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Cisco Catalyst 8300 Edge Platform Details

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, branch offices require networking solutions that are not only high-performing but also secure, agile, and ready for the future. The proliferation of cloud-based applications, the increasing demand for bandwidth, and the persistent threat of cyberattacks necessitate edge platforms capable of delivering accelerated services, robust multi-layer security, and seamless cloud integration. The Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms are purpose-built to meet these critical needs, offering best-of-breed, 5G-ready solutions designed to propel your organization’s journey to the cloud.

This document delves into the core aspects of the Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms, providing a comprehensive overview of their specifications, capabilities, and the myriad benefits they offer. From their high-performance multicore processors and embedded security features to their modular design and support for advanced technologies like SD-WAN, SD-Routing, and 5G, the Catalyst 8300 Series represents a significant leap forward in edge networking. We will explore the different models available, their technical specifications, supported modules, software requirements, and licensing options, giving you a complete picture of how these platforms can optimize your branch network for today and tomorrow.

Product Overview and Models

The Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms are specifically engineered to serve as secure, cloud-scale branch solutions, leveraging the power of Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software. These platforms are designed for high performance, integrating SD-WAN services with the flexibility to deploy security and networking functions either from the cloud or on-premises. A key advantage of the Catalyst 8300 Series is its higher WAN port density and support for redundant power supplies, ensuring reliability and scalability for medium-sized and large enterprise branch offices.

The series boasts a diverse range of interface options, accommodating various existing WAN, LAN, voice, and compute modules while also supporting higher module densities. This backward compatibility protects your existing investments while providing a clear path for future expansion. Powered by Cisco IOS XE, a fully programmable software architecture with extensive API support, these platforms enable automation at scale, facilitating zero-touch IT capabilities essential for seamless cloud workload migration. Furthermore, the incorporated Trustworthy Solutions 2.0 infrastructure provides robust defense against threats and vulnerabilities through integrity verification and remediation.

Several models comprise the Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series, designed to cater to different branch size and throughput requirements:

• C8300-2N2S-4T2X: A 2RU platform featuring 2 SM and 2 NIM slots, along with 2 x 10Gbps and 4 x 1Gbps embedded Layer 3 Ethernet ports.
• C8300-2N2S-6T: A 2RU platform equipped with 2 SM and 2 NIM slots, and 6 x 1Gbps embedded Layer 3 Ethernet ports.
• C8300-1N1S-4T2X: A compact 1RU platform with 1 SM slot and 1 NIM slot, offering 2 x 10Gbps and 4 x 1Gbps embedded Layer 3 Ethernet ports.
• C8300-1N1S-6T: A 1RU platform featuring 1 SM slot and 1 NIM slot, and 6 x 1Gbps embedded Layer 3 Ethernet ports.

These models provide varying port densities and expansion capabilities, allowing organizations to select the platform that best aligns with their specific branch networking needs. All models come equipped with default 8GB DRAM, upgradeable to 32GB, and a default 16GB M.2 USB storage, with options for larger NVMe storage, providing ample resources for various services and logging requirements.

Platform Technical Specifications

The Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms are built on a foundation of robust hardware, designed to deliver high performance and reliability at the branch edge. Key technical specifications highlight the capabilities of these platforms across different models:

At the heart of the Catalyst 8300 Series are powerful multicore processors, with options ranging from 8 to 12 cores, complemented by 8GB of default memory, expandable up to 32GB. This processing power is crucial for handling high-speed WAN connections and supporting a range of integrated services.

Performance Metrics

The performance of the Catalyst 8300 Series is critical for delivering a seamless user experience and supporting demanding applications. The platforms offer impressive throughput, particularly for IPsec traffic in both Catalyst SD-WAN and autonomous modes.

Table 3. Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Catalyst SD-WAN performance

Feature	C8300-2N2S-4T2X (2RU w/ 10G WAN)	C8300-1N1S-4T2X (1RU w/ 10G WAN)	C8300-2N2S-6T (2RU w/ 1G WAN)	C8300-1N1S-6T (1RU w/ 1G WAN)
SD-WAN IPsec Throughput (1400Bytes)	Up to 18.8Gbps	Up to 17Gbps	Up to 2Gbps	Up to 2Gbps
SD-WAN IPsec Throughput with IQDF**(1400Bytes)	Up to 18.8Gbps	Up to 17Gbps	Up to 2Gbps	Up to 2Gbps
SD-WAN IPsec Throughput (IMIX*)	7.6Gbps	6.3Gbps	1.8Gbps	1.8Gbps
SD-WAN IPsec Throughput with IQDF**(IMIX*)	5.6Gbps	5.5Gbps	1.7Gbps	1.7Gbps
SD-WAN Overlay Tunnels scale	6000	6000	6000	6000

* IMIX is average packet size of 352 Bytes packet size

** IQDF traffic pattern: IPSec + Quality of Service (QoS) + Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) + Flexible Netflow (FNF)

These figures demonstrate the platforms’ capability to handle significant encrypted traffic loads, a key requirement for secure SD-WAN deployments. In autonomous mode, the platforms also show strong forwarding and IPsec throughput, as detailed in the specifications.

Table 5. Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series autonomous mode (non SD-WAN) performance specifications

Feature	C8300-2N2S-4T2X (2RU w/ 10G WAN)	C8300-1N1S-4T2X (1RU w/ 10G WAN)	C8300-2N2S-6T (2RU w/ 1G WAN)	C8300-1N1S-6T (1RU w/ 1G WAN)
IPv4 Forwarding Throughput (1400Bytes)	Up to 19.7Gbps	Up to 19.7Gbps	Up to 19.7Gbps	Up to 19.7Gbps
IPsec Throughput (1400Bytes)	Up to 18.9Gbps	Up to 16.9Gbps	Up to 1.9Gbps	Up to 1.9Gbps
IPsec Throughput (IMIX*)	9.3Gbps	6.6Gbps	1.9Gbps	1.9Gbps

* IMIX is average packet size of 352 Bytes packet size

These performance numbers underscore the platforms’ suitability for high-demand branch environments.

Hardware Architecture and Scalability

The hardware architecture of the Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms is designed for modularity, scalability, and resilience. The platforms feature dedicated slots for Service Modules (SM), Network Interface Modules (NIM), and Pluggable Interface Modules (PIM), offering extensive customization possibilities to meet diverse connectivity and compute needs. The availability of both 1RU and 2RU form factors provides flexibility in deployment depending on rack space availability and port density requirements.

A significant aspect of the hardware is the dynamic core allocation feature. This allows administrators to tailor the multicore processor resources to prioritize either throughput or support for containerized services. The “Service-oriented” allocation balances throughput with resources for applications running in KVM or Docker containers, ideal for integrated services. The “Data plane heavy” allocation optimizes resources for maximum traffic throughput, recommended when containerized services are not heavily utilized. This dynamic capability ensures efficient use of processing power based on specific operational demands.

Resiliency is a core tenet of the Catalyst 8300 design. All platforms come with default dual power supplies, providing immediate redundancy and ensuring continuous operation even in the event of a single power supply failure. Various power supply options are available, including AC, PoE, and DC, with NEBS-compliant reverse airflow DC options for the 2RU models, catering to diverse installation environments.

Scalability metrics for the Catalyst 8300 Series in autonomous mode further highlight their capacity to handle complex network configurations:

Table 6. Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series autonomous mode (non SD-WAN) system scalability

Feature	C8300-2N2S-4T2X (2RU w/ 10G WAN)	C8300-1N1S-4T2X (1RU w/ 10G WAN)	C8300-2N2S-6T (2RU w/ 1G WAN)	C8300-1N1S-6T (1RU w/ 1G WAN)
Number of IPsec SVTI Tunnels	4000	4000	4000	4000
Number of ACLs per system	4000	4000	4000	4000
Number of IPv4 ACEs per system	72K	72K	72K	72K
Number of IPv4 Routes	1.6M w/ default 8GB, up to 4M w/ 32GB	1.6M w/ default 8GB, up to 4M w/ 32GB	1.6M w/ default 8GB, up to 4M w/ 32GB	1.6M w/ default 8GB, up to 4M w/ 32GB
Number of IPv6 Routes	1.5M w/ default 8GB, up to 4M w/ 32GB	1.5M w/ default 8GB, up to 4M w/ 32GB	1.5M w/ default 8GB, up to 4M w/ 32GB	1.5M w/ default 8GB, up to 4M w/ 32GB
Number of Queues	8K	8K	8K	8K
Number of NAT Sessions	1.2M w/ default 8GB, up to 2M w/ 32GB	1.2M w/ default 8GB, up to 2M w/ 32GB	1.2M w/ default 8GB, up to 2M w/ 32GB	1.2M w/ default 8GB, up to 2M w/ 32GB
Number of Firewall Sessions	512K	512K	512K	512K
Number of VRFs	4000	4000	4000	4000

These scalability figures demonstrate the platforms’ capacity to handle complex routing, security, and network configurations, essential for large and demanding branch office deployments.

Software Architecture and Features

The Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms are powered by Cisco IOS XE, a highly programmable software architecture offering significant flexibility and control. This unified software image allows organizations to easily switch between Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN and traditional IOS XE modes, adapting to their evolving networking strategies. The API support in IOS XE facilitates automation at scale, enabling zero-touch deployments and streamlining network management.

In autonomous (non-SD-WAN) mode, the Catalyst 8300 Series supports a comprehensive suite of traditional routing and networking features. This includes support for various routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, multiple encapsulations like GRE and VLAN, and extensive traffic management capabilities with robust QoS features. Security features like IPsec, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and a range of cryptographic algorithms ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data. The platform also offers rich unified communication features, including support for CUBE, SRST, CUCME, and a variety of voice modules, making it a versatile solution for branches with voice requirements.

For organizations embracing software-defined networking, the Catalyst 8300 Series seamlessly supports Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN. This mode provides intelligent software services for connecting users, devices, and branches securely and reliably over diverse WAN links. Key SD-WAN features include Application Aware Routing (AAR), which dynamically routes traffic based on real-time application and network conditions, ensuring a superior application experience. Integrated application visibility, powered by Cisco ThousandEyes, provides deep insights into network underlay and SD-WAN overlay performance, aiding in faster troubleshooting and issue resolution. Secure Direct Internet Access (DIA) with advanced security features like Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), URL Filtering (URLF), and Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) protects branch traffic accessing the internet directly.

Beyond traditional routing and SD-WAN, the Catalyst 8300 Series also supports Cisco SD-Routing, simplifying the management of traditional routing deployments through the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager. This unified management approach reduces operational complexity and allows for streamlined device lifecycle orchestration.

Interface Flexibility and Modularity

A hallmark of the Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms is their exceptional interface flexibility and modular design, allowing organizations to tailor connectivity options precisely to their needs. The platforms support a wide array of modules, encompassing various connectivity types and densities. This modularity ensures that the platforms can adapt to changing requirements and integrate with existing infrastructure.

Table 7. Modules supported on Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms

Product number	Description
Ethernet Layer 3 modules
C-NIM-1X	1-port 10Gbps SFP/SFP+ NIM with WAN MACSec
C-NIM-1M	1-port 2.5/1Gbps RJ-45 WAN, 90W Poe 802.3 af/at/bt NIM
C-NIM-2T	2-port 100Mbps/1Gbps dual-mode RJ45/SFP, NIM with WAN MACSec
LAN modules
C-NIM-4X	4-port 1/10Gbps SFP/SFP+ switch NIM, LAN/WAN MACSec & Optional L3
C-NIM-8T	8-port 100Mbps/1Gbps switch NIM, LAN/WAN MACSec & Optional L3
C-NIM-8M*	8-port 100M/1/2.5Gbps switch NIM, UPoE, LAN/WAN MACSec & Optional L3
NIM-ES2-4	Cisco 4-port Gigabit Ethernet switch NIM
NIM-ES2-8	Cisco 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch NIM
NIM-ES2-8-P	Cisco 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch NIM with PoE support
C-SM-16P4M2X	Cisco 22-port Catalyst L2 switch module with UADP ASIC
C-SM-40P8M2X	Cisco 50-port Catalyst L2 switch module with UADP ASIC
Compute modules
UCS-E160S-M3/K9	UCS-E, single-wide, Intel Broadwell 6-core CPU; up to 64 GB RAM, 1-2 HDD
UCS-E180D-M3/K9	UCS-E, double-wide, Intel Broadwell 8-core CPU; up to 128 GB RAM, 1-4 HDD
UCS-E1120D-M3/K9	UCS-E, double-wide, Intel Broadwell 12-core CPU; up to 128 GB RAM, 1-4 HDD
UCS-E1100D-M6/K9	UCS-E, double-wide, Intel Icelake 10-core CPU; up to 128 GB RAM, 1-4 SSD
Voice modules
NIM-2FXO	2-port FXO NIM
NIM-4FXO	4-port FXO NIM
NIM-2FXSP	2-port FXS NIM
NIM-4FXSP	4-port FXS NIM
NIM-2FXSP/4FXOP	2-port FXS and 4-port FXO NIM
NIM-4E/M	4-port E/M NIM
NIM-2BRI-NT/TE	2-port BRI (NT and TE) NIM
NIM-4BRI-NT/TE	4-port BRI (NT and TE) NIM
SM-X-8FXS/12FXO	8-port FXS and 12-port FXO single-wide service module
SM-X-16FXS/2FXO	16-port FXS and 2-port FXO single-wide service module
SM-X-24FXS/4FXO	24-port FXS and 4-port FXO single-wide service module
SM-X-72FXS	72-port FXS double-wide service module
NIM-PVDM-32	32-channel Voice DSP NIM Module
NIM-PVDM-64	64-channel Voice DSP NIM Module
NIM-PVDM-128	128-channel Voice DSP NIM Module
NIM-PVDM-256	256-channel Voice DSP NIM Module
SM-X-PVDM-3000	3080-channel high-density voice DSP module
SM-X-PVDM-2000	2048-channel high-density voice DSP module
SM-X-PVDM-1000	1024-channel high-density voice DSP module
SM-X-PVDM-500	768-channel high-density voice DSP module
NIM-1MFT-T1/E1	1-port multiflex trunk voice/clear-channel data T1/E1 module
NIM-2MFT-T1/E1	2-port multiflex trunk voice/clear-channel data T1/E1 module
NIM-4MFT-T1/E1	4-port multiflex trunk voice/clear-channel data T1/E1 module
NIM-8MFT-T1/E1	8-port multiflex trunk voice/clear-channel data T1/E1 module
DSL/broadband
NIM-VAB-A	Multi-mode VDSL2/ADSL/2/2+ NIM Annex A
NIM-VA-B	Multi-mode VDSL2/ADSL/2/2+ NIM Annex B
NIM-VAB-M	Multi-mode VDSL2/ADSL/2/2+ NIM Annex M
NIM-4SHDSL-EA	Multi-mode G.SHDSL NIM
ISDN BRI for Data
NIM-2BRI-S/T	2-port ISDN BRI WAN interface card for data
NIM-4BRI-S/T	4-port ISDN BRI WAN interface card for data
Channelized T1/E1 and ISDN PRI
NIM-1CE1T1-PRI	1-port Multiflex trunk voice/channelized data T1/E1 module
NIM-2CE1T1-PRI	2-port Multiflex trunk voice/channelized data T1/E1 module
NIM-8CE1T1-PRI	8-port Multiflex trunk voice/channelized data T1/E1 module
Serial WAN interface
SM-X-1T3/E3	1-port clear-channel T3/E3 service module
NIM-1T	1-port serial high-speed WAN interface card
NIM-2T	2-port serial high-speed WAN interface card
NIM-4T	4-port serial high-speed WAN interface card
Async WAN interface
NIM-16A	16-port Asynchronous Module
NIM-24A	24-port Asynchronous Module
Wireless WAN (LTE)
P-5GS6-R16SA-GL*	5G Sub-6 GHz Pluggable – 5G SA Global
P-5GS6-GL	5G Sub-6 GHz Pluggable – Global
P-LTEAP18-GL	CAT18 LTE Advanced Pro Pluggable – Global
P-LTEA7-NA*	CAT7 LTE Advanced Pluggable – North America
P-LTEA7-EAL*	CAT7 LTE Advanced Pluggable – EMEA, APAC, and LATAM
P-LTEA7-JP*	CAT7 LTE Advanced Pluggable – Japan
P-LTEA-EA	CAT6 LTE Advanced Pluggable – North America and EMEA
P-LTEA-LA	CAT6 LTE Advanced Pluggable – APAC, ANZ, and LATAM
NIM-LTEA-EA	CAT6 LTE Advanced – North America and EMEA
NIM-LTEA-LA	CAT6 LTE Advanced – APAC, ANZ, and LATAM
NIM Carrier Adapter Card
C-SM-NIM-ADPT	Single-wide 2x NIM carrier module in SM-X form factor

* Supported with IOS XE release 17.12.2.

This extensive list of supported modules highlights the versatility of the platform, allowing for customized deployments that meet specific branch requirements for WAN, LAN, voice, and compute functions.

Integrated Security and Resiliency

Security is a paramount concern for branch networks, and the Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series addresses this with a multi-layered approach. The platforms incorporate Trustworthy Solutions 2.0 infrastructure, including hardware-anchored Secure Boot and Secure Unique Device Identification (SUDI), providing a foundation of trust and integrity from the moment the device boots up. Secure Direct Internet Access (DIA) is a key security feature for optimizing branch workloads and protecting against external threats when traffic is sent directly to the internet.

In Catalyst SD-WAN mode, the platforms offer integrated security capabilities such as built-in end-to-end segmentation using VPNs, Zone-Based Firewalls (ZBFW), PKI support, and advanced threat defense features like Snort IPS/IDS, URL Filtering, Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), and Threat Grid integration. This comprehensive security suite helps organizations protect their branch networks from a wide range of cyber threats.

Beyond security, the Catalyst 8300 Series is designed for high availability and resiliency. As mentioned earlier, all platforms ship with dual power supplies by default, ensuring redundancy at the power level. This is crucial for maintaining continuous network operations and minimizing downtime. The modular architecture also allows for redundancy at the module level, enabling swift replacement of components if needed. Furthermore, in SD-WAN mode, the platforms can leverage features like Survivable Remote Site Telephony (SRST) to maintain voice services during WAN outages, enhancing business continuity for branches utilizing voice communications.

The focus on integrated security and built-in redundancy makes the Catalyst 8300 Series a reliable and secure foundation for modern branch networks, capable of withstanding both cyber attacks and hardware failures.

Software Licensing and Management

The Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms are offered with a Cisco DNA Software subscription, providing a flexible and comprehensive licensing model. These subscriptions, including Catalyst Routing Essentials, Cisco DNA Essentials, and Cisco DNA Advantage, bundle networking, security, and management capabilities, simplifying the procurement and management of software licenses across the organization.

Cisco Smart Licensing is integral to the Catalyst 8300 Series. This flexible model streamlines software asset management by establishing a pool of licenses accessible across the organization, eliminating the need for Product Activation Keys (PAKs). Through the My Cisco Entitlements (MCE) portal, administrators gain a unified view of all their Cisco products and services, enhancing visibility and control over license usage. The flexibility offered by Smart Licensing allows organizations to easily use and transfer licenses as their network needs evolve.

Management of the Catalyst 8300 Series can be performed through the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager in SD-WAN mode, offering a centralized platform for configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting the SD-WAN overlay and integrated services. For autonomous mode deployments, traditional Cisco IOS XE command-line interface (CLI) and management tools are available. The programmable nature of IOS XE with API support also facilitates integration with automation platforms for streamlined provisioning and management tasks, contributing to operational efficiency.

Ordering Information

To procure a Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platform or associated modules and accessories, you will need to utilize the provided ordering information. This section lists the product IDs (PIDs) for the various platform models and a selection of key supported modules, memory, storage, and accessory options.

The base platform models and their corresponding PIDs are as follows:

Table 2. Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series specifications (Partial)

Model	Description
C8300-2N2S-4T2X	C8300 2RU w/ 10G WAN (2 SM and 2 NIM slots, and 2 x 10-Gigabit Ethernet and 4 x 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports)
C8300-2N2S-6T	C8300 2RU w/ 1G WAN (2 SM and 2 NIM slots, and 6 x 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports)
C8300-1N1S-4T2X	C8300 1RU w/ 10G WAN (1 SM slot and 1 NIM slot, and 2 x 10-Gigabit Ethernet and 4 x 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports)
C8300-1N1S-6T	C8300 1RU w/ 1G WAN (1 SM slot and 1 NIM slot, and 6 x 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports)

Various modules and accessories are available to customize the platform configuration. Some frequently ordered items include memory upgrades, M.2 storage options, rack mount kits, and blank panels:

Table 8. Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series memory, storage, and accessory options (Partial)

Product number	Description
MEM-C8300-8GB	Cisco C8300 Edge Platform – 8 GB Memory
MEM-C8300-16GB	Cisco C8300 Edge Platform – 16GB Memory
MEM-C8300-32GB	Cisco C8300 Edge Platform – 32GB Memory
M2USB-16G	Cisco C8000 Edge Platform – 16G M.2 USB SSD Storage
M2USB-32G	Cisco C8000 Edge Platform – 32G M.2 USB SSD Storage
SSD-M2SED-600G	Cisco C8000 Edge Platform – 600GB M.2 NVMe Self-Encrypted Drive (SED) Storage
SSD-M2NVME-2T	Cisco C8000 Edge Platform – 2TB M.2 NVMe Self-Encrypted Drive (SED) Storage
C8300-RM-19-1R	Cisco C8300 1RU Edge Platform – Rack Mount kit – 19″
C8300-RM-23-1R	Cisco C8300 1RU Edge Platform – Rack Mount kit – 23″
C8300-RM-19-2R	Cisco C8300 2RU Edge Platform – Rack Mount kit – 19″
C8300-RM-23-2R	Cisco C8300 2RU Edge Platform – Rack Mount kit – 23″
C8300-RM-4PT-1R	Cisco C8300 1RU Edge Platform – 4-post Rack Mount kit – 19″
C8300-RM-4PT-2R	Cisco C8300 2RU Edge Platform – 4-post Rack Mount kit – 19″
C8300-FAN-1R	Cisco C8300 1RU Edge Platform – Fan Tray Assembly
C8300-FAN-2R	Cisco C8300 2RU Edge Platform Fan Tray Assembly
C8300-FAN-2R-R	Cisco C8300 2RU Edge Platform Reverse Airflow Fan Tray Assembly for NEBS
C-RFID-1R	Cisco C8300 1RU Edge Platform – RFID
C-RFID-2R	Cisco C8300 2RU Edge Platform – RFID
C8300-SM-BLANK	Cisco C8300 SM Blank
C8300-NIM-BLANK	Cisco C8300 NIM Blank
C8300-PIM-BLANK	Cisco C8300 PIM Blank

For a complete list of orderable products and detailed specifications, please refer to the official Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms data sheet and the Cisco Pricing Tool. You can explore global discount offers and streamline your procurement process by visiting https://itmall.sale to purchase these products.

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