Differences between WIC modules and Network modules (NM)

[sawquecisco]

Hello

I am reading this link: http://www.packettracernetwork.com/cisco-wic-modules.html

I understand that cisco devices' cards are splitted 2  sections: One of them is WIC module the other one is Network Module.

But what are the differences between them? I don't understand that.

For example; HWIC-4ESW has ethernet ports but also NM-1E or NM-1FE-TX etc has ethernet ports, so why is one of them under WIC Modules section, the others are under NM section?

Same as; NM-4A/S has serial ports, but also WIC-1T or WIC-2T has serial ports,

So what are the reasons of grouping cards into 2 sections, what are the criterias?

Thanks...

[hobbe · Accepted solution]

Hi

To make things easy and simplified (ie not true but close enough)

First there where NM and WIC.

They evolved into NME and HWIC

NM = the network module

This is a big module that can hold a variaty of ports and also some NM modules have space and connectors for WIC cards.

WIC/HWIC smaller cards that can be inserted in a router or in some NM card.

WIC/HWIC cards are normally used in smaller router such as the 1900/1800/1700 type of routers.

The NM modules are normally used in the "bigger" routers such as the 2600/2800/2900 or above.

where they can also be used to enable the use of WIC/HWIC cards. togeather with the wic/hwic places that are already there.

If you look at the back of a 2811.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5881/index.html

Click on the 3d model and spin out things and check out modules

You can see the NME and the HWIC ports.

The NME have a lot more Ethernet ports than a HWIC can hold, just simply by the space they occupy,

Good luck

HTH