Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T High WAN IPSec performance

Overview of Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T

The Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T is a high-performance SD-WAN branch router from the Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms, purpose-built for medium to large enterprise branch offices that demand secure connectivity, scalable performance, and cloud-ready networking. Powered by Cisco IOS XE programmable architecture, the C8300-2N2S-6T delivers high WAN IPSec throughput, modular expansion flexibility, and integrated SD-WAN services—making it ideal for modern enterprise edge deployments.

Designed to support cloud migration, hybrid work, and application-driven networking, the Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T enables organizations to modernize their WAN infrastructure while maintaining strong security, operational simplicity, and future scalability.

High WAN IPSec Performance for Secure Enterprise Connectivity

Security is a core requirement at the enterprise edge. The Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T delivers high WAN IPSec performance, ensuring encrypted traffic flows smoothly between branch offices, data centers, and cloud environments without bottlenecks.

Key Security Performance Benefits

• High-throughput encrypted WAN connections

• Secure site-to-site VPN and SD-WAN overlays

• Low latency for real-time applications like voice and video

• Reliable performance for SaaS and cloud workloads

This makes the C8300-2N2S-6T an excellent choice for enterprises handling sensitive data, financial transactions, healthcare systems, or mission-critical business applications.

Cisco IOS XE Programmable Architecture

At the heart of the Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T is Cisco IOS XE, Cisco’s modern, modular, and fully programmable operating system.

Why Cisco IOS XE Matters

• Modular OS design for higher stability and uptime

• API support for automation (NETCONF, RESTCONF, YANG)

• Faster software upgrades and feature deployment

• Simplified operations across large branch networks

With programmability built in, IT teams can automate configuration, monitoring, and policy enforcement—dramatically reducing manual effort and operational errors.

Integrated SD-WAN Branch Router Capabilities

The Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T is optimized for Cisco SD-WAN, enabling centralized control and intelligent traffic management across enterprise branch networks.

SD-WAN Features

• Application-aware routing

• Centralized policy management

• Intelligent path selection

• Secure direct internet access (DIA)

• Optimized cloud and SaaS connectivity

These capabilities allow enterprises to improve application performance, reduce WAN costs, and simplify branch deployments—all from a single platform.

Modular Design with 2 NIM Slots and 2 SM Slots

The C8300-2N2S-6T offers exceptional flexibility with:

• 2 Network Interface Module (NIM) slots

• 2 Service Module (SM) slots

• 6 integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports

This modular architecture allows organizations to customize each deployment based on WAN, LAN, voice, or compute requirements while maintaining backward compatibility with existing Cisco modules.

Benefits of Modular Expansion

• Investment protection

• Easy scalability as business needs grow

• Support for diverse connectivity options

• Reduced total cost of ownership

Cloud Migration Edge Router for Modern Enterprises

As enterprises migrate workloads to public and hybrid cloud environments, the branch router becomes a critical gateway. The Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T is designed as a cloud migration edge router, enabling seamless connectivity to cloud platforms while maintaining enterprise-grade security.

Cloud-Ready Advantages

• Optimized access to SaaS applications

• Secure branch-to-cloud connectivity

• Support for hybrid and multi-cloud architectures

• Improved user experience for cloud-based workloads

Whether connecting to private data centers or public cloud providers, the C8300-2N2S-6T ensures consistent performance and security.

Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T High WAN IPSec performance

Trustworthy Solutions 2.0 – Built-In Platform Security

The Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T includes Cisco Trustworthy Solutions 2.0, a comprehensive security framework that protects the platform itself—not just the network traffic.

Key Security Capabilities

• Secure boot and hardware root of trust

• Software and firmware integrity verification

• Runtime threat detection

• Automated remediation of compromised components

This makes the router suitable for regulated industries, government environments, and enterprises with strict security and compliance requirements.

Zero-Touch Provisioning and Automation at Scale

For large branch deployments, manual configuration is costly and error-prone. The Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T supports zero-touch provisioning (ZTP), allowing routers to be deployed and configured automatically once powered on.

Operational Benefits

• Faster branch rollouts

• Reduced deployment errors

• Centralized configuration management

• Lower operational costs

This capability is especially valuable for enterprises managing hundreds or thousands of branch locations.

Ideal Use Cases for Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T

The Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T is ideal for:

• Medium to large enterprise branch offices

• SD-WAN deployments with high security requirements

• Cloud and hybrid WAN environments

• Financial institutions and healthcare networks

• Government and regulated industry deployments

Why Choose Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T

Organizations choose the Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T because it delivers:

• High WAN IPSec performance

• Integrated SD-WAN services

• Cisco IOS XE programmability

• Modular, future-proof design

• Enterprise-grade security and reliability

It is not just a router—it is a strategic enterprise edge platform designed to evolve with modern networking demands.

SEO Keywords Embedded Naturally

• Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T

• Cisco Catalyst 8300 SD-WAN router

• High WAN IPSec performance router

• Cisco IOS XE programmable router

• SD-WAN branch router

• Cloud migration edge router

• Cisco enterprise edge router

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Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T High WAN IPSec performance

How the Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T Is Made (Manufacturing & Design Process)

The Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T is manufactured using Cisco’s enterprise-grade hardware design, secure supply chain, and multi-stage quality control process. It is not mass-consumer electronics; it is built for 24/7 mission-critical enterprise environments.

1. Enterprise Hardware Design & Engineering

The product begins at Cisco’s network hardware engineering labs, where the platform is designed to meet:

• High WAN IPSec performance requirements

• Continuous 24/7 operation

• Long product lifecycle (5–10+ years)

• Enterprise security and compliance standards

The internal architecture is designed around:

• Multi-core network processors

• Dedicated cryptographic acceleration

• High-reliability memory and storage

• Modular expansion interfaces (NIM & SM slots)

Every component is chosen for stability, heat tolerance, and long-term availability, not low cost.

2. Custom Silicon & Secure Hardware Components

Cisco uses purpose-built silicon rather than generic consumer chips.

Key Hardware Components

• High-performance CPU & network processors for routing and SD-WAN

• Hardware-accelerated encryption engines for IPSec

• Secure boot chips and hardware root of trust

• Industrial-grade capacitors and power regulators

These components allow the C8300-2N2S-6T to deliver consistent encrypted throughput without performance drops.

3. Trustworthy Solutions 2.0 – Security Built into Manufacturing

Security is embedded during manufacturing, not added later.

Security Steps at the Factory

• Unique cryptographic identity is injected into each unit

• Secure boot keys are burned into hardware

• Firmware integrity is locked and verified

• Hardware root of trust is established

This ensures:

• The router cannot boot unauthorized software

• Tampering can be detected immediately

• Firmware integrity can be verified throughout its lifespan

This process is part of Cisco Trustworthy Solutions 2.0.

Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T High WAN IPSec performance

4. Precision Assembly & Modular Slot Integration

The C8300-2N2S-6T chassis is assembled using automated precision manufacturing combined with manual quality checks.

Assembly Highlights

• Multi-layer PCB boards assembled with automated inspection

• Reinforced connectors for NIM and SM module slots

• Shielded Ethernet ports to reduce interference

• High-efficiency internal cooling and airflow design

The metal chassis is designed for:

• Structural strength

• Electromagnetic shielding

• Efficient heat dissipation

5. Firmware Installation & Cisco IOS XE Integration

Once hardware assembly is complete:

• Cisco IOS XE is installed

• Factory firmware is cryptographically signed

• Secure boot validation is tested

• Programmability and API services are validated

The router leaves the factory ready for SD-WAN, automation, and cloud connectivity.

6. Stress Testing & Quality Assurance

Before shipment, every Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T undergoes extensive testing.

Testing Includes

• Continuous high-load traffic simulation

• IPSec encryption stress tests

• Temperature and power fluctuation tests

• Port, module, and slot validation

• Failover and reboot endurance tests

Only units that pass all tests are approved for distribution.

Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T High WAN IPSec performance

7. Global Compliance & Enterprise Certification

The product is certified to meet international enterprise standards, including:

• Electrical and safety compliance

• EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)

• Enterprise and government deployment standards

• Environmental regulations (RoHS, etc.)

This makes it suitable for corporate, government, healthcare, and financial environments worldwide.

8. Secure Packaging & Enterprise Logistics

Finally, the router is:

• Securely packaged with tamper-evident protection

• Serialized for lifecycle tracking

• Registered in Cisco’s supply chain system

This ensures authenticity and traceability from factory to end user.

Why This Manufacturing Process Matters

Because of how it’s made, the Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T offers:

• Long lifespan (often 7–10 years in production use)

• Extremely low hardware failure rates

• High security against tampering and firmware attacks

• Stable performance under constant encrypted traffic

🛠️ Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T Specifications

📦 General & Hardware

• Model: Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T (Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platform)

• Form Factor: 2RU rack-mountable chassis

• Processor: Multicore Intel x86 CPU

• Default DRAM: 8 GB (expandable up to 32 GB)

• Flash Memory: 8 GB flash

• Storage: 16 GB M.2 SSD (expandable, optional larger NVMe)

🌐 Ports & Interface

• Built-in Ethernet: 6 × 1 Gbps Layer-3 Ethernet ports
  • Typically 4 × RJ45 + 2 × SFP for copper/fiber connectivity

• Expansion Slots:
  • 2 × SM (Service Module) slots
  • 2 × NIM (Network Interface Module) slots
  • 1 × PIM (Pluggable Interface Module) slot

🚀 Performance

• IPv4 Forwarding Throughput: Up to ~19.7 Gbps

• SD-WAN IPsec Throughput (1400-byte): Up to ~1.9–2 Gbps

• SD-WAN IPsec Throughput (IMIX traffic): ~1.75–1.8 Gbps

• SD-WAN Overlay Tunnels: Up to 6,000 tunnels

• IPsec SVTI Tunnels: Up to 4,000

📊 Scalability & Routing

• IPv4 Routes: ~1.6 M default (up to ~4 M with 32 GB RAM)

• IPv6 Routes: ~1.5 M default (up to ~4 M with 32 GB RAM)

• ACLs per System: ~4,000

• IPv4 ACEs: ~72 K

• NAT Sessions: ~1.2 M default

• Firewall Sessions: ~512 K

Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T High WAN IPSec performance

🔐 Security & Software

• Operating System: Cisco IOS XE (programmable, modern routing OS)

• Integrated Support: SD-WAN services, automation APIs, advanced routing, QoS, security features (ACLs, VPN hardware acceleration)

🧰 Miscellaneous

• Power: Dual internal power supplies (often included for redundancy)

• Management Interfaces: Console, auxiliary, USB, Ethernet management (varies by config)

• Environmental: Operational temp ~0 – 40 °C, humidity up to 85% non-condensing

• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): ~710,300 hours

📌 Summary (Quick Specs Table)