Cisco Unveils Latest Series Of Routers
By embedding multiple functions inside the router, the unit is easier to deploy and manage using Cisco's Web-based console, and the single unit uses less space and less power.
The 2800 Series routers are designed for small to midsize businesses as well as enterprise branches, depending on functionality, price and performance. The Cisco 2800 Series consists of four new models: the 2801, 2811, 2821 and 2851. CRN Test Center engineers evaluated the 2811, which ranges in price from $1,995 to $6,495.
A robust security system is at the heart of every 2800 Series router, and the 2811 is no exception. Security features include a stateful firewall, Intrusion Prevention, URL filtering, Network Admission Control, IPSec VPN, Secure Shell (SSH) Protocol and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMPv3). The router includes embedded hardware cryptography accelerators that enable WAN link security and VPN services. An intrusion-detection-system (IDS) network module loads and enables selected IDS signatures in the same manner as Cisco IDS Sensor Appliances. A new Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) function enables the router to set up and tear down VPNs automatically. Voice and Video Enabled VPNs (V3PN) enforce quality-of-service (QoS) when combining voice and video with a VPN. URL filtering is performed by an optional content-engine network module or by an external server running URL filtering software.
The Cisco 2811 router can support up to 36 Cisco IP phones. Optional support for Cisco in-line power over Ethernet (PoE) is available, which can be used to power Cisco IP phones without external power packs. Various voice and fax modules provide support for applications such as voice over IP (VoIP) and voice over Frame Relay (VoFR). The architecture can support up to 12 T1/E1s trunks, 52 foreign-exchange-station (FXS) ports or 36 foreign-exchange-office (FXO) ports.
The Cisco 2811router features two 10/100 Ethernet ports. Higher-end models support Gigabit Ethernet. Enhanced network-module (NME) slots support existing network functionality while offering data throughput up to 1.6 Gbps. Four integrated High-performance WIC (HWIC) slots allow throughput of up to 400 Mbps full duplex or 800 Mbps aggregate.
Cisco's Channel Certification Program offers three levels of participation. Cisco Premier Certified Partners have access to all Cisco partner programs and receive special recognition for focusing on one area of specialization. Cisco Silver Certified Partners are rewarded with a high level of support and recognition for focusing on at least two specializations. Cisco Gold Certified Partners are recognized for focusing on three specializations. Achieving certification from Cisco is based on fulfillment of various career certifications, the number of Cisco certified individuals a company has employed and the terms of the partner support agreement.
Cisco's average reseller margins vary widely. The company's channel program does offer product discounts and sales incentives for partners, joint-marketing funds and access to Cisco's extensive online resources. These resources range from sales, marketing and technical collateral and support to online training, a dedicated partner site and a wealth of other information. Test Center engineers were impressed with the depth and breadth of Cisco's channel offerings, but found the numerous prerequisites and complex partner-level requirements overwhelming.
CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>Cisco 2811 Router
COMPANY: Cisco Systems
San Jose, Calif.
(800) 553-6387
www.cisco.com
DISTRIBUTORS: Ingram Micro, Tech Data, Westcon
TECH RATING:
CHANNEL RATING:
Note: Recommended status is earned with ascore of eight stars out of 10