Serial Interface Cards

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Updated:January 23, 2008

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Table of Contents

Serial Interface Cards

Serial WAN Interface Cards

1- and 2-Port Serial WICs

2-Port Asynchronous/Synchronous Serial WIC

Serial WAN Interface Card LEDs

Supported Platforms

Prerequisites for Connecting 1- and 2-Port Serial WICs to a Network

Installing a Cisco Serial WAN Interface Card

Grounding

Cables

Connecting 1- and 2-Port Serial WICs to a Network

Serial High Speed WICs

4-Port Multiprotocol High Speed HWIC

4-Port Multiprotocol Low Speed Asynchronous/Synchronous HWIC

8-Port RS-232 Asynchronous/Synchronous HWIC

8-Port Asynchronous HWIC

16-Port Asynchronous HWIC

LED Status

Supported Platforms

Prerequisites for Connecting Serial HWICs to the Network

Installing a Cisco Serial High Speed WAN Interface Card

Grounding

Cables

Cables for 4-Port Serial HWICs

Cables for 8-Port and 16-Port Serial HWICs

Connecting Serial HWICs to the Network

Related Documentation

Obtaining Documentation, Obtaining Support, and Security Guidelines

Serial Interface Cards

Revised: 11/14/2008, OL-12843-01

This guide describes how to connect Cisco serial interface cards to your network. It contains the following sections:

Serial WAN Interface Cards

This section describes serial WAN interface cards (WICs) and how to connect 1- and 2-port Cisco serial WICs to a network. It contains the following subsections:

1- and 2-Port Serial WICs

The 1-port serial WIC (WIC-1T), shown in Figure 1, and the 2-port serial WIC (WIC-2T), shown in Figure 2, provide an EIA/TIA-232, EIA/TIA-449, V.35, X.21, data terminal equipment/data communications equipment (DTE/DCE), EIA-530 DTE, or nonreturn to zero/nonreturn to zero inverted (NRZ/NRZI) serial interface to a Cisco modular router.

NoteA WIC-2T port that is not connected to a cable is automatically configured as DCE and assigned the default clock rate of 2 Mbps.

Figure 1 1-Port Serial WIC Front Panel (WIC-1T)

 

Figure 2 2-Port Serial WIC Front Panel (WIC-2T)

 

2-Port Asynchronous/Synchronous Serial WIC

The 2-port asynchronous/synchronous (A/S) WIC (WIC-2A/S), shown in Figure 3, provides an EIA/TIA-232, EIA/TIA-449, V.35, X.21, DTE/DCE, EIA-530, or EIA-530A serial interface to a Cisco modular router.

Caution To comply with the Telcordia GR-1089 NEBS standard for electromagnetic compatibility and safety, connect the 2-port A/S WAN interface card (WIC-2A/S) only to intra-building or non-exposed wiring or cabling. The intrabuilding cable must be shielded and the shield must be grounded at both ends.

Figure 3 2-Port A/S Serial WIC Front Panel (WIC-2A/S)

 

Serial WAN Interface Card LEDs

Each serial WIC has one LED, labeled CONN for each port, which lights when the serial port is connected. When the port is in DTE mode, the CONN LED indicates that Data Send Ready (DSR), Data Carrier Detect (DCD), and Clear To Send (CTS) have been detected. When the port is in DCE mode, it indicates that Data Terminal Ready (DTR) and Ready To Send (RTS) have been detected.

Supported Platforms

For a list of the platforms that support a Cisco interface card see Cisco Interface Cards for Cisco Access Routers .

NoteIn Cisco 3600 series and Cisco 2600 series routers, the 2-port serial WIC supports both asynchronous (up to 115.2 kbps) and synchronous (up to 2.048 Mbps) data rates. The 1-port serial WIC supports only synchronous data rates up to 2.048 Mbps.

NoteIn the Cisco 1720 series router, the 1-port and 2-port serial WICs support both asynchronous (up to 115.2 kbps) and synchronous (up to 2.048 Mbps) data rates.

NoteIn Cisco 1600 series routers, the 1-port serial WIC supports asynchronous data rates up to 115.2 kbps, and synchronous data rates up to 2.048 Mbps. The 2-port serial WIC is not supported on this router.

NoteIn Cisco 3700 series, Cisco 3600 series, Cisco 2600 series, Cisco 1720, and Cisco MWR 1941-DC routers, the 2-port A/S WIC supports both asynchronous (up to 115.2 kbps) and synchronous (up to 128 kbps) data rates.

NoteThe 2-port A/S WIC is not supported in Cisco 1600 series routers.

Finding Support Information for Platforms and Cisco IOS Software Images

Use Cisco Feature Navigator to find information about platform support and Cisco IOS software image support. Access Cisco Feature Navigator at http://www.cisco.com/go/fn . You must have an account on Cisco.com. If you do not have an account or have forgotten your username or password, click Cancel at the login dialog box and follow the instructions that appear.

Prerequisites for Connecting 1- and 2-Port Serial WICs to a Network

Before connecting a WIC to the network, ensure that the WIC is installed in the router, the equipment is properly grounded, and you have the proper cables for connecting the WIC to the network. This section describes the preparation necessary before connecting a 1- and 2-Port WIC to the network.

Installing a Cisco Serial WAN Interface Card

Install the Cisco serial wan interface card according to the instructions in Installing Cisco Interface Cards in Cisco Access Routers .

Grounding

Ensure that the equipment you are working with is properly grounded according to the instructions in Installing Cisco Interface Cards in Cisco Access Routers .

Cables

After you install the serial WIC, use the appropriate serial cable to connect the WIC’s serial port to one of the following types of equipment. (See Figure 5.):

  • An asynchronous modem, if connecting to an analog telephone line
  • A synchronous modem, DSU or CSU, or other DCE, if connecting to a digital WAN line

The 1-port serial WIC has a DB-60 serial port, whereas the 2-port serial WIC and the 2-port A/S WIC have Cisco smart serial ports. Use the correct cable for your serial WIC.

The serial cable attached to a smart serial port determines the port’s electrical interface type and mode (DTE or DCE).

Caution Do not over-torque the screws on the serial cable when attaching to the serial WAN interface card. Recommended torque is 2.0 kgf.cm (1.7 lbf.in). Over-torquing may cause damage to the interface card.

Tip A cable providing surge protection (CAB-SS-SURGE) is also available from Cisco Systems. See the “For connection limitations, see the “1- and 2-Port Serial WICs” section on page 1, and the “2-Port Asynchronous/Synchronous Serial WIC” section on page 2.” section for instructions on connecting the surge protector cable.

Types of Cables for 1- and 2-Port Serial WICs

Six types of serial cables (also called serial adapter cables or serial transition cables ) are available from Cisco Systems for 1- and 2-port serial WICs:

  • EIA/TIA-232 serial cable assembly
  • EIA/TIA-449 serial cable assembly
  • V.35 serial cable assembly
  • X.21 serial cable assembly
  • EIA/TIA-530 serial cable assembly
  • EIA/TIA-530A serial cable assembly

All serial cables provide a universal plug at the interface card end. The network end of each cable provides the physical connectors most commonly used for the interface. For example, the network end of the EIA/TIA-232 serial cable is a DB-25 connector, the most widely used EIA/TIA-232 connector.

All serial interface types except EIA-530 are available in DTE or DCE format: DTE with a plug connector at the network end and DCE with a receptacle at the network end. V.35 is available in either mode with either gender at the network end. EIA-530 is available in DTE only.

Caution Do not over-torque the screws on the serial cable when attaching to the serial WAN interface card. Recommended torque is 2.0 kgf.cm (1.7 lbf.in). Over-torquing may cause damage to the interface card.

Connecting 1- and 2-Port Serial WICs to a Network

NoteFor connection limitations, see the “1- and 2-Port Serial WICs” section, and the “2-Port Asynchronous/Synchronous Serial WIC” section.

To connect the serial card to the WAN, follow these steps:

Step 1 Confirm that the router is turned off.

On the Cisco MWR 1941-DC router, turn off power by turning OFF the DC power source at the circuit breaker and taping the circuit breaker into the OFF position.

Caution To comply with the Telcordia GR-1089 NEBS standard for electromagnetic compatibility and safety, connect the 2-port A/S WAN interface card (WIC-2A/S) only to intra-building or non-exposed wiring or cabling. The intrabuilding cable must be shielded and the shield must be grounded at both ends.

Step 2 (Optional) Connect the surge protection cable to the connector on the card faceplate. (See Figure 4.)

Step 3 (Optional) Connect one end of the appropriate serial cable to the other connector on the surge protector cable. (See Figure 4.)

Figure 4 Connecting the Cisco Surge Protector Cable (CAB-SS-SURGE) to a Serial WAN Interface

 

Step 4 Connect one end of the appropriate serial cable to the connector on the card faceplate.

Step 5 Connect the other end of the cable to the appropriate type of equipment, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 Connecting the Serial WAN Port to a Modem or DSU/CSU

 

Step 6 Turn on power to the router by pressing the power switch to the ON ( | ) position.

On the Cisco MWR 1941-DC router, turn on power to the router by turning ON the DC power source at the circuit breaker.

Step 7 Check that the CONN LED goes on, which indicates that the card’s serial port detects the WAN serial connection.

 

Serial High Speed WICs

There are five Cisco serial high speed WICs (HWICs). This section describes the HWICs and tells how to connect them to a network. It contains the following subsections:

4-Port Multiprotocol High Speed HWIC

The 4-port multiprotocol high speed HWIC (HWIC-4T) is illustrated in Figure 6. Protocols supported are Async (SLIP), Async (PPP), HDLC, Bisync, and transparent.

Interfaces supported are as follows:

  • In both DTE and DCE formats: V35, X21, RS-232, and RS-449
  • In DTE format only: EIA-530 and EIA-530A

The maximum data rate supported is 8 Mbps per port.

Caution To comply with the Telcordia GR-1089 NEBS standard for electromagnetic compatibility and safety, connect the 4-port multiprotocol high speed HWIC (HWIC-4T) only to intra-building or non-exposed wiring or cabling. The intrabuilding cable must be shielded and the shield must be grounded at both ends.

Figure 6 4-Port Multiprotocol HWIC Front Panel (HWIC-4T)

 

4-Port Multiprotocol Low Speed Asynchronous/Synchronous HWIC

The 4-port multiprotocol low speed asynchronous/synchronous HWIC (HWIC-4A/S) is illustrated in Figure 7. Protocols supported are Async (SLIP), Async (PPP), HDLC, Bisync, and transparent.

Interfaces supported are as follows:

  • In both DTE and DCE formats: V35, X21, RS-232, and RS-449
  • In DTE format only: EIA-530 and EIA-530A

The maximum data rate supported is 256 kbps per port (synchronous).

Caution To comply with the Telcordia GR-1089 NEBS standard for electromagnetic compatibility and safety, connect the 4-port multiprotocol low speed asynchronous/synchronous HWIC (HWIC-4A/S) only to intra-building or non-exposed wiring or cabling. The intrabuilding cable must be shielded and the shield must be grounded at both ends.

Figure 7 4-Port Multiprotocol A/S HWIC Front Panel (HWIC-4A/S)

 

8-Port RS-232 Asynchronous/Synchronous HWIC

The 8-port RS-232 asynchronous/synchronous HWIC (HWIC-8A-RS232), illustrated in Figure 8, provides 8 asynchronous/synchronous RS-232 interfaces in both DCE and DTE formats. Data rates of up to 230.4 kbps are supported in asynchronous mode, and up to 256 kbps in synchronous mode.

Figure 8 8-Port RS-232 Asynchronous/Synchronous HWIC Front Panel (HWIC-8A/S-RS232)

 

8-Port Asynchronous HWIC

The 8-port asynchronous HWIC (HWIC-8A), illustrated in Figure 9, provides 8 asynchronous RS-232 interfaces in DTE format, at data rates of up to 230.4 kbps.

Caution To comply with the Telcordia GR-1089 NEBS standard for electromagnetic compatibility and safety, connect the 8-port asynchronous HWIC (HWIC-8A) only to intra-building or non-exposed wiring or cabling. The intrabuilding cable must be shielded and the shield must be grounded at both ends.

Figure 9 8-Port Asynchronous HWIC Front Panel (HWIC-8A)

 

16-Port Asynchronous HWIC

The 16-port asynchronous HWIC (HWIC-16A), illustrated in Figure 10, provides 16 asynchronous RS-232 interfaces in DTE format, at data rates of up to 230.4 kbps.

Caution To comply with the Telcordia GR-1089 NEBS standard for electromagnetic compatibility and safety, connect the 16-port asynchronous HWIC (HWIC-16A) only to intra-building or non-exposed wiring or cabling. The intrabuilding cable must be shielded and the shield must be grounded at both ends.

Figure 10 16-Port Asynchronous HWIC Front Panel (HWIC-16A)

 

LED Status

Due to the high port density on the HWIC front panels, the amount of LED status per port is limited. There is no room for individual LEDs to indicate transmit or receive activity, or clock status.

HWIC-4T and HWIC-4A/S have a single bi-color LED to monitor status over four ports. HWIC-8A has a single LED to monitor status over 8 ports. There are two LEDs on the HWIC-8A/S-RS232 that monitor 4 ports each. On the HWIC-16A, two LEDs monitor 8 ports each.

See Table 1 for the definition of HWIC LED Status.

 

Table 1 HWIC LED Status
LED Status
Definition
Solid Green
Monitored ports are active (have initialized without error).
Solid Yellow
At least one monitored port is in loopback mode.
Off
Monitored ports are not active or have failed to initialize.

Supported Platforms

For a list of the platforms that support a Cisco interface card see Cisco Interface Cards for Cisco Access Routers .

Finding Support Information for Platforms and Cisco IOS Software Images

Use Cisco Feature Navigator to find information about platform support and Cisco IOS software image support. Access Cisco Feature Navigator at http://www.cisco.com/go/fn . You must have an account on Cisco.com. If you do not have an account or have forgotten your username or password, click Cancel at the login dialog box and follow the instructions that appear.

Prerequisites for Connecting Serial HWICs to the Network

Before connecting a serial high speed WIC (HWIC) to the network, ensure that the HWIC is installed in the router, the equipment is properly grounded, and you have the proper cables for connecting the HWIC to the network. This section describes the preparation necessary before connecting a Cisco serial HWIC to the network.

Installing a Cisco Serial High Speed WAN Interface Card

Install the Cisco serial HWIC according to the instructions in Installing Cisco Interface Cards in Cisco Access Routers .

Grounding

Ensure that the equipment you are working with is properly grounded.

For instructions on grounding your HWIC, see Installing Cisco Interface Cards in Cisco Access Routers .

Cables

After you install the serial HWIC, use the appropriate serial cable to connect the HWIC ports to the following types of equipment:

  • Asynchronous modems, if connecting to analog telephone lines
  • Synchronous modems, data service units/channel service units (DSUs/CSUs), or other DCEs, if connecting to digital WAN lines

The 4-port serial HWICs have 26-pin 12-in-1 Cisco smart serial ports, whereas the 8- and 16-port serial HWICs have 68-pin serial ports. Use the correct cable for your serial HWIC.

Caution Do not over-torque the screws on the serial cable when attaching to the serial WAN interface card. Recommended torque is 2.0 kgf.cm (1.7 lbf.in). Over-torquing may cause damage to the interface card.

Cables for 4-Port Serial HWICs

The 4-port serial HWICs use Cisco smart serial cables. Six types of smart serial cables are available:

  • EIA/TIA-232 serial cable assembly
  • EIA/TIA-449 serial cable assembly
  • V.35 serial cable assembly
  • X.21 serial cable assembly
  • EIA-530 serial cable assembly
  • EIA-530A serial cable assembly

All of these serial cables provide a 26-pin plug at the interface card end. The network end of each cable provides the physical connectors most commonly used for the interface. For example, the network end of the EIA/TIA-232 serial cable is a DB-25 connector, the most widely used EIA/TIA-232 connector.

See Cisco Modular Access Router Cable Specifications for network end connectors and pinouts of these cables.

The EIA-530 and EIA-530A serial cables are available in DTE format only. All other cables are available in either DTE or DCE format.

Cables for 8-Port and 16-Port Serial HWICs

The following cables are available from Cisco Systems for the 8-port and 16-port serial HWICs.

Cable for the 8-Port RS-232 Asynchronous/Synchronous HWIC

The 8-port RS-232 asynchronous/synchronous HWIC uses a quad cable, consisting of a 68-pin connector on the interface card end and four DB25 connectors on the system end. (See Figure 11.) This cable is available in either DCE or DTE format.

Figure 11 Quad Serial Cable

 

Cable for the 8-Port and 16-Port Asynchronous HWICs

The 8-port and 16-port asynchronous HWICs use an octal cable, consisting of a 68-pin connector on the interface card end and eight RJ45 connectors on the system end. See Figure 12. This cable is available in DTE format only.

Figure 12 Octal Serial Cable

 

Connecting Serial HWICs to the Network

To connect the serial HWIC to the network, follow these steps:

Step 1 Confirm that the router is turned off.

Step 2 Connect one end of the appropriate serial cable to the connector on the card faceplate.

Step 3 Connect the other end (or ends) of the cable to the appropriate type of equipment.

Step 4 Turn on power to the router.

Step 5 Check that the CONN LED goes on, which indicates that the card’s serial port detects a WAN serial connection.

 

Related Documentation

Related documentation is available on Cisco.com or on the Product Documentation DVD. For more information, see the “$paratext>” section.

Obtaining Documentation, Obtaining Support, and Security Guidelines

For information on obtaining documentation, obtaining support, providing documentation feedback, security guidelines, and also recommended aliases and general Cisco documents, see the monthly What’s New in Cisco Product Documentation , which also lists all new and revised Cisco technical documentation, at:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/general/whatsnew/whatsnew.html

 

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. To view a list of Cisco trademarks, go to this URL: www.cisco.com/go/trademarks . Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. (1110R)

Any Internet Protocol (IP) addresses used in this document are not intended to be actual addresses. Any examples, command display output, and figures included in the document are shown for illustrative purposes only. Any use of actual IP addresses in illustrative content is unintentional and coincidental.

© 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

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