The Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs are the first enterprise-class 3G WWAN solution. Suitable for both backup and primary applications, these cards support the latest 3G standards (Evolved High-Speed Packet Access [HSPA+] and Evolve-Data Optimized [EV-DO] Rev A) and are backward-compatible with High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and EV-DO Rev 0/1xRTT. The Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs Series has two variants:

- Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and UMTS models are based on 3GPP, and they support 3.7G HSPA+, 3.5G HSPA (Evolved High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+/HSPA)), UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS.
- Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) models are based on 3GPP2, and they support EV-DO Rev A/Rev 0 and 1xRTT.

The Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs are tightly integrated with the services provided on the award-winning Cisco integrated services routers Gen 2 (ISR G2), which deliver secure data, voice, video, and mobility services. The Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs are supported on the modular Cisco 1900, 2900 and 3900 Series Integrated Services Routers G2.

Enterprises are looking for ways to reduce costs, increase revenue, and improve business continuity. The Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs, when coupled with a service provider wireless data plan, provide a cost-effective, rapidly deployable, reliable, and secure backup solution for remote sites and branch offices. With data rates approaching T1 speeds, 3G networks provide an alternative to wire line backup solutions such as dial-up, ISDN, cable, and DSL. If a network fails, the Cisco integrated services router routes mission-critical data to the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWIC for transmission across the wireless infrastructure. In addition, the router can distinguish different types of traffic and allow only mission-critical traffic to flow over the backup interface. The 3G wireless WAN EHWICs are available in multiple part numbers. The CDMA part number is EHWIC-3G-EVDO-x1 (where x reflects the wireless carrier), EHWIC-3G-HSPA-U, EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7-A, and EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7.

Key Features and Benefits

- Integrated 3G WWAN broadband: With the 3G WWAN modem integrated into the router, you gain the benefit of simplified installation and management. In addition, the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs are tightly integrated with Cisco integrated services routers, which run the industry-leading Cisco IOS® Software, giving access to all the advanced features of Cisco IOS Software such as quality of service (QoS), intelligent network queuing, and robust security.
- Short installation time: Businesses sometimes have to wait for weeks or months to get data circuits installed at new locations. For temporary or seasonal sites, wireless data services allow instant connectivity anywhere there is cellular coverage, and rapid deployment allows you to quickly set up networks with WAN connectivity.
- Network resiliency through WAN diversity: WAN connectivity is crucial to the functioning of your business, and any downtime means a loss of productivity and lost opportunity. Staying connected and operational during a network outage can be vital. A wireless connection for backup to a remote site provides protection against line outages and an additional level of redundancy because the 3G WWAN infrastructure is often served by separate facilities, providing redundancy for the entire local loop.
- Reduced cost: The emerging 3G WWAN cellular data service plans are competitively priced with existing wireline services (ISDN, DSL, and cable). 3G WWAN solutions also allow you to consolidate your service providers across large geographical areas instead of having service contracts with multiple service providers.
- Portability: You can easily relocate wireless routers and Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs wherever coverage is available.
- Performance: With increasing data usage and the proliferation of web-based applications at remote sites, there is an increasing need for high-speed (broadband) data connections to run mission-critical applications at these sites. 3G WWAN services promise low-latency links at speeds approaching T1 connections, allowing you to send and receive more mission-critical data across the WAN in backup scenarios.