Cisco 8100 Series is a compact branch-routing family designed for secure WAN connectivity, SD-WAN, internet access, cellular backup, and distributed network services. Cisco officially markets these platforms as Cisco 8100 Series Secure Routers, positioning them for small branches, retail locations, remote offices, temporary sites, and other environments where space and local IT resources may be limited.
The current generation combines Cisco IOS XE routing with integrated security capabilities and flexible management. Depending on the model, Cisco 8100 Routers can provide Gigabit Ethernet, 10G, XGS-PON, xDSL, cellular, and PoE connectivity.
Series Highlights
- Compact secure routing for small branches
- Traditional routing, SD-Routing, and Catalyst SD-WAN modes
- Integrated security and SASE-ready architecture
- Gigabit Ethernet and selected 10G WAN connectivity
- Optional 4G LTE and 5G connectivity
- XGS-PON and xDSL options on selected models
- PoE support on the C8161-G2
- Essentials and Advantage software licensing
Review Cisco 8100 Series Price List and request a quote tailored to your licensing needs.
Cisco 8100 Series At a glance
What it is: Compact secure branch-router family
Product family: Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers
Typical use: Small branch, retail, remote office, IoT, SD-WAN, broadband, and cellular connectivity
Software: Cisco IOS XE
Operating modes: Autonomous routing, SD-Routing, and Catalyst SD-WAN
License model: Platform-based Essentials and Advantage licensing
Ordering scope: Router model, WAN interfaces, cellular options, PoE, software mode, license tier, management, power supply, and accessories
Series Overview
Cisco 8100 Secure Routers use a fixed-platform design built around Cisco’s secure networking architecture. Current models range from compact six-port systems to higher-capacity variants with integrated switching, cellular expansion, broadband access, and PoE. Cisco describes the family as purpose-built for small branch environments where secure connectivity and simplified operations are priorities. The current Gen2 portfolio includes C8130-G2, C8131-G2, C8140-G2, C8151-G2, and C8161-G2, along with specialized H, VAI, VAP, CVAI, and CVAP variants. Some models add 10G copper or XGS-PON interfaces, xDSL, and integrated cellular options.
Licensing and Part Number Guidance
Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers use platform-based licensing. Essentials and Advantage tiers are available, and eligible licenses can be portable between devices within the same platform class. Cisco also allows the same license to be used across supported operating modes, simplifying transitions between routing and SD-WAN designs.
For Catalyst SD-WAN deployments, current ordering guidance provides Essentials or Advantage software tiers. Licensing and device assignments for SD-WAN and SD-Routing are managed through Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager. A Cisco Smart Account and Virtual Account are required for centralized entitlement management. Unlike older Cisco router License generations, a separate HSEC/HSECK9 license is not required for Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers.
Common Use Cases
| Use case | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Small branch | Secure WAN and internet connectivity |
| Retail site | Reliable routing for POS, users, and IoT |
| SD-WAN branch | Centralized policies and dynamic path selection |
| Cellular backup | 4G LTE or 5G resilience on supported models |
| Broadband access | Ethernet, XGS-PON, or xDSL depending on model |
| Remote deployment | Compact router with simplified management |
Models, Licenses, and Ordering Scope
| Area | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Model | C8130-G2, C8131-G2, C8140-G2, C8151-G2, C8161-G2, or specialized variant |
| WAN | 1GE, 10G, XGS-PON, xDSL, or cellular requirement |
| LAN | Required integrated switch-port quantity |
| Cellular | 4G LTE or 5G requirement and regional variant |
| PoE | C8161-G2 when powered endpoints are required |
| Software mode | Routing, SD-Routing, or Catalyst SD-WAN |
| License | Essentials or Advantage |
| Accessories | Power supply, mounting kit, cellular modules, optics, and cables |
The C8161-G2 is the current 8100 model that supports four PoE ports or two PoE+ ports, while other models differ in WAN, LAN, cellular, and broadband interface combinations.
What to Check Before Requesting a Quote
Start with the deployment role rather than the model number. Confirm the number of locations, WAN type, required interfaces, cellular backup, PoE needs, and whether the router will operate with traditional routing or Catalyst SD-WAN. For an existing design, provide the current router model, software release, license tier, Smart Account information, and any required cellular or broadband modules. This makes it easier to select the correct Cisco 8100 Series part number without adding unnecessary interfaces or subscriptions.
Activation and Delivery Notes
Cisco 8100 Series Secure Routers run Cisco IOS XE and use Cisco’s current platform-based licensing framework. Smart Account and Virtual Account information should be prepared before license assignment. SD-WAN and SD-Routing entitlements are managed through Catalyst SD-WAN Manager. From IOS XE 17.18.1a, Cisco also documents Day-0 license enforcement for Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers, making correct entitlement assignment important before production deployment or software upgrades.
Related Cisco Categories
For broader secure branch-routing options, review Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers and other Cisco Router families. Sites requiring greater modularity, throughput, or expansion than the Cisco 8100 Series provides should compare the Cisco 8200 and 8300 Secure Router families.
Cisco Router pricing depends on your router series, license type, deployment model and support requirements.