C8231-E-G2 – 2×1/10GE SFP+ – 2×2.5GE mGig UPOE+ – 1x NIM Slot – 8 GB DRAM
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C8231-E-G2 Description
The C8231-E-G2 is the entry tier of the Cisco 8200 Series modular routers, a 1RU branch platform carrying 2x 1/10 GE SFP+ and 2x 2.5 GE mGig RJ-45 UPOE+ WAN ports alongside one NIM slot and one PIM cellular slot. Cisco publishes the same 19 Gbps forwarding, 5 Gbps IPsec and 4 Gbps SD-WAN figures for it as for C8235-E-G2, and the two share ports, slots, all four power supply options, the 1 RU chassis at 8.36 lbs and the Cisco IOS XE 17.18.1 floor. The differences are 8 GB of DRAM rather than 16 GB and 1 Gbps of Threat protection rather than 2.4 Gbps, so this is the tier for branches whose deep inspection happens elsewhere. The default 140 W AC internal supply carries no PoE, and the 150 W AC for PoE adapter adds a 120W budget.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C8231-E-G2 |
|
Platform type |
Modular platform, 1 RU |
|
WAN Ports |
2x 1/10 GE SFP+ and 2x 2.5 GE mGig RJ-45 with 2x UPOE+ |
|
Expansion Slots |
1 x NIM |
|
Cellular Slot |
1 x PIM |
|
Default power supply model |
140 W AC internal; no PoE on the default supply |
|
Maximum PoE budget with the 150 W AC for PoE adapter |
120W |
|
Forwarding throughput |
19 Gbps at 512 bytes |
|
IPsec throughput |
5 Gbps at 512 bytes |
|
Threat protection throughput |
1 Gbps at EMIX |
|
DRAM |
8 GB |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE Release 17.18.1 |
Product Performance
Key Features
Forwarding at 19 Gbps, IPsec at 5 Gbps and SD-WAN at 4 Gbps are the figures Cisco publishes for C8235-E-G2 as well, so a branch measured on transport rather than inspection sees no difference between the two models.
DRAM is 8 GB against the 16 GB of the higher tier, which is the resource that tracks how many inspection services run concurrently; a design that terminates SD-WAN and encrypts without running the full NGFW stack locally fits inside it.
The NIM slot is present on both -E models rather than reserved for the higher one, so serial, async, additional Ethernet or a switch card can be added later without moving up a tier.
The 140 W AC internal default is joined by a 150 W AC for PoE adapter, a secondary PSU adapter, a 150 W AC-DC and a 150 W DC-DC supply, so the same router covers building AC, a DC plant and powered endpoints.
Cisco publishes -5 to 55 degrees C up to 6000 feet but notes an additional third fan assembly is required for it, so the carrier envelope is a configuration rather than a property of the base chassis.
At 1 RU and 8.36 lbs the chassis racks directly, while the fixed 8200 models are desktop units that need a rack-mount tray to reach 2.835 in. of height.
Application Scenarios
Deployed where security inspection runs centrally and the branch router handles routing, encryption and SD-WAN transport rather than local NGFW, IPS and malware scanning.
Installed where the NIM slot carries a serial or asynchronous card to reach older site equipment alongside the Ethernet WAN ports.
Placed in closets standardised on rack units, where the 1 RU chassis mounts directly without the tray the desktop models in this series require.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C8231-E-G2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Platform type |
Modular, 1 RU |
Modular, 1 RU |
Fixed, desktop |
|
WAN Ports |
2x 1/10 GE SFP+, 2x 2.5 GE mGig (2x UPOE+) |
2x 1/10 GE SFP+, 2x 2.5 GE mGig (2x UPOE+) |
2x 1/10 GE SFP+, 2x 2.5 GE mGig (1x PoE+) |
|
Flex ports |
Not present on this platform |
Not present on this platform |
2x 2.5 GE mGig |
|
LAN ports |
Not present on this platform |
Not present on this platform |
4x 1 GE RJ-45 |
|
Expansion Slots |
1 x NIM |
1 x NIM |
No NIM bay |
|
Cellular Slot |
1 x PIM |
1 x PIM |
No PIM bay |
|
Default power supply model |
140 W AC internal |
140 W AC internal |
66 W AC external adapter |
|
Default PoE budget |
None; the default supply carries no PoE |
None; the default supply carries no PoE |
None; the default supply carries no PoE |
|
Maximum PoE budget with the PoE adapter |
120W |
120W |
30W |
|
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 |
|
Chassis weight |
8.36 lbs |
8.36 lbs |
5 lbs |
|
Minimum software release |
Cisco IOS XE Release 17.18.1 |
Cisco IOS XE Release 17.18.1 |
Cisco IOS XE Release 17.18.1 |
- Every published figure that describes transport is identical between C8231-E-G2 and C8235-E-G2: 19 Gbps forwarding, 5 Gbps IPsec, 4 Gbps SD-WAN, the same ports, the same NIM and PIM slots, the same four power supply options, the same 120W PoE budget and the same 8.36 lb chassis. Only DRAM and Threat protection separate them.
- Because the separation is that narrow, the upgrade is worth its cost only for on-box inspection. Moving to C8235-E-G2 raises Threat protection from 1 Gbps to 2.4 Gbps and DRAM from 8 GB to 16 GB and changes nothing else, so a branch backhauling inspection to a hub is buying an unused ceiling.
- C8231-G2 shows what dropping the module bay costs and returns. It matches this router on 19 Gbps forwarding, 1 Gbps threat protection and 8 GB DRAM while adding two Flex and four LAN copper ports, but it loses the NIM and PIM bays entirely and its PoE ceiling falls from 120W to 30W.
- For deciding which SKU to order, answer whether inspection runs on the router or at a hub first, since that alone separates the two -E models; then decide whether a module bay and 120W of PoE matter more than six extra copper ports, which is the whole of what C8231-G2 trades.
Selection Guide
1. Where The Inspection Ceiling Is Never Reached
This router and C8235-E-G2 differ only at 1 Gbps against 2.4 Gbps of Threat protection and 8 GB against 16 GB of DRAM; a site whose NGFW, IPS and malware scanning run at a regional hub never touches that ceiling and gets identical routing, encryption and SD-WAN performance for less.
2. When The Module Bay Justifies Staying Modular
C8231-G2 matches this router on forwarding, threat protection and DRAM while adding six copper ports, but it has no NIM and no PIM bay and drops the PoE ceiling to 30W; a branch that will add a serial card, a cellular pluggable or more than 30W of powered endpoints has to stay on the -E chassis.
3. Thirty Watts Against One Hundred Twenty
The PoE gap between this router and C8231-G2 is the largest single difference between them: 120W here on the 150 W AC for PoE adapter against 30W there on the 115 W adapter, which is the difference between powering a pair of full-draw endpoints and powering one small one.
4. Memory Tier Is Set At Purchase
Cisco documents 8 GB here and 16 GB on C8235-E-G2 with no field upgrade between them, so a deployment whose service set is expected to grow should weigh that growth at order time rather than treat memory as something to add later.
5. Carrier Placement Adds A Second Line Item
Reaching the -5 to 55 degrees C NEBS range depends on an additional third fan assembly rather than on the base configuration, so a carrier or utility site orders two things; a branch inside 0 to 45 degrees C at 6000 feet needs only the router.
PoE Power Planning
|
Planning Item |
Value or Check |
|---|---|
|
PoE on the default supply |
None; the 140 W AC internal default supply carries no PoE budget |
|
PoE budget with the upgrade adapter |
120W with the 150 W AC for PoE external adapter |
|
UPOE+ capable ports |
2 of the 2.5 GE mGig RJ-45 WAN ports |
|
Device count check |
Confirm total endpoint draw across the two UPOE+ ports against the 120W budget |
|
Power supply line item |
Confirm the 150 W AC for PoE adapter is on the order whenever any port must deliver power |
|
Alternative supply paths |
A secondary PSU adapter, a 150 W AC-DC and a 150 W DC-DC supply are listed alongside the PoE adapter |
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
PoE adapter |
Confirm the 150 W AC for PoE external adapter is on the order when any endpoint draws power. |
The 140 W internal default supply has no PoE budget, so the UPOE+ ports stay unpowered without it. |
|
Inspection tier at order time |
Confirm 1 Gbps of Threat protection covers the planned service set rather than the 2.4 Gbps of C8235-E-G2. |
The two SKUs are otherwise identical and Cisco documents no upgrade path between them. |
|
NIM card selection |
Confirm the planned module is one of C-NIM-WAN-2X, C-NIM-WAN-4S, C-NIM-4X, C-NIM-8T, C-NIM-8M, NIM-1T, NIM-2T, NIM-4T, NIM-16A or NIM-24A. |
The 8200 Series lists no SM-form-factor or DSL modules, so a card from the 8300 catalogue will not fit. |
|
Third fan assembly for NEBS |
Confirm the additional third fan assembly is on the order if the site requires the -5 to 55 degrees C range. |
Cisco ties that range to the extra assembly, so a NEBS site without it falls back to the commercial envelope. |
|
Software image floor |
Confirm the image is Cisco IOS XE Release 17.18.1 or later and the manager is 20.18.1 or later. |
Staging below the floor leaves the router unsupported after installation. |
|
Storage capacity |
Confirm whether the default 16 GB is sufficient or whether the 600 GB option is required. |
Storage is selected at order time and a later change means a parts order. |
Optional Add-ons
|
Add-on |
Description |
|---|---|
|
C-NIM-WAN-2X |
2-port 1/10 Gbps SFP/SFP+ WAN module, NIM with WAN MACsec. |
|
C-NIM-WAN-4S |
4-port 1 Gbps SFP WAN module, NIM with WAN MACsec. |
|
4-port 1/10 Gbps SFP/SFP+ switch NIM with LAN/WAN MACsec and optional Layer 3. | |
|
8-port 100 Mbps/1 Gbps switch NIM with LAN/WAN MACsec and optional Layer 3. | |
|
8-port 100 Mbps/1/2.5 Gbps switch NIM with UPOE+, LAN/WAN MACsec and optional Layer 3. | |
|
1-port serial high-speed WAN interface card. | |
|
2-port serial high-speed WAN interface card. | |
|
4-port serial high-speed WAN interface card. | |
|
16-port asynchronous module. | |
|
24-port asynchronous module. | |
|
P-5GS6-R16SA-GL |
5G Sub-6 GHz pluggable, 5G SA Global. |
|
P-LTEA7-NA |
CAT7 LTE Advanced pluggable, North America. |
|
P-LTEA7-EAL |
CAT7 LTE Advanced pluggable, EMEA, APAC and LATAM. |
|
P-LTEA7-JP |
CAT7 LTE Advanced pluggable, Japan. |
|
150 W AC for PoE adapter |
External adapter that adds the 120W PoE budget. |
|
150 W DC-DC supply |
DC input option alongside the AC supplies. |
|
600 GB storage |
Capacity option above the 16 GB default. |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C8231-E-G2 | Series | Cisco 8200 Series Secure Routers |
| Platform type | Modular platform, 1 RU | WAN Ports | 2x 1/10 GE SFP+ and 2x 2.5 GE mGig RJ-45 with 2x UPOE+ |
| Flex Ports | Not present on this platform | LAN Ports | Not present on this platform |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x NIM | Cellular Slot | 1 x PIM |
| Management port | 1x RJ-45 out-of-band management | Console port | 1x RJ-45 and 1x micro-USB |
| DRAM | 8 GB | Storage | 16 GB, upgradeable to 600 GB |
| Default power supply model | 140 W AC internal | Default PoE budget | None; the 140 W AC internal supply carries no PoE |
| Maximum PoE budget with the 150 W AC for PoE adapter | 120W | Alternative power supplies | Secondary PSU external adapter, 150 W AC-DC, 150 W DC-DC |
| Typical power consumption | 34.20W | Input voltage | AC: 85 to 264 VAC; DC: -40 to 72V, 48V nominal |
| 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) | 1.73 x 17.25 x 11.81 in. (4.39 x 43.82 x 30.00 cm) | Rack units (RU) | 1 RU |
| Chassis weight | 8.36 lbs (3.79 kg) | Operating temperature | 0 to 40 degrees C up to 10,000 feet; 0 to 45 degrees C up to 6000 feet |
| NEBS operating temperature | -5 to 55 degrees C up to 6000 feet, with an additional third fan assembly required | Storage temperature | -40 to 70 degrees C |
| Relative humidity | 5 to 85 percent operating; 5 to 95 percent non-operating and storage | Supported modules | C-NIM-WAN-2X, C-NIM-WAN-4S, C-NIM-4X, C-NIM-8T, C-NIM-8M, NIM-1T, NIM-2T, NIM-4T, NIM-16A, NIM-24A and the four cellular pluggables |
| Minimum device OS | Cisco IOS XE Release 17.18.1 and later | Minimum SD-WAN Manager release | Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Release 20.18.1 and later |
Get More Information
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Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
-
What expansion slots are built into C8231-E-G2?
-
How does C8231-E-G2 differ from C8235-E-G2?
-
Does the internal C8231-E-G2 power supply provide its full PoE budget?
-
Does C8231-E-G2 have the four dedicated LAN ports of C8231-G2?
-
Which NIM can add two 10G WAN interfaces to C8231-E-G2?
-
Is the C8231-E-G2 NEBS temperature range available without extra hardware?
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Can C8231-E-G2 be configured for a 48V DC site?
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Does ordering C8231-E-G2 automatically include a WAN Essentials subscription?
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