C8231-G2 – 2×1/10GE SFP+ – 4×2.5GE mGig – 4x1GE LAN – 30W PoE Budget
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C8231-G2 Description
The C8231-G2 is the compact multigigabit model in the Cisco 8200 Series desktop range, a 5 lb chassis that mixes port speeds rather than running them all at 2.5 GE. Four copper ports are multigigabit, two as WAN with one carrying PoE+ and two as Flex, while the four LAN ports stay at 1 GE; uplinks are 2x 1/10 GE SFP+. It forwards at 19 Gbps, the same figure the rest of the mGig 8200 models publish, but its inspection tier is 1 Gbps and DRAM is 8 GB. PoE is limited: the default 66 W adapter carries none and the 115 W AC for PoE adapter adds only 30W, enough for a single modest endpoint. There is no cellular bay on this model.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
C8231-G2 |
|
Platform type |
Desktop form factor |
|
WAN Ports |
2x 1/10 GE SFP+ and 2x 2.5 GE mGig RJ-45 with 1x PoE+ |
|
Flex Ports |
2x 2.5 GE mGig RJ-45 |
|
LAN Ports |
4x 1 GE RJ-45 |
|
Cellular Slot |
None on this platform |
|
Default power supply model |
66 W AC external adapter; no PoE on the default supply |
|
Maximum PoE budget with the 115 W AC for PoE adapter |
30W |
|
Forwarding throughput |
19 Gbps at 512 bytes |
|
Threat protection throughput |
1 Gbps at EMIX |
|
DRAM |
8 GB |
|
Chassis weight |
5 lbs (2.27 kg) |
|
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 match every other mGig model in the series, so the 5 lb body and lower price do not cost transport performance.
The four multigigabit ports sit on the WAN and Flex side while the four LAN ports stay at 1 GE, which suits a site whose fast links face outward and whose local devices are still gigabit-attached.
Only one of the WAN mGig ports carries PoE+, and the 30W ceiling on the 115 W adapter means the router powers one endpoint rather than serving as a small PoE switch.
Operating temperature reaches 45 degrees C at sea level against the 40 degrees C of C8235-G2, so an unconditioned cabinet that would exclude the multigigabit model still accepts this one.
DRAM is 8 GB and Threat protection is 1 Gbps, sized for a branch that routes and encrypts locally while sending deep inspection to a hub.
Management is 1x RJ-45 out-of-band plus a single RJ-45 console, without the micro-USB console port the larger models in the series add.
Application Scenarios
Deployed where local devices remain at 1 GE while the WAN and Flex ports carry multigigabit links toward the circuit and a local switch.
Installed in cabinets that reach 45 degrees C, a band the 40 degrees C models in the series cannot cover.
Placed where one access point or camera draws PoE+ from the router and the remaining endpoints have their own power.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
C8231-G2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Platform type |
Desktop |
Desktop |
Modular, 1 RU |
|
WAN Ports |
2x 1/10 GE SFP+, 2x 2.5 GE mGig (1x PoE+) |
2x 1/10 GE SFP+, 2x 2.5 GE mGig (2x UPOE+) |
2x 1/10 GE SFP+, 2x 2.5 GE mGig (2x UPOE+) |
|
Flex Ports |
2x 2.5 GE mGig |
2x 2.5 GE mGig (2x PoE+) |
Not present on this platform |
|
LAN Ports |
4x 1 GE RJ-45 |
4x 2.5 GE mGig |
Not present on this platform |
|
Cellular Slot |
None on this platform |
1 x PIM |
1 x PIM |
|
Expansion Slots |
No NIM bay |
No NIM bay |
1 x NIM |
|
Default power supply model |
66 W AC external adapter |
66 W AC external adapter |
140 W AC internal |
|
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 |
30W |
120W |
120W |
|
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 |
|
Operating temperature |
0 to 45 degrees C |
0 to 40 degrees C |
0 to 45 degrees C up to 6000 feet |
|
Chassis weight |
5 lbs |
7 lbs |
8.36 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 |
- C8231-G2 and C8235-G2 share a series, a software floor and 19 Gbps of forwarding, and part company on almost everything else. This model runs its four LAN ports at 1 GE against 2.5 GE, carries one PoE+ port against two UPOE+ plus two PoE+, tops out at 30W of PoE against 120W, holds 8 GB of DRAM against 16 GB and inspects at 1 Gbps against 2.4 Gbps.
- What it gains is thermal range and weight: 45 degrees C at sea level against 40, and 5 lbs against 7. A cabinet that runs warm or a site with a tight mounting position can take this router where the multigigabit model would be out of spec.
- C8231-E-G2 matches this model on DRAM, inspection tier and forwarding while trading the six Flex and LAN copper ports for a NIM slot, a 1 RU rack-mount body and a PoE ceiling four times higher at 120W. The two are the same performance tier in different chassis philosophies.
- For deciding which SKU to order, start with the powered endpoints, because 30W settles the question against both alternatives on its own; then check whether local devices need more than 1 GE, which is the only other place C8235-G2 pulls ahead, and whether a WAN module is in scope, which is the only reason to take C8231-E-G2.
Selection Guide
1. When Thirty Watts Covers The Powered Endpoints
The 115 W adapter carries a 30W budget against the 120W of C8235-G2 and C8231-E-G2; a site powering one access point or one camera fits inside it, and anything beyond a single full-draw device rules this model out regardless of its other specifications.
2. Gigabit LAN Ports Are Not A Limitation Everywhere
The four LAN ports run at 1 GE where C8235-G2 runs them at 2.5 GE; a branch whose local devices are gigabit-attached loses nothing, while one cabling multigigabit access points saturates them and should take the faster model.
3. Forty-Five Degrees Instead Of Forty
This chassis is rated to 45 degrees C at sea level while C8235-G2 stops at 40; an unconditioned cabinet or a warm equipment room can take this router where the multigigabit model would be operating out of specification.
4. Where A Module Bay Replaces The Copper Ports
C8231-E-G2 holds the same 8 GB DRAM and 1 Gbps inspection tier but exchanges all six Flex and LAN ports for a NIM slot and a 120W PoE ceiling in a 1 RU body; a site that needs serial, async or additional fiber later should start there and plan separate switching.
5. The Lightest Chassis In The mGig Range
At 5 lbs this is the smallest multigigabit model in the series, which matters for wall or shelf mounting where the 7 lb and 8.36 lb alternatives need more support; the rack-mount tray remains available if the site later standardises on rack units.
PoE Power Planning
|
Planning Item |
Value or Check |
|---|---|
|
PoE on the default supply |
None; the 66 W AC external adapter carries no PoE budget |
|
PoE budget with the upgrade adapter |
30W with the 115 W AC for PoE external adapter |
|
PoE+ capable ports |
1 of the 2.5 GE mGig RJ-45 WAN ports |
|
Device count check |
Confirm the single powered endpoint draws no more than 30W |
|
Power supply line item |
Confirm the 115 W AC for PoE adapter is on the order whenever the PoE+ port must deliver power |
|
Alternative for higher budgets |
C8235-G2 and C8231-E-G2 carry 120W budgets if the endpoint plan exceeds 30W |
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
PoE adapter |
Confirm the 115 W AC for PoE external adapter is on the order when the PoE+ port must deliver power. |
The 66 W default adapter has no PoE budget, so the powered port stays dark without it. |
|
Powered endpoint budget |
Confirm the single powered device draws no more than 30W. |
This is the lowest PoE ceiling in the 8200 range and a device sized for a 120W budget will not come up. |
|
LAN port speed |
Confirm local devices are gigabit-attached rather than multigigabit. |
The four LAN ports run at 1 GE and cannot be raised, so multigigabit endpoints belong on C8235-G2. |
|
Rack-mount tray |
Confirm the rack-mount tray is on the order if the chassis will be racked rather than shelf-mounted. |
Cisco publishes the racked dimension only with that tray, which is a separate accessory. |
|
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. |
|
Console access method |
Confirm the site has RJ-45 console access rather than expecting a micro-USB port. |
This model publishes only an RJ-45 console, unlike the larger models in the series. |
Optional Add-ons
|
Add-on |
Description |
|---|---|
|
115 W AC for PoE adapter |
External adapter that adds the 30W PoE budget. |
|
Secondary 66 W AC adapter |
Additional external adapter listed as a secondary PSU option. |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | C8231-G2 | Series | Cisco 8200 Series Secure Routers |
| Platform type | Desktop form factor | WAN Ports | 2x 1/10 GE SFP+ and 2x 2.5 GE mGig RJ-45 with 1x PoE+ |
| Flex Ports | 2x 2.5 GE mGig 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 | 66 W AC external adapter | Default PoE budget | None; the 66 W AC external adapter carries no PoE |
| Maximum PoE budget with the 115 W AC for PoE adapter | 30W | Typical power consumption | 26.70 W |
| 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) | 1.14 x 8.1 x 12.23 in. (2.89 x 20.57 x 31.06 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 lbs (2.27 kg) | Operating temperature | 0 to 45 degrees C at sea level |
| 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 17.18.1 and later | Minimum SD-WAN Manager release | Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Release 20.18.1 and later |
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Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
-
Does C8231-G2 provide PoE with its standard adapter?
-
Which C8231-G2 ports run at 2.5G?
-
Can C8231-G2 take the same 5G PIM as C8235-G2?
-
What are the main reasons to choose C8235-G2 over C8231-G2?
-
Does C8231-E-G2 simply put C8231-G2 in a rack chassis?
-
Should C8231-G2 security sizing use the 19 Gbps forwarding figure?
-
What is the software baseline for C8231-G2 with Catalyst SD-WAN?
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