Cisco ISR4331 vs C8200-1N-4T
The Catalyst C8200-1N-4T is the modern replacement for the end-of-sale ISR 4331, roughly doubling aggregate throughput, moving to a multicore x86 data plane, and adding native Cisco SD-WAN and edge compute. For new branch deployments and refreshes, migrate to the C8200-1N-4T.
Cisco ISR 4331
1RU enterprise branch router from the ISR 4000 family with modular NIM/SM slots and IOS XE.
- Up to 2 Gbps aggregate throughput (license-controlled, 100 Mbps default)
- 3 onboard GE ports, 2 NIM slots, 1 SM slot
- Runs IOS XE; supports Cisco SD-WAN via overlay
- End-of-sale; last orders closed and on the path to end of support
Cisco Catalyst 8200 Edge Platform
1RU SD-WAN-first edge platform with a multicore data plane that succeeds the ISR 4300 series.
- Up to ~3.8 Gbps IPv4 forwarding, higher crypto headroom
- 4 onboard GE ports plus 1 NIM slot
- Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN and SD-Routing, edge compute ready
- Current Cisco platform with active support and roadmap
Cisco ISR 4331 vs Cisco Catalyst 8200 Edge Platform: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco ISR 4331 | Cisco Catalyst 8200 Edge Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 1RU | 1RU |
| Onboard GE ports | 3x GE (RJ45/SFP) | 4x GE (RJ45) |
| NIM slots | 2 | 1 |
| Service module (SM) slots | 1 SM | None |
| Aggregate throughput | 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps (license) | Up to ~3.8 Gbps IPv4 forwarding |
| Default DRAM | 4 GB | 4 GB (up to 8 GB) |
| Default flash | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Data plane | Multicore (QFP-class) | x86 multicore with dynamic core allocation |
| Software | Cisco IOS XE | Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN / SD-Routing |
| Edge compute | Limited (UCS-E via SM) | Native container/app hosting |
| Lifecycle status | End-of-sale / migrate | Current / actively sold |
Choose Cisco ISR 4331 if
Choose the ISR 4331 only to match an existing in-warranty install base or reuse SM-class service modules (such as UCS-E) you already own; it remains capable for sub-2 Gbps branches still under support.
Choose Cisco Catalyst 8200 Edge Platform if
Choose the C8200-1N-4T for any new purchase or refresh: it delivers more throughput, native SD-WAN, edge compute, and a long support runway in the same 1RU footprint.
Verdict
For a refresh, migrate from the ISR 4331 to the Catalyst C8200-1N-4T. The 8200 nearly doubles forwarding performance, adds an x86 data plane and native SD-WAN, and keeps you on a supported roadmap. Stay on the 4331 only briefly if you must preserve SM-slot modules or existing support contracts.
Frequently asked questions
Is the C8200-1N-4T a direct replacement for the ISR 4331?
It is the recommended successor for ISR 4300-class branches. For sites that fully populated the 4331's 2 NIM and 1 SM slots or need 10G WAN, Cisco often points to the Catalyst 8300 instead, but for typical 4331 branches the C8200-1N-4T is the natural upgrade.
Does the C8200-1N-4T support Cisco SD-WAN?
Yes. It runs Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN natively and also supports SD-Routing, so you can deploy it in a Catalyst SD-WAN fabric or as a standalone routed edge.
Is the ISR 4331 end of life?
The ISR 4331 is end-of-sale and on the standard Cisco end-of-life timeline. New deployments should plan on the Catalyst 8200 or 8300 to stay within support.
Can I keep my NIM modules when moving to the C8200-1N-4T?
Most current-generation NIMs are supported on the Catalyst 8200, but the 8200-1N-4T has one NIM slot versus two on the 4331, so verify module count and compatibility against the Catalyst 8200 datasheet before migrating.
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.