C887VAM-K9 Cisco 887 VDSL/ADSL Annex M Over POTS Multi-Mode 4 Ports Router

Overview of Cisco C887VAM-K9 Integrated Services Router

The Cisco C887VAM-K9 is a versatile multi-mode router designed for small businesses and branch offices. With support for Annex M, advanced routing protocols, and robust security features, it ensures reliable broadband connectivity and secure data transmission.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C887VAM-K9
• Product Type: Integrated Services Router

Technical Information

• Broadband WAN: Multimode VDSL2 and ADSL2/2+ over POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service)
• Annex Support: Annex M support for enhanced upload speeds
• Wired LAN: 4-port 10/100 Mbps managed Fast Ethernet switch
• Management Ports: 1 x RJ-45 console/auxiliary port for local configuration
• USB Support: 1 x USB 1.1 port for security tokens, booting, or flash storage
• PoE Support: Optional 2-port Power over Ethernet (PoE) for IP phones and devices (requires external adapter)

Performance & System Specifications

Memory

• 256 MB DRAM standard (expandable up to 768 MB)
• 128 MB or 256 MB Flash memory

VPN Capacity

• Hardware-accelerated support for up to 20 IPsec tunnels

Routing Protocols

• BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
• EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol)
• OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
• RIP-1 and RIP-2
• HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol)
• VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol)

Cooling

• Fanless chassis design for silent operation in office environments

Security & Software

Operating System

• Cisco IOS Advanced Security

Encryption Standards

• DES
• 3DES
• AES (128, 192, 256-bit)

Security Suite

• Stateful inspection firewall
• Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
• Content filtering

Quality of Service (QoS)

Traffic Optimization

• Class-Based Weighted Fair Queuing (CBWFQ)
• Low-Latency Queuing (LLQ)
• Weighted Fair Queuing (WFQ)

Physical & Environmental Specifications

Dimensions

• Height: 1.9 inches (48 mm)
• Width: 12.8 inches (325 mm)
• Depth: 9.8 inches (249 mm)

Weight

• Approximately 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)

Power

• External 60W power adapter
• Input: 100–240 VAC

Operating Temperature

• 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)

Cisco C887VAM-K9 Multi-Mode 4 Ports Router 

The Cisco C887VAM-K9 887 VDSL/ADSL Annex M Over POTS Multi-Mode 4 Ports Router represents a high-performance, versatile networking solution designed to deliver reliable broadband connectivity across multiple deployment scenarios. As part of Cisco's renowned 880 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISRs), the C887VAM-K9 is engineered to support small and medium-sized businesses, branch offices, and residential environments requiring a secure and efficient internet connection. Its multi-mode VDSL2 and ADSL2+ capabilities enable service providers and end-users to leverage existing copper infrastructure, optimizing both upstream and downstream bandwidth without the need for extensive network upgrades.

Technical Specifications and Connectivity Features

VDSL/ADSL Multi-Mode Support

The C887VAM-K9 router offers comprehensive support for both VDSL and ADSL technologies, including Annex M, which provides enhanced upstream data rates. This multi-mode functionality allows the router to automatically detect and adapt to the type of service available on the line, ensuring seamless integration with diverse broadband environments. By supporting VDSL2 standards, it achieves higher bandwidth over shorter distances, while ADSL2+ ensures compatibility with legacy DSL networks, making it an ideal choice for regions with mixed deployment infrastructures.

Annex M Upstream Optimization

Annex M capability enhances upstream data throughput, making the C887VAM-K9 particularly suitable for small offices or home office setups where upstream-heavy applications such as video conferencing, cloud-based file sharing, and VoIP are critical. This functionality ensures that bandwidth allocation remains balanced, allowing simultaneous use of multiple applications without compromising network performance. The router intelligently manages line conditions, adapting upstream and downstream rates to maintain stability under variable network conditions.

Four Ethernet Ports for Local Connectivity

The integrated four-port Ethernet switch provides robust LAN connectivity, supporting multiple devices without additional networking equipment. Each port supports full-duplex communication and auto-sensing for speed and duplex mode, facilitating easy plug-and-play configuration. This integrated switch reduces complexity for small-scale networks while maintaining high reliability and consistent data transfer speeds. The Ethernet interfaces enable direct connectivity for desktops, IP phones, wireless access points, and other networked devices, offering a cost-effective and streamlined networking solution.

Over POTS Integration

The C887VAM-K9 is capable of operating over traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines, offering seamless DSL service over existing copper telephone infrastructure. This integration eliminates the need for additional wiring or infrastructure modifications, which is particularly beneficial in older buildings or remote areas where new cabling deployment may be impractical. The router can function concurrently with regular voice service, supporting splitters and filters to ensure that data transmission does not interfere with voice calls. This feature simplifies installation, reduces deployment costs, and ensures reliable DSL performance without compromising telephony services.

Performance

High-Performance Routing Engine

The Cisco C887VAM-K9 incorporates a powerful integrated routing engine designed to manage complex network traffic with low latency and high throughput. The router supports advanced routing protocols including static routing, RIPv2, and OSPF, allowing efficient traffic management for both simple and complex network topologies. The routing engine also supports Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization, enabling critical applications such as VoIP, video streaming, and business-critical services to receive bandwidth priority, ensuring uninterrupted performance under heavy network load.

Advanced Security Capabilities

Security is a critical aspect of the C887VAM-K9's design. The router provides comprehensive firewall protection, supporting stateful packet inspection to safeguard against unauthorized access and cyber threats. VPN capabilities, including IPsec and SSL, allow secure remote connectivity for mobile workers and branch offices, enabling encrypted communication over the internet. Integrated security features also include denial-of-service protection, URL filtering, and access control lists, providing multiple layers of defense to protect sensitive business data and maintain network integrity.

Network Resiliency and Redundancy

The C887VAM-K9 ensures high availability and network continuity through features such as DSL line fallback and automatic reconnection. In the event of temporary line disruptions, the router maintains service stability by quickly resuming connectivity without manual intervention. This resiliency is particularly important for businesses relying on continuous broadband connectivity for VoIP, online transactions, or cloud applications. By maintaining reliable uptime, the router supports productivity and minimizes operational interruptions, making it a dependable choice for critical network deployments.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

Compatibility with Cisco ISR 880 Series

As part of the 880 Series ISR family, the C887VAM-K9 benefits from seamless interoperability with other Cisco networking devices, including switches, firewalls, and wireless access points. This compatibility allows businesses to design end-to-end networking solutions with integrated management, security, and monitoring. Cisco's ecosystem ensures that performance, security, and feature sets are consistent across devices, simplifying deployment and reducing operational complexity.

Unified Communications

The router is optimized for voice and video applications, supporting multiple concurrent VoIP sessions without degradation in quality. Integration with Cisco Unified Communications solutions allows businesses to deploy IP telephony and video conferencing with enhanced reliability and quality. QoS mechanisms ensure voice and video traffic are prioritized, maintaining crystal-clear communication even under heavy data load. The C887VAM-K9's multi-mode DSL support further ensures that upstream-intensive communications remain uninterrupted, providing a superior user experience for collaborative environments.

Energy Efficiency and Compact Design

The C887VAM-K9 features a compact, energy-efficient design suitable for office desktops, small server rooms, or wall-mounted deployments. Its low power consumption reduces operational costs while maintaining robust performance. The router's physical footprint and cooling requirements allow for flexible placement, accommodating space-constrained environments without compromising functionality or reliability. This compact design makes it ideal for home offices, branch locations, and remote sites.

Deployment Flexibility and Use Cases

The multi-mode 4-port design enables the C887VAM-K9 to serve a wide variety of deployment scenarios. Small and medium-sized enterprises can use it as the primary WAN connection with built-in firewall and VPN functionality, while residential users benefit from reliable high-speed DSL connectivity for multiple devices. Its support for both Annex A and Annex M DSL modes ensures compatibility with international DSL deployments, allowing service providers to offer standardized, high-performance services across regions. Educational institutions, retail environments, and remote offices also find value in the C887VAM-K9's combination of connectivity, security, and management features.

Performance in High-Load Environments

Even in environments with multiple concurrent users and demanding applications, the C887VAM-K9 maintains low latency and stable throughput. Advanced QoS policies, combined with intelligent traffic shaping, prevent network congestion and ensure that bandwidth is allocated efficiently among applications. This makes the router suitable for small businesses with VoIP systems, cloud-based productivity tools, video conferencing, and data-intensive applications. The router's capacity to handle multiple active connections without performance degradation highlights its reliability for high-demand scenarios.

Security and Compliance Features

Integrated Firewall and Access Controls

The Cisco C887VAM-K9 includes an advanced integrated firewall with granular access controls to protect networks from external threats. Administrators can configure rules for inbound and outbound traffic, segment networks, and enforce security policies that meet organizational requirements. Stateful packet inspection and deep packet analysis allow the router to detect and mitigate malicious activity while maintaining normal data flow. This comprehensive security framework ensures that business-critical data remains protected across all connected devices.

VPN Support and Remote Connectivity

Remote workforce requirements are addressed through the C887VAM-K9's support for IPsec VPN tunnels, SSL VPN connections, and secure remote management. These capabilities allow users to securely access internal resources, maintain confidentiality, and ensure data integrity. The router supports multiple concurrent VPN connections, making it suitable for distributed teams, telecommuting staff, and branch office interconnectivity. Encryption standards and secure key management ensure that communications remain private and resilient to interception.