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The Cisco ISR4461 routers, part of Cisco’s 4000 Family of Cisco Integrated Routers, deliver an all-in-one edge-routing solution for large branch offices and medium-sized enterprises. Powered by Cisco IOS XE and a multicore x86 architecture, these enterprise-grade routers support up to 1.5 Gbps default throughput (upgradeable to 3 Gbps via license) and over 7 Gbps of CEF-only routing performance.
With integrated SD-WAN, on-box security, modular expansion slots, and zero-touch provisioning, the ISR4461 series provides secure, scalable, and flexible wired routing for today’s digital enterprises.
Product Overview
Specification
| Feature | Cisco ISR4461/K9 |
| Default Throughput | 1.5 Gbps |
| Performance License Throughput | 3 Gbps |
| CEF-Only (Boost License) Throughput | > 7 Gbps |
| Onboard GE Ports | 4 (10/100/1000 RJ-45) |
| Onboard SFP Ports | 4 (1 Gbps SFP) |
| NIM Slots | 3 (Network Interface Module slots) |
| Enhanced SM-X Slots | 3 (Service Module slots) |
| ISC Slot | 1 (Integrated Services Card) |
| DRAM (Default) | Data-Plane: 2 GB; Control/Services: 4 GB |
| DRAM (Maximum) | Data-Plane: 2 GB; Control/Services: 16 GB |
| Flash Memory (Default/Max) | 8 GB / 32 GB |
| CPU Architecture | Multicore x86 |
| Embedded Security & SD-WAN | Cisco SD-WAN, IPsec, optional NGFW/IPS/AMP/URLF |
| Power Supplies | Dual 650 W DC reverse-air (optional AC) |
| Form Factor | 1 RU rack-mountable |
Core Features
-
Multicore x86 Architecture
Separates control, data, and services planes to ensure consistent routing performance even when running SD-WAN, firewall, and advanced services concurrently . -
High Throughput & Flexible Licensing
Base model delivers 1.5 Gbps of encrypted IPsec VPN; licenses boost to 3 Gbps, and CEF-only boost unlocks over 7 Gbps of pure routing performance. -
Integrated SD-WAN & On-Box Security
Policy-driven overlay tunnels across MPLS, broadband, and LTE; optional NGFW, Snort IPS, Advanced Malware Protection, and URL Filtering protect branch traffic. -
Modular Expansion
Three NIM slots for WAN interfaces (LTE, T1/E1, PoE), three SM-X slots for services modules, and one ISC slot for additional compute or storage module. -
Trustworthy Solutions
Secure Boot, hardware root of trust, and Secure Unique Device Identifier (SUDI) safeguard firmware and configuration integrity from factory to runtime. -
Zero-Touch Provisioning & Automation
Cisco Plug and Play (PnP) combined with DNA Center integration enables automated onboarding, configuration, and lifecycle management, cutting deployment time by up to 70% . -
Scalable SD-WAN Overlay Tunnels
Supports up to 2,500 simultaneous tunnels for secure, application-aware connectivity across distributed sites. -
Comprehensive Memory & Storage
Separate DRAM planes and up to 32 GB flash support large configurations, logs, and on-box virtual network functions.
Competitor Comparison
| Feature | Cisco ISR4461 | FortiGate 200E | Juniper SRX1500 |
| Default Throughput | 1.5 Gbps | 1 Gbps | 1.5 Gbps |
| Performance License | 3 Gbps | 3.5 Gbps | 3 Gbps |
| CEF-Only Throughput | > 7 Gbps | 10 Gbps | 6 Gbps |
| Embedded Security | NGFW, IPS, AMP, URLF (on-box) | NGFW, IPS, SSL Inspection | NGFW, IPS |
| Modularity | 3 NIM, 3 SM-X, 1 ISC | Fixed appliance | 2 service cards |
| SD-WAN Support | Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN | FortiOS Secure SD-WAN | Juniper Secure Connect |
Installation and Setup
Technical Guides
Site Survey & Rack Planning
Evaluate rack space, power options (AC/DC), and airflow. Plan module usage (NIM, SM-X, ISC) before installation.
License Activation
license install flash:perf-license.pkg
reload
SD-WAN Overlay Configuration
sdwan
overlay name branch-overlay
exit
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
sdwan transport interface color biz-internet
no shutdown
Security Policy Deployment
security
ip inspect name NGFW protocol tcp
url-filtering enable
malware-defense enable
Module Installation with OIR
hw-module subslot 0 power off
install module NIM-4G-LTE
hw-module subslot 0 power on
Memory & Flash Upgrades
show platform hardware memory status
show flash:
Rolling Software Upgrades
request platform software package install switch
CLI Configuration Examples
Enable SD-WAN
configure terminal
sdwan
Define Overlay and VPN Profile
configure terminal
crypto ikev2 proposal ipsec-prop
encryption aes-gcm
integrity sha256
exit
crypto ipsec profile ipsec-br
set ikev2 ipsec-prop ipsec-prop
Configure WAN Interface for SD-WAN
configure terminal
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
description Internet-Link
sdwan transport interface color biz-internet
no shutdown
Create Tunnel Interface
configure terminal
interface Tunnel0
ip address 10.1.1.1 255.255.255.252
tunnel source GigabitEthernet0/2
tunnel mode ipsec ipv4
tunnel protection ipsec profile ipsec-br
Activate Next-Gen Firewall
configure terminal
license boot module isr4461 sec
security
Real Case Studies and Scenarios
1. Global Retail Chain
A leading retailer rolled out ISR4461 at 250 locations. Zero-touch provisioning via DNA Center reduced site activation from days to hours, while SD-WAN across MPLS and broadband increased application uptime to 99.99%.
2. Healthcare Network Modernization
A regional hospital deployed ISR4461 with on-box NGFW and AMP for HIPAA-compliant telemedicine. The solution delivered 1.5 Gbps of secure throughput, supporting real-time imaging and patient monitoring across multiple campuses.
3. Financial Services Branches
A financial institution replaced legacy routers with ISR4461 to host containerized compliance and analytics functions. The multicore design offloaded services to the control plane, improving transaction processing latency by 35% under peak loads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the default and boosted throughput of the ISR4461?
The router delivers 1.5 Gbps by default and can be upgraded to 3 Gbps with a license; a boost license unlocks over 7 Gbps of routing performance. -
How many ports does the ISR4461 have?
It provides 4× RJ-45 GE ports and 4× 1 Gbps SFP ports for flexible WAN/LAN configurations. -
What expansion slots are available?
Three NIM slots, three Enhanced SM-X slots, and one ISC slot support WAN modules, services modules, and virtual network functions. -
Can ISR4461 host security services on-box?
Yes—NGFW, Snort IPS, Cisco AMP, and URL Filtering can run locally via the Security bundle. -
Does the router support SD-WAN?
Fully integrated Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN with zero-touch provisioning and policy-based overlays is supported. -
How much memory and storage can I install?
Default 2 GB data-plane and 4 GB control-plane DRAM, expandable to 16 GB; flash from 8 GB to 32 GB. -
What power options are available?
Supports dual 650 W DC reverse-air power supplies; optional AC power via rack-mount accessory.
Conclusion
The Cisco ISR4461 Integrated Services Routers combine high-performance wired routing, SD-WAN, and advanced on-box security in a modular, enterprise-grade router platform.
With flexible licensing, multicore architecture, and extensive expansion slots, the ISR4461 scales to meet the evolving connectivity and security needs of branch offices.
Integrated with Cisco DNA Center for zero-touch provisioning and automated management, this Cisco router simplifies operations while delivering secure, resilient, and future-proof WAN services.
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