NIM-24A – 24x RS-232 Async Ports – Single-Wide NIM
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.
NIM-24A Description
NIM-24A is a Cisco 4000 Series Integrated Services Router Network Interface Module that adds 24 RS-232 asynchronous ports for terminal-server access and out-of-band console management of remote devices across a LAN or WAN. Cisco lists it for the NIM slots of the 4221, 4321, 4331, 4351, 4431, and 4451 platforms, requires Cisco IOS XE 16.3.1 with the IP Base feature set or later, and uses three octal-cable sockets, with CAB-ASYNC-8 required in the middle and lower sockets on the module.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
NIM-24A |
|
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | NIM-24A | 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 |
Get More Information
Need pricing, stock, or shipping details for the NIM-24A ? 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
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.
Worth giving Layer23 a try. They’ve earned my trust.
Asked if the product matched our requirements. Got a definitive answer. Shipping took a couple extra days, but product itself is perfect.
Even our legal team was comfortable with the purchase terms.