Cisco NIM-4-10GE-SFPP: High-Density 10 Gigabit Ethernet Network Interface Module

Jun 20 , 2025 600

TL;DR: The Cisco NIM-4-10GE-SFPP is a high-performance, quad-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet module designed for Cisco 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR). This flexible network interface module provides four 10G SFP+ slots, enabling high-speed WAN aggregation, data center interconnect, and enterprise edge connectivity.

Cisco NIM-4-10GE-SFPP: High-Density 10 Gigabit Ethernet Network Interface Module

Product Overview

The Cisco NIM-4-10GE-SFPP is a high-performance, quad-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet module designed for Cisco 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR). This flexible network interface module provides four 10G SFP+ slots, enabling high-speed WAN aggregation, data center interconnect, and enterprise edge connectivity. With its carrier-class reliability and advanced QoS capabilities, it's ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications requiring low-latency, high-throughput connectivity.

Key Specifications

✔ Port Configuration:

• 4x 10G SFP+ slots (hot-swappable)

• Supports both SR and LR optics (10GBASE-SR/LR/ER, 10GBASE-ZR)
  ✔ Performance:

• 40Gbps aggregate throughput (full-duplex)

• Line-rate forwarding for all packet sizes
  ✔ Latency: <5 microseconds (cut-through switching)
  ✔ Compatibility: ISR 4451-X, 4431, 4351, 4331 routers
  ✔ Power Consumption: 35W typical (varies by optic)

Advanced Features

Flexible Deployment Options:

• LAN/WAN mode selectable per port

• Supports both routed and switched configurations
  Advanced QoS:

• 8 queues per port

• Hierarchical QoS (H-QoS) with 3-level scheduling
  Carrier Ethernet Features:

• MEF 2.0/3.0 compliant

• Ethernet OAM (802.1ag, Y.1731)
  High Availability:

• Hitless software upgrades (ISSU)

• Graceful restart (NSF/SSO)
  Visibility & Troubleshooting:

• NetFlow v9/IPFIX

• ERSPAN for traffic mirroring

Deployment Use Cases

• Service Provider Edge: 10G WAN aggregation

• Enterprise WAN: High-speed branch connectivity

• Data Center Interconnect: 10G DCI solutions

• 5G Mobile Backhaul: Xhaul connectivity

• Video Surveillance: High-bandwidth video transport

Next-Generation Evolution: Cisco NIM-4-25GE-SFPP28 (Projected 2025)

Key Upgrades & Innovations

Higher Performance:

• 4x 25G SFP28 ports (100G aggregate capacity)

• Support for 10G/25G auto-negotiation
  Advanced Timing:

• Improved SyncE and 1588v2 (<50ns accuracy)

• GNSS receiver option for precise timing
  Cloud-Native Management:

• Model-driven programmability (YANG/NETCONF)

• Cloud telemetry streaming
  Security Enhancements:

• MACsec 256-bit encryption

• Hardware-based secure boot
  Operational Improvements:

• AI-powered predictive analytics

• Zero-touch provisioning

Why Upgrade to NIM-4-25GE-SFPP28?

✔ 2.5x bandwidth increase for growing traffic demands
✔ Better support for 5G and edge computing
✔ Improved timing for financial and mobile networks
✔ Enhanced security for regulated industries
✔ Reduced OPEX through automation

Conclusion

The NIM-4-10GE-SFPP delivers carrier-class 10G connectivity for today's high-speed networks, while the next-generation NIM-4-25GE-SFPP28 provides 25G readiness with enhanced timing, security, and automation capabilities for future network demands.

FAQ

Q: What is 4x 25G SFP28 ports (100G aggregate capacity)Support for 10G/25G auto-negotiationAdvanced Timing?

A: Improved SyncE and 1588v2 (<50ns accuracy) GNSS receiver option for precise timingCloud-Native Management: Model-driven programmability (YANG/NETCONF)

Q: What is model-driven programmability (YANG/NETCONF)Cloud telemetry streamingSecurity Enhancements?

A: MACsec 256-bit encryption Hardware-based secure bootOperational Improvements: AI-powered predictive analytics

Q: What is MACsec 256-bit encryption?

A: Hardware-based secure bootOperational Improvements: AI-powered predictive analytics Zero-touch provisioning

Q: What is hardware-based secure bootOperational Improvements?

A: AI-powered predictive analytics Zero-touch provisioning ✔ 2.5x bandwidth increase for growing traffic demands✔ Better support for 5G and edge computing✔ Improved timing for financial and mobile networks✔ Enhanced security for regulated industries✔ Reduced OP...