Cisco 1941W vs C8200-1N-4T
The 1941W (CISCO1941W-A/K9) is an end-of-life ISR G2 branch router; its modern Cisco replacement is the Catalyst 8200 Edge Platform (C8200-1N-4T), which delivers roughly 50x the throughput, native IOS XE SD-WAN, and active software support. For any new or refreshed branch, migrate to the C8200-1N-4T.
Cisco 1941W ISR
End-of-life ISR Generation 2 branch router with integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi for small offices.
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet WAN/LAN ports plus integrated 802.11n access point
- Runs classic IOS 15.x; no native IOS XE SD-WAN
- 2 EHWIC slots and 1 ISM slot for legacy WAN/voice modules
- Past Last Day of Support; no new security fixes from Cisco
Cisco Catalyst 8200 (C8200-1N-4T)
Current 1RU branch edge platform built for IOS XE SD-WAN, cloud, and SASE deployments.
- 4 x 1GE WAN ports plus 1 NIM slot for flexible WAN/LTE/serial interfaces
- Up to 3.8 Gbps aggregate forwarding; multi-core x86 service plane
- Native Catalyst SD-WAN (IOS XE), SD-Routing, and SASE onboarding
- 8 GB default DRAM (to 32 GB) and 16 GB M.2 SSD for app hosting
Cisco 1941W ISR vs Cisco Catalyst 8200 (C8200-1N-4T): spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco 1941W ISR | Cisco Catalyst 8200 (C8200-1N-4T) |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 1RU, ISR G2 | 1RU, Catalyst 8200 Edge |
| Fixed WAN/LAN ports | 2 x 10/100/1000 | 4 x 1GE |
| Aggregate throughput | Tens of Mbps (services on) | Up to 3.8 Gbps CEF aggregate |
| SD-WAN | No native IOS XE SD-WAN | Native Catalyst SD-WAN (IOS XE) |
| Operating system | Cisco IOS 15.x | Cisco IOS XE 17.x |
| Module slots | 2 EHWIC, 1 ISM | 1 NIM (50+ NIM/PIM options) |
| Integrated wireless | 802.11n AP built in | None (use external AP) |
| Default / max DRAM | 512 MB / 2.5 GB | 8 GB / 32 GB |
| Onboard storage | CompactFlash | 16 GB M.2 SSD |
| Lifecycle status | End of Life / past LDoS | Current, actively sold |
Choose Cisco 1941W ISR if
There is no good reason to choose the 1941W for a new deployment; only keep it running temporarily if it is on an isolated network awaiting a scheduled refresh.
Choose Cisco Catalyst 8200 (C8200-1N-4T) if
Choose the C8200-1N-4T for any new or refreshed small-to-medium branch that needs gigabit-class throughput, native SD-WAN, cloud and SASE onboarding, and supported software.
Verdict
The 1941W is past Cisco's Last Day of Support, capped at sub-100 Mbps with services enabled, and has no native SD-WAN path, so it should be retired. Migrate to the C8200-1N-4T, which is the direct branch-class successor and gives you gigabit forwarding, IOS XE SD-WAN, and a long support runway. The only reason to delay is a short-term hold on an isolated segment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cisco 1941W still supported?
No. The 1941 and 1941W reached end of sale and have passed Cisco's Last Day of Support, so there are no further hardware replacements or software security fixes. Plan a migration to a Catalyst 8000 platform such as the C8200-1N-4T.
What is the modern replacement for the Cisco 1941W?
The Catalyst 8200 Edge Platform, specifically the C8200-1N-4T, is the current branch-class successor to the 1900 ISR family. It moves you to IOS XE, native Catalyst SD-WAN, and gigabit-class throughput.
Does the C8200-1N-4T have built-in Wi-Fi like the 1941W?
No. Unlike the 1941W's integrated 802.11n access point, the C8200-1N-4T is a routing platform only. Pair it with a Catalyst or Meraki wireless access point for branch Wi-Fi.
Is the C8200-1N-4T TAA compliant for federal purchase?
Cisco offers TAA-compliant configurations of the Catalyst 8200 for U.S. federal buyers. Confirm the exact TAA SKU and country of origin on your quote with your authorized partner; it is available on GPC-payable and contract vehicles.
More ISR G 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.