Overview and Core Functionality

The ​​Cisco C8200-UCPE-1N8​​ is a ​​Universal Customer Premises Equipment (uCPE)​​ platform designed to consolidate virtualized network functions (VNFs) at the enterprise edge. Tailored for SD-WAN, secure access, and IoT gateways, it combines ​​x86 compute power​​ with ​​Cisco ASIC acceleration​​ to balance flexibility and performance.

Technical Specifications and Key Innovations

Hardware and Performance

• ​​Intel Xeon D-2145NT 8-core processor​​: Delivers ​​2.3 GHz base clock​​ (3.0 GHz turbo) for compute-intensive VNFs like firewalls or video analytics.
• ​​32 GB DDR4 RAM + 480 GB SSD​​: Supports concurrent operation of 10+ VNFs (e.g., Cisco vEdge, third-party security tools).
• ​​Cisco Quantum Flow Processor (QFP)​​: Offloads encryption/decryption tasks, reducing latency for IPsec tunnels by 40%.

Connectivity and Expansion

• ​​8x 1G/10G SFP+ ports​​: Enables ​​multi-WAN failover​​ and segmentation for LAN/WAN traffic.
• ​​PCIe Gen3 slot​​: Accommodates add-ons like cellular modems or FPGA accelerators for 5G slicing.

Primary Use Cases

Distributed SD-WAN Deployments

Hosts ​​Cisco SD-WAN vEdge​​ instances, providing zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) for branch offices while supporting ​​application-aware routing​​ and ​​forward error correction​​.

Secure Service Edge (SSE) Gateways

Runs ​​Cisco Umbrella SIG​​ or third-party SASE platforms, enforcing DNS-layer security and ​​TLS 1.3 decryption​​ for hybrid workforce traffic.

Industrial IoT Aggregation

Processes telemetry from sensors/PLC clusters using ​​Cisco IOx​​, with ​​GPIO pins​​ for legacy device integration in manufacturing sites.

Addressing Critical User Concerns

How does it handle VNF licensing and scalability?

The platform supports ​​Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software (NFVIS)​​ 4.0, allowing pay-as-you-grow licensing for VNFs. Auto-scaling policies adjust CPU/RAM allocation based on real-time demand.

Is it compatible with non-Cisco VNFs?

Yes, via ​​KVM-based virtualization​​, though Cisco VNFs leverage hardware offload for optimal performance.

What redundancy features ensure uptime?

• ​​Dual hot-swappable power supplies​​ (AC/DC options)
• ​​RAID 1 SSD mirroring​​ for VNF persistence during hardware failures

Procurement and Deployment Notes

For verified pricing and NFVIS pre-configuration services, visit the [“C8200-UCPE-1N8” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

• ​​Lead time​​: 2–4 weeks for standard SKUs
• ​​Support​​: 3-year 24/7 TAC with VNF-specific SLA upgrades

Operational Value Perspective

The C8200-UCPE-1N8 bridges the gap between rigid hardware appliances and underpowered generic servers. While its upfront cost exceeds white-box uCPE alternatives, the TCO becomes compelling when factoring in reduced rack space, power consumption, and operational silos. For enterprises modernizing branch networks without sacrificing security granularity, this platform isn’t just a router—it’s a strategic pivot toward software-defined edge agility.