Cisco 881 vs C1111-4P
The Cisco C1111-4P (ISR 1100) is the modern replacement for the long end-of-life Cisco 881, upgrading from Fast Ethernet and IOS 15 to Gigabit ports, IOS XE, and native Cisco SD-WAN with far higher VPN throughput. Any 881 still in service should be migrated to the C1111-4P.
Cisco 881 ISR
Compact fixed branch/teleworker router with a 4-port Fast Ethernet switch and IOS 15 software.
- 4x Fast Ethernet LAN switch ports, 1x FE WAN
- Cisco IOS 15 (classic), no IOS XE / native SD-WAN
- Modest VPN throughput (tens of Mbps)
- Long end-of-life; well past last day of support for many SKUs
Cisco ISR 1100 (C1111-4P)
Fixed Gigabit branch router on IOS XE with dual GE WAN, PoE LAN ports, and Cisco SD-WAN.
- 4x GE LAN (PoE) plus dual GE WAN (1x GE + 1x GE/SFP combo)
- Cisco IOS XE with native Cisco SD-WAN
- Up to ~1.3 Gbps IMIX forwarding; HSEC-licensed high crypto
- Current platform with active Cisco support
Cisco 881 ISR vs Cisco ISR 1100 (C1111-4P): spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco 881 ISR | Cisco ISR 1100 (C1111-4P) |
|---|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4x Fast Ethernet (switch) | 4x Gigabit Ethernet (switch, PoE) |
| WAN ports | 1x Fast Ethernet | 2x GE (1x GE + 1x GE/SFP combo) |
| PoE on LAN | No | Yes (PoE/PoE+) |
| Platform throughput (IMIX) | Tens of Mbps class | Up to ~1.3 Gbps |
| IPsec/VPN throughput | Low tens of Mbps | Up to ~350 Mbps (HSEC removes cap) |
| Software | Cisco IOS 15 (classic) | Cisco IOS XE |
| Native SD-WAN | No | Yes (Cisco SD-WAN) |
| Integrated wireless option | Some 88x SKUs | Wi-Fi on -W variants |
| Form factor | Desktop / fanless | Desktop, 1RU mountable |
| Lifecycle status | End-of-life | Current / actively sold |
Choose Cisco 881 ISR if
There is no real case to choose a new 881 today; only keep an existing unit running temporarily if it is a low-bandwidth remote site awaiting a scheduled refresh.
Choose Cisco ISR 1100 (C1111-4P) if
Choose the C1111-4P for any current deployment: Gigabit LAN with PoE, dual GE WAN, IOS XE, native SD-WAN, and order-of-magnitude higher VPN throughput.
Verdict
Migrate from the Cisco 881 to the C1111-4P. The 881 is end-of-life with Fast Ethernet and classic IOS, while the C1111-4P brings Gigabit PoE, dual GE WAN, IOS XE, and Cisco SD-WAN at vastly higher throughput. There is no operational reason to keep an 881 beyond a short transition window.
Frequently asked questions
What replaces the Cisco 881 router?
The Cisco ISR 1100 series, such as the C1111-4P, is the current-generation replacement for the 880-series fixed branch routers, moving from Fast Ethernet and IOS 15 to Gigabit ports, IOS XE, and SD-WAN.
Does the C1111-4P support PoE?
Yes. The C1111-4P provides Power over Ethernet on its LAN switch ports, so it can power IP phones and access points directly, which the 881 could not do.
How much more VPN throughput does the C1111-4P deliver?
The C1111-4P delivers hundreds of Mbps of IPsec throughput (with HSEC licensing removing the cap), compared with the low tens of Mbps typical of the IOS 15-based 881.
Is the Cisco 881 still supported?
No. The Cisco 881 is end-of-life and past last day of support for most SKUs, so it should be replaced to maintain security updates and a supported software image.
More ISR comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.