Cisco Multi-Service Access Routers and Integrated Services Routers offer a wide variety of serial connectivity modules to accommodate the range of application needs in customer networks. The serial network module family assures customers that they can choose a serial connectivity solution that fits their requirements. Serial connectivity options offer several port densities, synchronous and asynchronous alternatives. As modular components, they are easily and inexpensively field upgradeable as customer requirements change.

• NM-1HSSI: One-port High Speed Serial Interface (HSSI)

• NM-4T: Four-port serial

• NM-4A/S: Four-port asynchronous/synchronous serial

• NM-8A/S: Eight-port asynchronous/synchronous serial

• NM-16A/S: 16 port asynchronous/synchronous serial

• NM-16A: 16 port high-density asynchronous

• NM-32A: 32 port high-density asynchronous

Figure 1. Serial Applications

Figure 2. High Speed Serial Interface (HSSI) Network Module NM-1HSSI

Table 1. Cable Options for NM-1HSSI

FOUR-PORT NETWORK MODULE (NM-4T)

Figure 3. Four-Port Serial Network Module NM-4T

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Network Interfaces

Table 2. Cable Options for DB-60 Connectors

FOUR- AND EIGHT-PORT ASYNCHRONOUS/SYNCHRONOUS SERIAL NETWORK MODULES (NM-4A/S, NM-8A/S)

Figure 4. Eight Port Asynchronous/Synchronous Network Module NM-8A/S

• Low speed WAN aggregation (up to 128 Kbps)

• Dial-up modem support

• Async or Sync connections to management ports of other equipment

• Transport of legacy protocols such as Bi-sync and SDLC

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Network Interfaces

SIXTEEN-PORT ASYNCHRONOUS/SYNCHRONOUS SERIAL NETWORK MODULE (NM-16A/S)

Figure 5. Sixteen-Port Async/Sync Network Module (NM-16A/S0

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Table 3. Smart Serial Cables

HIGH-DENSITY ASYNCHRONOUS NETWORK MODULES

Figure 6. High Density Asynchronous Network Module NM-32A

• Small to medium-sized power branch offices where remote users require modem dial access; a fully configured Cisco 3845 chassis with four async network modules connected to the modem rack enables connectivity for up to 128 dial-in users

• Medium-sized branch offices that require a high-density terminal server; a fully configured Cisco 3845 chassis with four async network modules connected to the modem rack (with optional custom cables) enables connectivity for up to 128 terminal connections

• Telemetry applications, connecting a NM-32A module to private branch exchange (PBX) serial ports, data collection equipment, or router consoles

Cabling

Table 4. Asynchronous Cables for the NM-16A and NM-32A

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Network Interfaces

SUMMARY

Serial Network Connectivity Network Modules Specifications

Table 5. Technical Specifications

Table 6. Supported Features of Serial Network Modules

Table 7. Serial Protocols Supported

Table 8. Supported Platforms

Note: Please see the Software Advisor for minimum IOS versions required to support a specific network module in a specific router.