
WAN Ports |
2x 1/10 GE SFP+, 2x 1 GE RJ-45 |
2x 1/10 GE SFP+, 2x 1 GE RJ-45 |
2x 10 GE RJ-45, 2x 1 GE RJ-45 |
|
Ten-gigabit media |
SFP+ optical cages |
SFP+ optical cages |
RJ-45 copper |
|
Flex Ports |
2x 1 GE RJ-45 |
2x 1 GE RJ-45 |
2x 1 GE RJ-45 |
|
LAN Ports |
4x 1 GE RJ-45 |
4x 1 GE RJ-45 |
4x 1 GE RJ-45 |
|
PoE capability |
Not a PoE power sourcing device |
Not a PoE power sourcing device |
Not a PoE power sourcing device |
|
Forwarding throughput |
19 Gbps |
19 Gbps |
19 Gbps |
|
Threat protection throughput |
1 Gbps |
2.4 Gbps |
1 Gbps |
|
DRAM |
8 GB |
16 GB |
8 GB |
|
Typical power consumption |
21W |
21W |
21W |
|
Chassis weight |
5 lb |
5 lb |
5 lb |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE Release 26.1.2 |
Cisco IOS XE Release 26.1.2 |
Cisco IOS XE Release 26.1.2 |
- C8221-G2 and C8225-G2 differ on two lines and match on every other. Same ports, same optics cages, same 66W adapter, same 21W draw, same 5 lb chassis, same 26.1.2 floor; DRAM is 8 GB against 16 GB and Threat protection is 1 Gbps against 2.4 Gbps.
- That makes the upgrade worth its cost only when inspection runs on the router. Transport figures are 19, 5 and 4 Gbps on both, so a design that backhauls security services to a hub is buying an inspection ceiling it never approaches.
- C8221L-G2 is the same router with the ten-gigabit capability moved from optical cages to copper RJ-45. Everything else, including the 8 GB DRAM and 1 Gbps inspection tier, is identical, so the choice between them is purely the media the site’s ten-gigabit handoff arrives on.
- For deciding which SKU to order, check whether the ten-gigabit link is fibre or copper first, since that alone separates this model from C8221L-G2; then decide whether inspection is local or central, which is the whole of what C8225-G2 changes.
Selection Guide
1. When Inspection Happens Somewhere Else
C8225-G2 raises Threat protection to 2.4 Gbps and DRAM to 16 GB and changes nothing else in the data sheet; a branch whose NGFW, IPS and malware scanning run at a regional hub gets the same 19 Gbps forwarding and 5 Gbps IPsec here without funding that ceiling.
2. Optical Cages Against Copper Ten-Gig
The ten-gigabit capability on this model lives in SFP+ cages, so a site handed a 10GBASE-T copper circuit needs C8221L-G2; the two are otherwise identical and the decision is made by what the carrier terminates, not by performance.
3. Where A Multigigabit Copper Port Is Required
Every copper port here runs at 1 GE; a branch cabling access points or cameras above a gigabit has to move to C8235-G2 or C8231-G2, which also means moving from the 26.1.2 train to 17.18.1.
4. Powering An Endpoint Rules This Model Out
No PoE-capable adapter exists for this SKU or either of its siblings, so a single powered device forces either an injector or a move to the multigigabit half of the series.
5. Memory Is Fixed At The Order
DRAM is 8 GB with no documented field upgrade to the 16 GB of C8225-G2, so a service set expected to grow beyond what 8 GB supports should start on the higher tier rather than plan an upgrade.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Ten-gigabit media type |
Confirm the ten-gigabit handoff is fibre or SFP-based rather than 10GBASE-T copper. |
The 10 GE capability sits in SFP+ cages here; a copper ten-gigabit circuit needs C8221L-G2. |
|
Inspection tier |
Confirm 1 Gbps of Threat protection covers the planned service set rather than the 2.4 Gbps of C8225-G2. |
The two SKUs are otherwise identical and Cisco documents no upgrade path between them. |
|
Uplink optics |
Confirm 1 GE or 10 GE SFP optics are on the order for the two SFP+ cages. |
The cages ship without transceivers and the copper ports cannot carry the uplink. |
|
Powered endpoints |
Confirm no endpoint will draw power from the router. |
No PoE-capable supply is listed, so a powered device needs an injector or a different SKU. |
|
Software train readiness |
Confirm the estate can run Cisco IOS XE Release 26.1.2 and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Release 26.1.2. |
This model does not run the 17.18 family the multigigabit 8200 models use. |
|
Dust and liquid cover |
Confirm whether the cover is required and that the site stays inside 40 degrees C if it is fitted. |
The cover reduces the rated ceiling from 45 to 40 degrees C. |
Optional Add-ons
|
Add-on |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Secondary 66W AC adapter |
Additional external adapter listed as a secondary PSU option. |
|
Rack-mount tray |
Accessory that brings the desktop chassis to 2.835 x 12 x 17.56 in. for rack installation. |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C8221-G2 | Series | Cisco 8200 Series Secure Routers |
| Platform type | Desktop form factor | WAN Ports | 2x 1/10 GE SFP+ and 2x 1 GE RJ-45 |
| Flex Ports | 2x 1 GE RJ-45 | LAN Ports | 4x 1 GE RJ-45 |
| Cellular Slot | None on this platform | Expansion Slots | None; only the -E models in this series carry a NIM slot |
| Management port | 1x RJ-45 out-of-band management | Console port | 1x RJ-45 |
| DRAM | 8 GB | Storage | 16 GB |
| Default power supply model | 66W AC external adapter | Alternative power supplies | Secondary PSU external adapter option at 66W AC |
| PoE capability | Not a PoE power sourcing device; Cisco lists no PoE-capable supply for this model | Typical power consumption | 21W |
| Input voltage | AC: 85 to 264 VAC | Forwarding (512B) | 19 Gbps |
| IPsec (512B) | 5 Gbps | SD-WAN (512B) | 4 Gbps |
| Threat protection (EMIX) | 1 Gbps | SD-WAN measurement basis | IPsec, Quality of Service, deep packet inspection and Flexible NetFlow enabled |
| Threat protection measurement basis | 100% Direct Internet Access NAT, NGFW, Intrusion Prevention System, URL Filtering and Advanced Malware Protection enabled | IPv4/IPv6 routes | 1.5M |
| IPsec tunnels | 700 | IPv4 ACLs | 3000 |
| IPv4 ACEs | 15,000 | NAT sessions | 1.5M |
| VRF instances | 4000 | Dimensions (H x D x W) | 1.61 x 8.5 x 12.7 in. (4.09 x 21.59 x 32.26 cm) |
| Rack units (RU) | Desktop | Dimensions with rack-mount tray | 2.835 x 12 x 17.56 in. (7.20 x 30.48 x 44.60 cm) with the tray holding the power supply |
| Chassis weight | 5 lb (2.27 kg) | Operating temperature | 0 to 45 degrees C at sea level, or 0 to 40 degrees C with the dust and liquid cover fitted |
| Storage temperature | -40 to 70 degrees C | Relative humidity | 5 to 85 percent operating; 5 to 95 percent non-operating and storage |
| Minimum device OS | Cisco IOS XE Release 26.1.2 and later | Minimum SD-WAN Manager release | Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Release 26.1.2 and later |
Get More Information
Need pricing, stock, or shipping details for the C8221-G2 ? Layer23-Switch can help you check current availability, lead time, and delivery options for this. Send us the part number, quantity, and destination country via live chat or email sales@layer23-switch.com for a fast quotation.
Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
-
How is C8221-G2 different from C8225-G2?
-
Are the C8221-G2 10G WAN ports copper or SFP+?
-
Will C8221-G2 encrypt traffic at the full speed of a 10G WAN port?
-
Can I add a 5G PIM or a NIM card to C8221-G2?
-
Does C8221-G2 offer a PoE power-supply upgrade?
-
What changes if I fit the C8221-G2 dust/liquid cover?
-
Can C8221-G2 use the same starting software release as C8231-G2?
Warranty
Layer23-Switch.com offers genuine, high-quality ICT products at competitive wholesale prices—ensuring exceptional value without compromising quality.
All items are brand new, original, and factory-sealed.
Upon request, each unit can be fully tested and verified by a Cisco CCIE-certified engineer to ensure perfect working condition before shipment.
Our Cisco CCIE-certified experts provide free professional support via phone, email, online chat, or remote login—helping you deploy and troubleshoot with confidence.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may request an exchange or full refund. Our customer service team will guide you through the return process quickly and smoothly. Visit Return Policy page for more information.
We support multiple secure payment and logistics options, backed by industry-leading verification:
Visit How to Pay page for more information
Extended, Worry-Free Warranty Coverage Factory New Sealed Enterprise Hardware:
· 3 Years Factory New Sealed
Visit Warranty Policy page for more information
Verify, plan, and comparewith confidence
Use practical tools to check device details, review lifecyclemilestones, and compare hardware before you buy.
Standard Services
Personalized Service, Superior Product Maintenance for Ultimate Satisfaction.
- Projects and Technical Support
- Easy Purchasing Supply
- Product Lifecycle Protection
- Exclusive F3 Team Support
Customized Support for Your Needs with CCIE, HCIE, HPE ASE, etc.