Description
Product Overview for the Cisco NIM-24A 24 Ports Expansion Card
In the ever-evolving landscape of networking technologies, Cisco stands as a prominent player, consistently pushing the boundaries to meet the diverse needs of businesses and individuals. One such innovation is the NIM-24A Cisco 24 Ports Async Serial Nim Expansion Module. This expansion module holds the key to enhancing connectivity and communication capabilities, especially in scenarios where asynchronous serial communication is crucial.
Understanding the NIM-24A Expansion Module
The NIM-24A is a specialized networking module designed by Cisco to expand the capabilities of compatible routers. As the name suggests, it is equipped with 24 asynchronous serial ports, making it a versatile solution for scenarios that demand multiple serial connections.
Key Features
- 24 Asynchronous Serial Ports: The primary feature of the NIM-24A is its impressive array of 24 asynchronous serial ports. This abundance allows for a multitude of devices to be connected simultaneously, enabling efficient communication and data transfer.
- Compatibility with Cisco Routers: This expansion module is tailored to seamlessly integrate with specific Cisco routers, ensuring a harmonious synergy between the module and the networking infrastructure. This compatibility factor is crucial for smooth functionality and optimal performance.
- High-Speed Connectivity: The NIM-24A doesn’t compromise on speed. Each serial port is designed to deliver high-speed connectivity, meeting the demands of modern networking applications. Whether it’s data transfer, device control, or configuration management, the module ensures swift and reliable communication.
- Hot-Swappable Design: Cisco understands the importance of minimizing downtime in networking environments. The NIM-24A incorporates a hot-swappable design, allowing for module replacement without disrupting the entire system. This feature enhances system availability and contributes to overall network reliability.
- Flexible Configuration Options: To cater to diverse networking needs, the NIM-24A offers flexible configuration options. Administrators can customize settings to align with the specific requirements of their network, providing a tailored solution that maximizes efficiency.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Cisco prioritizes the security of its networking solutions. The NIM-24A includes built-in security features to safeguard data and prevent unauthorized access. This is particularly crucial in today’s cyber threat landscape.
Benefits of the NIM-24A Expansion Module
- Scalability: The abundance of serial ports in the NIM-24A allows for easy scalability. As businesses grow and their networking requirements expand, this module provides a scalable solution without the need for extensive hardware overhauls.
- Cost-Efficiency: Instead of investing in multiple devices to accommodate numerous serial connections, the NIM-24A consolidates these connections into a single expansion module. This not only saves physical space but also reduces overall costs associated with hardware procurement and maintenance.
- Streamlined Connectivity: With 24 asynchronous serial ports at its disposal, the NIM-24A simplifies the complexity of managing multiple connections. This streamlined connectivity is particularly advantageous in industries where numerous devices need to communicate simultaneously.
- Optimized Performance: High-speed connectivity and flexible configuration options contribute to optimized performance. The NIM-24A ensures that data transfer and communication occur at peak efficiency, minimizing latency and enhancing overall network responsiveness.
- Reliability and Redundancy: The hot-swappable design and compatibility with Cisco routers contribute to the reliability of the NIM-24A. In networking environments where uptime is critical, the module’s redundancy features play a vital role in maintaining continuous operations.
Use Cases
- Industrial Applications: Industries that rely on serial communication for process control, automation, and monitoring can benefit significantly from the NIM-24A. Its 24 asynchronous serial ports make it well-suited for connecting a multitude of industrial devices.
- Telecommunications: In the telecommunications sector, where the demand for high-speed data transfer and efficient communication is paramount, the NIM-24A can play a crucial role. It provides the necessary connectivity for managing telecommunications infrastructure effectively.
- Data Centers: Data centers often require extensive serial connectivity for managing servers, storage devices, and networking equipment. The NIM-24A’s scalability and high-speed connectivity make it an ideal choice for data center deployments.
- Government and Defense: In government and defense applications, where secure and reliable communication is non-negotiable, the NIM-24A’s built-in security features and compatibility with Cisco routers make it a trusted solution.
High-Performance of Plug-in module
The Cisco NIM-24A 24 Ports Async Serial Nim Expansion Module is designed to provide high-performance serial connections for businesses and organizations that require a large number of serial connections.
The module features a data transfer rate of up to 115.2 kbps per port, which is relatively high compared to other serial interface modules. This high data transfer rate enables the module to handle large amounts of data quickly and efficiently, which is particularly useful for businesses and organizations that rely on real-time data transfer and need to support high-bandwidth applications.
The Cisco part also includes DCE/DTE auto-detection and configurable clock rate, which allows for flexible and efficient communication between devices. This feature ensures that the module can automatically detect and configure the appropriate clock rate for each connection, reducing the potential for errors and ensuring smooth communication.
In addition, the Cisco IOS Software support for advanced serial features such as HDLC, PPP, Frame Relay, and X.25 allows the module to support more advanced networking protocols, which enables the module to handle more complex network scenarios and ensure high-performance serial connections.
The hot-swappable and field-upgradable design of the module makes it easy to install and maintain, which helps to ensure that the module is always functioning at its best.
Compliant Standards
The Cisco NIM-24A is a 24-port asynchronous serial network interface module (NIM) expansion module that is compliant with various standards. These standards ensure that the module is compatible with a wide range of devices and networks and that it meets certain performance and security requirements.
Some of the compliant standards for the Cisco NIM-24A include:
- Cisco IOS software: The module is compatible with Cisco’s Internetwork Operating System (IOS) software, which is the software used to manage and operate Cisco networking devices.
- RS-232: The module supports the RS-232 standard for serial communication, which is commonly used for connecting devices such as terminals, modems, and printers.
- RS-449: The module also supports the RS-449 standard for serial communication, which is similar to RS-232 but offers higher data rates and longer distances.
- EIA/TIA-232: The module is compliant with the EIA/TIA-232 standard for serial communication, which is the standard used for connecting devices such as computers, terminals, and modems.
- EIA/TIA-449: The module is compliant with the EIA/TIA-449 standard for serial communication, which is similar to EIA/TIA-232 but offers higher data rates and longer distances.
- ITU-T V.24: The module is compliant with the ITU-T V.24 standard for serial communication, which is an international standard for connecting devices such as terminals and modems.
General Information about this Cisco NIM-24A
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# NIM-24A
- Device Type: Expansion module
Technical Specifications for 24 Ports RS-232 Expansion Module
- Ports: RS-232 x 24
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Form Factor: Plug-in module
- Data Link Protocol: RS-232
- Status Indicators: Status
Compatibility Information of 24 Ports Expansion Module
The 24 Ports RS-232 Expansion Module is compatible with the following Cisco devices:
- Cisco 4451-X
- Cisco 4451-X Application Experience
- Cisco 4451-X Integrated Services Router
- Cisco 4451-X Integrated Services Router Security Bundle
- Cisco 4451-X Integrated Services Router Voice and Video Bundle
- Cisco 4451-X Integrated Services Router Voice Security Bundle
Additionally, compatibility extends to the Cisco Integrated Services Router models:
- Cisco Integrated Services Router 4221
- Cisco Integrated Services Router 4321
- Cisco Integrated Services Router 4331
- Cisco Integrated Services Router 4351
- Cisco Integrated Services Router 4431
In general, the NIM-24A Cisco 24 Ports Async Serial Nim Expansion Module stands out as a powerful solution for addressing the complex networking needs of today’s businesses and industries. Its abundance of asynchronous serial ports, high-speed connectivity, and compatibility with Cisco routers make it a versatile and reliable choice. Whether in industrial settings, data centers, telecommunications, or government applications, the NIM-24A proves its worth by enhancing connectivity, streamlining communication, and contributing to the overall efficiency and reliability of networking infrastructure. As technology continues to advance, Cisco’s commitment to innovation ensures that modules like the NIM-24A remain at the forefront of networking solutions, ready to meet the challenges of the digital age.
