NIM-16A – 16x RS-232 Async Ports – Single-Wide NIM

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NIM-16A Description

The NIM-16A is a Cisco 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers asynchronous serial Network Interface Module for out-of-band console access to the console ports of remote devices. The single-wide module has 16 RS-232 asynchronous ports on two cable sockets, a recommended connection rate of 9600 baud, and a minimum of Cisco IOS XE 16.3.1 with IP Base or higher. The module works as a terminal server only, because SLIP and PPP are not supported.

Quick Specs

Parameter

Specification

Product ID

NIM-16A

Product type

Asynchronous serial Network Interface Module

Cisco ordering description

16-Port Async Serial NIM

Supported interface

RS-232

Primary role

Terminal-server access to remote device console ports

Form factor

Single-wide NIM

Platform support

Cisco 4000 Series ISR NIM slots; datasheet lists Cisco 4221, 4321, 4331, 4351, 4431, and 4451

Minimum Cisco IOS software release

16.3.1

Cisco IOS XE feature set

IP Base and up

Cable sockets

2 asynchronous cable sockets

Supported cable SKUs

CAB-HD8-ASYNC or CAB-ASYNC-8 on both sockets

Recommended connection rate

9600 baud

Application Scenarios

Branch Console Server

In a branch office, the module gives the Cisco 4000 Series ISR sixteen RS-232 lines that reach the console ports of nearby switches, firewalls and servers through octal cables.

Out-Of-Band Management Hub

At a regional hub, network staff open terminal-server sessions over IP to the module and manage remote gear from its console ports even while the production network is down.

Product Comparison

Parameter

NIM-16A

NIM-24A

SM-X-64A

Asynchronous ports

16 RS-232

24 RS-232

64 RS-232

Form factor

Single-wide NIM

Single-wide NIM

SM-X service module

Platform support

Cisco 4221, 4321, 4331, 4351, 4431 and 4451 NIM slots

Cisco 4221, 4321, 4331, 4351, 4431 and 4451 NIM slots

Cisco 4331, 4351 and 4451 SM-X slots

Cable sockets

2; CAB-HD8-ASYNC or CAB-ASYNC-8 on both

3; CAB-ASYNC-8 required on the middle socket

SM-X cable sockets; CAB-HD8-ASYNC or CAB-ASYNC-8

Minimum Cisco IOS software release

16.3.1

16.3.1

16.6.1

SLIP and PPP support

Not supported

Not supported

Not supported

NIM-16A is the 16-port async NIM of this group with 2 cable sockets that take either CAB-HD8-ASYNC or CAB-ASYNC-8, while NIM-24A has 24 ports and 3 sockets, and its middle socket accepts only the newer CAB-ASYNC-8. A console count above 16 ports per NIM slot points to NIM-24A, which has the same 16.3.1 minimum release. Counts up to 64 ports need SM-X-64A, which fits only an SM-X slot on the Cisco 4331, 4351 and 4451 and needs Cisco IOS Software 16.6.1. All three work as terminal servers for console access only, because none of them supports SLIP or PPP routing.

Ordering Checklist

  • Supported hosts: Install the module in a Cisco 4221, 4321, 4331, 4351, 4431 or 4451 router with a free NIM slot. The datasheet lists NIM-16A only for these Cisco 4000 Series ISR platforms.

Specifications

Parameter Specification Parameter Specification
Product ID NIM-16A Product type Asynchronous serial Network Interface Module
Cisco ordering description 16-Port Async Serial NIM Supported interface RS-232
Total ports 16 async serial ports Form factor Single-wide NIM
Supported platform family Cisco 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers Listed ISR platforms Cisco 4221, 4321, 4331, 4351, 4431, and 4451
Minimum Cisco IOS software release 16.3.1 Cisco IOS XE feature set IP Base and up
Cable sockets 2 asynchronous cable sockets Supported cable SKUs CAB-HD8-ASYNC or CAB-ASYNC-8 on both sockets
Recommended connection rate 9600 baud Higher connection rates Use only with a low number of simultaneous connections
Unsupported protocols SLIP and PPP are not supported Interface addressing interface async slot/subslot/port
LED indicators Module status, port 0-7 status, and port 8-15 status Slot service procedure Shut down slot power or use Cisco OIR commands before install or removal
Dimensions 1.25 x 3.5 x 6.7 in. / 32 x 89 x 172 mm Operating temperature 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Storage temperature -20°C to 65°C (-4°F to 149°F) Operating humidity 10 to 90 percent, noncondensing

Quality Certifications

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    Chen Bell
    Posted on 19/04/2026
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    We’ve reordered the same products multiple times. Quality has been consistent every time.

    Lori Hamilton
    Posted on 25/01/2026
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    Our risk assessment came up clean. Order placed and delivered without issues.

    Henrik Perez
    Posted on 05/01/2026
    Verified Buyer
    4.0

    They offered to verify compatibility before shipping. Went above and beyond. Took a little longer to clear customs than expected, otherwise excellent.

Questions & Answers

  • Which routers accept NIM-16A?

    NIM-16A installs in a free NIM slot of the Cisco 4221, 4321, 4331, 4351, 4431 and 4451 routers. The datasheet lists the single-wide module only for these integrated services router platforms.
  • What minimum software release does NIM-16A need?

    NIM-16A needs Cisco IOS XE 16.3.1 or later with the IP Base feature set or higher. The module works as a terminal server for console access to remote devices, because SLIP and PPP are not supported.
  • Is NIM-16A listed in the Catalyst 8300 datasheet?

    Yes. Table 7 of the Catalyst 8300 datasheet still lists NIM-16A among its legacy WAN modules, next to NIM-24A and the VDSL/ADSL NIMs. Use the datasheet module table, not the ISR 4000 platform list, to confirm the Catalyst 8300 model you plan to fit.
  • What operating temperature and humidity range applies to NIM-16A?

    NIM-16A operates from 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) at 10 to 90 percent humidity, noncondensing. Keep the router closet within that operating range, since console lines for remote gear often terminate in rooms without climate control.
  • What are the dimensions of NIM-16A?

    NIM-16A measures 1.25 x 3.5 x 6.7 in. (32 x 89 x 172 mm) as a single-wide module. Check that depth against the free NIM slot and the cabling room in front of the router, because two octal cables attach to the two cable sockets.
  • What storage temperature and humidity limits apply to NIM-16A?

    NIM-16A can be stored from -20°C to 65°C (-4°F to 149°F). Keep spare modules inside that range in the warehouse or in a branch cabinet, because the operating range of 0°C to 40°C is narrower and applies only once the module is installed in the router.

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DataSheet Downloads

  • NIM-16A Datasheet