NIM-24A – 24x RS-232 Async Ports – Single-Wide NIM – Terminal Server Module
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NIM-24A Description
NIM-24A is a Cisco 4000 Series ISR 24-port asynchronous serial Network Interface Module for terminal-server access to RS-232 console ports.
This module fits branch and remote-management builds that need more console density than NIM-16A while still using a NIM expansion position. NIM-24A uses a three-socket cable layout, so the cable plan matters more than it does on the 16-port module; SM-X-64A is the higher-density alternative for supported ISR platforms with an SM-X slot.
Procurement review should confirm the exact ISR 4000 model, available NIM slot or supported SM-X adapter path, Cisco IOS Software baseline, IP Base feature set, RS-232 octal cable mix, and the no-SLIP/no-PPP boundary before ordering this SKU as a terminal-server module.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
NIM-24A |
|
Product family |
Cisco 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers asynchronous terminal server interface modules |
|
Product type |
Asynchronous serial Network Interface Module |
|
Cisco description |
24-Port Async Serial NIM |
|
Supported interface |
RS-232 |
|
Primary role |
Terminal-server access to remote device console ports |
|
Port count |
24 async serial 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 |
|
Cable sockets |
3 asynchronous cable sockets |
|
Cable planning |
CAB-ASYNC-8 can be used on all sockets; CAB-HD8-ASYNC support is socket-limited on NIM-24A |
|
Recommended connection rate |
9600 baud |
Application Scenarios
Deploy NIM-24A when a Cisco 4000 Series ISR needs 24 RS-232 async serial ports for out-of-band console management and the design should stay within a NIM slot.
Select this SKU when NIM-16A does not provide enough console-port count, but the router design does not require the 64-port SM-X service-module option.
Use this module in refresh projects where the bill of materials can include the correct Cisco asynchronous octal cables, especially CAB-ASYNC-8 for the NIM-24A socket positions where older CAB-HD8-ASYNC cabling is restricted.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
NIM-24A |
SM-X-64A | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Product family |
Cisco asynchronous interface modules for 4000 Series ISRs |
Cisco asynchronous interface modules for 4000 Series ISRs |
Cisco asynchronous interface modules for 4000 Series ISRs |
|
Cisco description |
24-Port Async Serial NIM |
16-Port Async Serial NIM |
64-Port Async Serial SM |
|
Product type |
Network Interface Module |
Network Interface Module |
Service Module |
|
Supported interface |
RS-232 |
RS-232 |
RS-232 |
|
Port count |
24 async serial ports |
16 async serial ports |
64 async serial ports |
|
Form factor or slot |
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 platforms with an SM-X slot |
|
Maximum modules per ISR in datasheet |
Up to 2 on Cisco 4221 and 4321; up to 3 on Cisco 4431, 4351, and 4451 |
Up to 2 on Cisco 4221 and 4321; up to 3 on Cisco 4431, 4351, and 4451 |
Up to 1 on Cisco 4331; up to 2 on Cisco 4351 and 4451 |
|
Minimum Cisco IOS Software release |
16.3.1 |
16.3.1 |
16.6.1 |
|
Cisco IOS XE feature set |
IP Base and up |
IP Base and up |
IP Base and up |
|
Cable socket plan |
3 sockets; CAB-ASYNC-8 supported on all sockets and older cable support is socket-limited |
2 sockets; CAB-HD8-ASYNC or CAB-ASYNC-8 on both sockets |
SM-X cable sockets support CAB-HD8-ASYNC or CAB-ASYNC-8 |
|
Recommended connection rate |
9600 baud |
9600 baud |
9600 baud |
|
SLIP and PPP support |
Not supported |
Not supported |
Not supported |
- In a NIM-24A vs NIM-16A comparison, the confirmed difference is async port density: NIM-24A provides 24 RS-232 ports, while NIM-16A provides 16 RS-232 ports in the same NIM product family.
- The NIM-24A vs NIM-16A cable difference is the three-socket NIM-24A layout, where Cisco documents socket-specific limits for older CAB-HD8-ASYNC cabling.
- In a NIM-24A vs SM-X-64A comparison, the main difference is slot type and scale; NIM-24A uses a NIM slot with 24 ports, while SM-X-64A uses an SM-X slot with 64 ports and a later minimum Cisco IOS Software release.
- For buyers deciding which model to choose, the NIM-24A comparison should start with required console-port count, available router slot type, and whether the cabling plan can use CAB-ASYNC-8 where Cisco requires it.
Selection Guide
1. Choose NIM-24A for 24 async RS-232 ports in a NIM slot
Select NIM-24A when the bill of materials calls for 24 asynchronous serial ports on a Cisco 4000 Series ISR and the target router has a supported NIM expansion position.
2. Stay with NIM-16A for smaller console-port counts
Choose NIM-16A instead when 16 RS-232 async ports are enough and the project prefers the simpler two-socket cable layout documented for that module.
3. Move to SM-X-64A only when SM-X density is required
Select SM-X-64A when the supported ISR platform has an SM-X slot and the design needs 64 async serial ports rather than a 24-port NIM.
4. Verify software and cable limits before procurement approval
Check Cisco IOS Software 16.3.1 or later support context, IP Base or higher feature set, terminal-server-only protocol scope, and the NIM-24A cable-socket plan before adding this SKU to the order.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Exact SKU |
NIM-24A |
Confirms the order is for the 24-port async serial NIM rather than NIM-16A or SM-X-64A |
|
Router platform |
Cisco 4000 Series ISR with an available NIM slot |
Cisco documents NIM-24A for 4000 Series ISR NIM-slot use |
|
Port requirement |
24 RS-232 asynchronous serial ports |
Separates this SKU from 16-port and 64-port async module choices |
|
Cable plan |
CAB-ASYNC-8 where required; CAB-HD8-ASYNC only where Cisco allows it |
NIM-24A has socket-specific cabling limits because of its compact connector placement |
|
Software baseline |
Cisco IOS Software 16.3.1 and IP Base or higher support context |
Matches Cisco’s minimum software and feature-set table for NIM-24A |
|
Protocol scope |
Terminal-server console access without SLIP or PPP |
Cisco documents that asynchronous routing and data encapsulation are not supported |
|
Slot service procedure |
Slot power shutdown or Cisco OIR command process before installation or removal |
Keeps field handling aligned with Cisco installation guidance |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Cisco | Product ID | NIM-24A |
| Product family | Cisco 4000 Series ISR asynchronous terminal server interface modules | Product type | Asynchronous serial Network Interface Module |
| Cisco description | 24-Port Async Serial NIM | Supported interface | RS-232 |
| Port count | 24 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 | 3 asynchronous cable sockets | Supported cable SKUs | CAB-ASYNC-8; CAB-HD8-ASYNC only on Cisco-allowed NIM-24A 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, port 8-15 status, and port 16-23 status | Line numbering | 24 line numbers per subslot on Cisco 4000 Series ISR platforms |
| Slot service procedure | Shut down slot power or use Cisco OIR commands before install or removal | Physical form factor rule | Single-wide NIM and SM-X modules, no slot restrictions |
| Dimensions | 1.25 x 3.5 x 6.7 in. / 32 x 89 x 172 mm | Operating temperature | 32 to 104 degrees F (0 to 40 degrees C) |
| Storage temperature | -4 to 149 degrees F (-20 to 65 degrees C) | Relative humidity | 10 to 90 percent, noncondensing |
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