Cisco 891 vs C891F
The C891F-K9 is the refreshed model of the original CISCO891-K9, adding an SFP-based fiber WAN option and updated hardware while keeping the same 8-port Gigabit design and IOS 15 software. If you need fiber uplink flexibility, choose the C891F; otherwise the two are closely matched within the 890 family.
Cisco 891 ISR
Fixed Gigabit branch/teleworker router with an 8-port managed switch and IOS 15 security features.
- 8x GE LAN switch ports, copper GE WAN
- 4 PoE-capable LAN ports, integrated security
- Cisco IOS 15 (classic) with VPN and firewall
- Original 890-series SKU; superseded by the C891F
Cisco 891F ISR
Refreshed 890-series router adding an SFP fiber WAN option to the same 8-port Gigabit platform.
- 8x GE LAN switch ports plus GE + SFP WAN options
- 4 PoE-capable LAN ports, integrated security
- Cisco IOS 15 (classic) with VPN, firewall, QoS
- Current 890-series SKU with SFP uplink flexibility
Cisco 891 ISR vs Cisco 891F ISR: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco 891 ISR | Cisco 891F ISR |
|---|---|---|
| LAN ports | 8x Gigabit Ethernet (switch) | 8x Gigabit Ethernet (switch) |
| WAN port | 1x GE (copper) | 1x GE + 1x SFP (fiber option) |
| PoE LAN ports | 4 (PoE-capable) | 4 (PoE-capable) |
| Integrated switch | Yes, managed | Yes, managed |
| Software | Cisco IOS 15 (classic) | Cisco IOS 15 (classic) |
| VPN / firewall | IPsec VPN + zone firewall | IPsec VPN + zone firewall |
| Fiber uplink | No | Yes (SFP) |
| Form factor | Desktop / fanless | Desktop / fanless |
| Lifecycle status | Superseded | Current within 890 family |
Choose Cisco 891 ISR if
Choose the original 891 only to match an existing identical fleet where all sites use copper WAN and you do not need an SFP fiber uplink.
Choose Cisco 891F ISR if
Choose the C891F when you need a fiber (SFP) WAN handoff or want the current, actively shipping 890-series SKU while keeping the same 8-port Gigabit feature set.
Verdict
The C891F is the modern revision of the 891, with the key addition of an SFP fiber WAN option on the same Gigabit, IOS 15 platform. Pick the C891F for procurement and fiber flexibility. Note that for new IOS XE and SD-WAN deployments, Cisco's broader successor is the ISR 1100 series rather than either 890 model.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Cisco 891 and 891F?
The main difference is the WAN uplink: the C891F adds an SFP fiber WAN option alongside the copper GE WAN, while keeping the same 8-port Gigabit switch, PoE ports, and IOS 15 feature set as the original 891.
Do the 891 and 891F run IOS XE?
No. Both the 891 and C891F run classic Cisco IOS 15, not IOS XE. For native IOS XE and Cisco SD-WAN, the ISR 1100 series is the recommended modern platform.
Does the C891F support fiber?
Yes. The C891F provides an SFP-based WAN port for fiber connectivity, which is the headline upgrade over the copper-only WAN on the original 891.
Is the Cisco 891 end of life?
The original 891 SKU has been superseded by the C891F within the 890 family. Buyers should source the C891F, and for greenfield deployments consider the ISR 1100 for a longer support runway.
More ISR comparisons
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