Router selection starts with the branch or edge role, required WAN media and the performance metric that matches the traffic profile. Keep licensed aggregate throughput, autonomous forwarding and SD-WAN IPsec figures separate, then confirm expansion slots, memory, software and subscriptions.
Start with deployment role, software mode and traffic profile. Router throughput values are useful only when the metric name, packet size, encryption state and license context match the intended deployment.
| Decision area | Compare these specifications | Practical selection rule |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Deployment and software modeDefine branch, aggregation or edge use and whether the router will run autonomous IOS XE or a managed SD-WAN design. | Router Role; Management Model; Required Subscription; Licensing | Choose the operating model before sizing throughput. A platform that meets an autonomous-routing target may have different SD-WAN subscription, management and performance requirements. |
| 02 WAN and LAN connectivityMap every current and planned circuit to a physical interface, speed and media type. | Configurable Ethernet Ports; Built-in 1GE and 10GE Ports; Integrated LAN Switch Ports | Confirm port speed, copper or fiber media and whether a port is routed, switched or management-only. Port count alone does not establish circuit compatibility. |
| 03 Service expansionAccount for WAN, voice and service modules that are required now or during the refresh cycle. | Expansion Slots; NIM Slots; SM-X Slots; Service Module Support | Match the module to the exact slot type and supported software. NIM, SM-X and other module bays are not interchangeable even when the chassis has free slots. |
| 04 Unencrypted forwardingSize normal routed traffic with the Cisco measurement that matches the packet profile and platform mode. | IPv4 IMIX Platform Throughput; Autonomous IPv4 Forwarding (1400-byte); Forwarding Throughput (512-byte) | Compare only the same named metric and packet profile. A 1400-byte result, a 512-byte result and IMIX describe different workloads and must not be ranked as equivalent. |
| 05 Encrypted and SD-WAN trafficEstimate the traffic that will traverse IPsec or the SD-WAN overlay instead of relying on a clear-text headline number. | SD-WAN IPsec Throughput; Autonomous IPsec Throughput; Encrypted Throughput (IMIX); Overlay Tunnels | Use the result for the intended software mode, packet profile and encryption workload. Do not use autonomous IPsec, SD-WAN IPsec and clear-text forwarding figures interchangeably. |
| 06 Platform resources and continuityConfirm that memory, storage and power design support the planned software, services and availability requirement. | Default and Maximum DRAM; Storage; Default Power Supply; Power Redundancy | Check the required software release and service footprint before ordering memory or storage. A second PSU option improves power continuity but does not replace a wider network-resiliency design. |
Cisco publishes different throughput metrics for different platforms and test modes. The matrix keeps each named metric in its own column so unlike measurements are not presented as equivalents.
| Product ID | Configurable Ethernet Ports | Built-in 1GE Ports | Aggregate Licensed Throughput | SD-WAN IPsec Throughput (1400-byte) | NIM Slots | Default DRAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C8200L-1N-4T | 2 x 1G SFP plus 2 x 1G RJ-45 configurable routed Ethernet | 4 | Not listed | 0.5 Gbps | 1 | 4 GB |
| C8300-1N1S-6T | 4 x 1G RJ-45 plus 2 x 1G SFP | 6 | Not listed | Up to 2 Gbps | 1 | 8 GB |
| C8200-1N-4T | 2 x 1G RJ-45 plus 2 x 1G SFP configurable routed Ethernet | 4 | Not listed | 1 Gbps | 1 | 8 GB |
| C8300-1N1S-4T2X | 4 x 1G RJ-45 plus 2 x 10G SFP+ | 4 | Not listed | Up to 17 Gbps | 1 | 8 GB |
| C8500-12X | 12 x 1/10G SFP+ | 12 | Not published by Cisco | Up to 51 Gbps | 0 | 16 GB |
| C8300-2N2S-4T2X | 4 x 1G RJ-45 plus 2 x 10G SFP+ | 4 | Not listed | Up to 18.8 Gbps | 2 | 8 GB |
| ISR4431/K9 | 4 x onboard 1G RJ-45/SFP configurable ports | 4 | 0.5 Gbps | Not listed | 3 | 4 GB |
| C1111-8P | 1 x 1G RJ-45 plus 1 x 1G SFP/RJ-45 combo | 10 | Not listed | 1.889 Gbps | Not applicable | 4 GB |
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Cisco router tables use distinct performance profiles for autonomous routing, SD-WAN and encrypted traffic. Compare like-for-like measurements and treat licensing limits separately from measured forwarding results.
A configured or licensed aggregate bandwidth limit where Cisco publishes one for the platform.
IPv4 forwarding performance for the stated large-packet profile in autonomous IOS XE operation.
Encrypted overlay throughput measured for the stated Catalyst SD-WAN packet profile.
Performance measured with a mixed packet-size traffic profile rather than one fixed packet size.
Different physical expansion interfaces for supported WAN, voice, compute and service modules.
The number of integrated Ethernet ports at the stated speeds and connector types.
Browse the full Cisco routers catalog, or open an available model page to review product details, request pricing and confirm availability.
Shop Cisco routersUse the metric that matches the planned operating mode and traffic profile. Do not substitute aggregate licensed throughput, IPv4 IMIX, autonomous forwarding and SD-WAN IPsec figures for one another.
Not automatically. Compare interface media, module requirements, encrypted traffic, software architecture, subscriptions and feature support before treating two router platforms as replacements.
They determine whether the router can accept the WAN, voice, compute or service modules required by the design. A faster platform without the correct slot type may not fit the deployment.
Yes, but the result should be used as a screening tool. Platform role, software mode and the exact Cisco performance measurement remain essential context.
Clear-text forwarding and IPsec or SD-WAN performance use different workloads and processing paths. Compare only results with the same operating mode, packet profile and encryption context.
No. A licensed or configured throughput value is a ceiling, while a measured result belongs to a stated packet size and feature profile. Both may constrain the design, but they should remain separate comparison rows.