Cisco WAN Network Interface Module - expansion module - combo Gigabit SFP x 2
Mfg # NIM-2GE-CU-SFP=
CDW # 3749101
Know your gear
Boost the functionality of your Cisco systems with the Cisco Expansion Module. This network interface module is a plug-in module that follows the Gigabit Ethernet data link protocol. It features two 1000Base-X RJ-45 connectors and two Combo Gigabit SFP ports. This module works with the Cisco 4451-X router.
Enhance your purchase
Cisco WAN Network Interface Module - expansion module is rated
4.50 out of
5 by
2.
Rated 5 out of
5 by
reviewer2290257 from
Cloud-based technology facilitates remote troubleshooting and transitions to advanced WiFi standards
What is our primary use case?
At this time, I am an SE engineer, so I engage with customers to understand their problems and develop technologies for them. Our use cases span across education, finance, and retail industries. We are working on renewing all the wireless setups at stores like Walmart, Bodega Aurrera, and Sam's Club.
What is most valuable?
The main value of using Cisco Wireless WAN with Meraki is that the technology is cloud-based, making it more accessible for the customer to troubleshoot and implement changes remotely. We are also working with new APs and are transitioning to WiFi six, with WiFi seven on the horizon.
What needs improvement?
We are conducting proof of concepts with VOIP and electronic tags. Walmart is interested in using electronic tags instead of paper labels for easier price changes on products. We are still testing some features with these electronic tags, so there is room for improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used the solution for about eight years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
There isn't a limit to scalability, but for deployments exceeding five thousand equipment, it requires opening a case with Meraki support to increase capacity.
How are customer service and support?
While Cisco's support is generally good, there is an issue with case continuity. If an engineer's shift ends, I have to re-explain everything to a new engineer, which is challenging.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Negative
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Cisco Wireless WAN is one of the easiest on the market. It does not require physical APs to be present for configuration. By logging into the Meraki dashboard and entering the AP's serial number, I can configure the groups and apply settings once the AP arrives.
What was our ROI?
Cisco and Meraki products are trusted in the industry, which is significant for return on investment. However, Cisco's licensing structure is more expensive than FortiNet, as it requires different tiers of licenses to access advanced features.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The cost is one of the higher in the industry.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We have considered FortiNet. Deploying FortiNet and quoting licenses have shown that their basic licenses offer many features, whereas Cisco requires purchasing additional enterprise licenses for advanced features.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate Cisco Wireless WAN a nine out of ten. It's a reliable product, though improvements in customer support continuity could be beneficial.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclaimer: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Date published: 2025-04-09T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of
5 by
HassanBilal from
Solution supports extensive connectivity but faces occasional coverage challenges
What is our primary use case?
I am running a Cisco Wireless WAN environment in my organization. I don't have experience with HP or other vendors professionally. I'm a customer and basically a user of Cisco Wireless WAN.
We have a complete infrastructure network for Cisco Wireless WAN. We are running Cisco devices such as switches, and for wireless, we have deployed their wireless controllers and access points. The reason was that our whole environment was Cisco, so we didn't want to switch for wireless.
What is most valuable?
In my opinion, the most valuable features of Cisco Wireless WAN are smart roaming and the WiFi coverage, and the number of users each device can support. These are the main reasons we are working with Cisco.
What needs improvement?
Cisco Wireless WAN has room for improvement in WiFi coverage. Sometimes, their coverage is normally good, but at the same area where the access points are deployed, people face continuous disconnectivity issues. These kinds of issues come over time, and we need to do troubleshooting, but they get resolved. This is a performance-related issue, and I think they have to work on that.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have almost four years of experience with Cisco Wireless WAN.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
The initial setup of this solution was easy. It was very user-friendly in terms of the installation and configuration.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability of Cisco Wireless WAN is pretty good. If I have to give a number between one hundred, I would rank it eighty.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of the Cisco Wireless WAN solution is good. We can't go for a cloud solution from here, but if I want to add more access points placed in different locations across the country, I can manage them with one controller.
How are customer service and support?
For the technical support from Cisco, I would rank it eight point five.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of this solution was easy. It was very user-friendly in terms of the installation and configuration.
What about the implementation team?
We got the deployment of Cisco Wireless WAN from the service integrator here, one of the partners in Pakistan.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Initially, Cisco comes up with high prices, but when competition starts with Huawei or HP Aruba, they provide good prices. Initially, they try to come up with large prices and huge numbers.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
With the competition between other vendors, they reduced their prices. The price was not the only thing that we were competing on, but the technicality part and the specifications played a big role as well. They put up a very good case, both technically and financially.
What other advice do I have?
I did not check how Cisco Wireless WAN integrates with AI technologies, but they have those features. I believe they released some new firmware that are capable of AI features, but from my experience, I haven't tested that. I would definitely recommend Cisco Wireless WAN to other people.
On a scale of one to ten, I rate Cisco Wireless WAN a seven point three five out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclaimer: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Date published: 2025-07-17T00:00:00-04:00