C1112-8P: How Does This Cisco Router Optimize Multi-WAN Connectivity for Distributed Enterprises?

​​Defining the C1112-8P​​

The ​​C1112-8P​​ is a ​​cloud-managed, multi-WAN router​​ from Cisco’s C1100 Series, designed for branch offices, retail chains, and industrial IoT edge sites requiring ​​high-availability connectivity​​. The “8P” denotes ​​8x Gigabit Ethernet ports​​ (4x LAN, 2x WAN, 2x PoE+) with integrated ​​LTE-Advanced Pro​​ failover, combining wired and cellular WAN in a single 1RU chassis.

​​Core Hardware and Performance Specifications​​

• ​​Multi-WAN Flexibility​​: Dual Gigabit WAN ports (RJ45/SFP combo) + ​​LTE Cat 19 modem​​ (up to 600 Mbps download) for seamless ISP failover.
• ​​PoE+ Support​​: 2x 30W PoE+ ports power devices like IP cameras or wireless APs without external injectors.
• ​​Security Acceleration​​: Onboard ​​Cisco Quick Assist Technology (QAT)​​ for IPsec VPN throughput up to 1.5 Gbps.
• ​​Edge Compute​​: Runs ​​Cisco IOx applications​​ for localized data processing (e.g., IoT analytics) via dual-core Intel CPU and 8GB RAM.

​​Target Use Cases​​

​​Retail and Hospitality​​

Maintains uptime for POS systems and digital signage by auto-failing between wired ISPs and LTE. ​​QoS policies​​ prioritize transaction data during congestion.

​​Industrial Edge Sites​​

Operates in extended temperatures (-40°C to 70°C) and powers ruggedized sensors in oil/gas or transportation hubs.

​​SD-WAN Ready Branches​​

Integrates natively with ​​Cisco vManage​​ for zero-touch provisioning, application-aware routing, and centralized policy enforcement.

​​Performance vs. C1111 Series​​

The C1112-8P enhances its predecessors with:

• ​​Higher Cellular Throughput​​: LTE Cat 19 vs. Cat 11 (C1111-4PLTELA), reducing video conferencing lag during failovers.
• ​​PoE+ Budget​​: 60W total (vs. non-PoE C1111 models), eliminating external power for small device clusters.
• ​​Enhanced Compute​​: 2x RAM and 4x storage (64GB SSD) for hosting containerized edge applications.

​​Licensing and Management​​

The base ​​Cisco DNA Essentials​​ license includes:

• ​​SD-WAN orchestration​​
• ​​Umbrella DNS security​​
• ​​Basic network analytics​​

Upgrading to ​​DNA Advantage​​ unlocks ​​encrypted traffic analysis​​ and ​​AI-driven anomaly detection​​.

For genuine Cisco C1112-8P routers and licenses, verify stock here.

​​Addressing Critical User Concerns​​

“Can it replace a traditional firewall?”

While it supports ​​stateful firewall rules​​ and ​​VPNs​​, high-risk environments should pair it with ​​Cisco Firepower Threat Defense​​ (FTD) via software subscription.

“Is 5G upgradable?”

No. The embedded modem supports LTE-A Pro only. For 5G, opt for the ​​C1112-8P-M5G​​ variant.

“Does it support private 5G networks?”

Yes, via Cisco’s partnership with private LTE/5G providers, but requires custom carrier provisioning.

​​Operational Insights​​

In a recent deployment for a logistics company, the C1112-8P’s ​​dual-active WAN load balancing​​ reduced warehouse IoT data latency by 40% during peak ISP congestion. However, its ​​lack of built-in Wi-Fi 6​​ forces reliance on external APs—a drawback for all-in-one edge solutions. For enterprises prioritizing WAN diversity over wireless integration, this router delivers robust performance. Always validate LTE signal strength at deployment sites, as hidden obstructions (e.g., metal shelving) can degrade cellular failover reliability.