Cisco Routers Add Services
Cisco systems this week will introduce a new line of routers with integrated services that combine concurrent data, security, and voice features in one system.
The new systems are designed for both small businesses and large enterprises and are scalable depending on the application. “We have had services in routers before, but here we have strengthened and embedded security and added wire-speed concurrent data, voice, and video services,” said Robert Checketts, senior manager of product marketing at Cisco’s enterprise routing group.
At the high end, Cisco will offer the 3825 and 2845 routers, starting at $9,500 arid designed as enterprise branch routers. These systems offer T3 and E3 rates with all the services being used. In terms of security, the routers feature onboard encryption and firewalls. Voice features include onboard DSP (digital signal processing) slots with support for as many as 240 IP phone lines.
The new 2801, 2811, 2821, and 2851 routers are designed for the converged branch office. These routers start at $1,995 and include onboard encryption and firewalls. They also include onboard DSP slots for as many as 96 IP phone lines.
For the small and medium business or secure branch office, Cisco is introducing the 1841 router. It starts at $1,395 and also offers onboard encryption and firewalls but doesn’t include the telephony features of the other models.
The systems include a new application services module that offers network analysis and support, voice mail, HTTP caching and URL filtering, video distribution, and intrusion detection for enhanced performance and a lower overall cost,
For the new systems, Cisco is also offering an update to its Router and Security Device Manager with simplified management features and a built-in graphical user interface. “Our customers have been very. clear that they want better control over their networks,” Checketts said.
The new routers fit into the current trend of offering additional services on routers. That is particularly true with security, which has grown recently as IT managers have used secure routers for corporatewide rollouts of broadband VPNs. This summer Cisco expanded its high-end offerings in the router market with the CRS-1, designed for the telecom market.
Cisco is not the only company to recognize this trend. Competitor Juniper Networks, for instance, last year acquired NetScreen Technologies, a muter company strong in security features. “The traditional enterprise router market is evolving into an IP-centric market where enterprise routers are supporting VoIP in addition to security features,” said Jeff Wilson, principal analyst at Infonetics Research.
According to research company Dell’Oro Group, the total router market was $260 million in the second quarter of 2004, a 13 percent increase over the first quarter.