Cisco EHWIC-4G-LTE-A | 4G LTE Advanced WAN Module

Cisco EHWIC-4G-LTE-A: 4G LTE Enhanced WAN Interface Card

Cisco EHWIC-4G-LTE-A (Enhanced High-Speed WAN Interface Card) provides next-generation wireless WAN solutions for enterprise branch offices and remote sites. By integrating 4G LTE directly into the router chassis, this module eliminates the need for external modems and simplifies network management while providing high-speed performance over cellular networks.

High-Speed 4G LTE Performance

With support for LTE Category 3, the EHWIC-4G-LTE-A offers peak download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 50 Mbps. This bandwidth allows businesses to run mission-critical applications—including interactive video, telepresence, and cloud services—over a cellular link with significantly lower latency compared to legacy 3G technologies.

Enterprise-Grade Reliability & Failover

• Business Continuity: Configurable as a primary WAN link or as an automated failover solution. If your primary wired connection fails, the router instantly switches traffic to the 4G LTE network.

• Multi-Mode Fallback: Provides persistent connectivity by automatically falling back to 3G (HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS) in areas where 4G LTE coverage is unavailable.

• MIMO Technology: Features two TNC connectors for Main and Diversity (MIMO) antennas, enhancing signal reception and reliability in challenging indoor or remote environments.

Advanced Software & Security

• Cisco IOS Integration: Managed directly via the Cisco IOS Command Line Interface (CLI), allowing for seamless integration with existing routing protocols, Quality of Service (QoS), and security policies.

• Secure Connectivity: Supports advanced encryption (AES), IPsec VPNs, and firewalling to ensure that data transmitted over public cellular networks remains private and secure.

• Network Management: Integrated diagnostic tools, including a mini-USB port for local monitoring and support for SMS-based management.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the EHWIC-4G-LTE-A compatible with networks outside of North America?

This specific model is optimized for AT&T bands (Band 17 and 4). For global or European deployments, the EHWIC-4G-LTE-G is the recommended model.

2. Can I use this card as my primary internet connection?

Yes. Due to high speeds and low latency, it is frequently used as a primary link in temporary locations, retail kiosks, or remote sites where wired broadband is unavailable or difficult to install.

3. Do I need special antennas for this card?

The card uses standard TNC connectors. While it can work with a single antenna, using two antennas (Main and MIMO) is highly recommended to achieve maximum 4G LTE speeds and signal stability.

4. How does the failover work?

When integrated with Cisco ISR G2 routers, you can configure IP SLA monitoring. If the router detects a failure on the primary wired port, it automatically brings up the LTE interface and reroutes traffic within seconds.

5. Does it support SMS?

Yes, the EHWIC-4G-LTE-A supports SMS (Short Message Service) for management alerts and can even be configured to trigger specific router actions via SMS commands.