Description
Product Overview of the Cisco CISCO2821 Fast Ethernet Router
The Cisco 2821 is a multi-purpose router designed for small-to-medium-sized businesses and enterprise branch offices. It supports a wide range of network protocols, including IPv4 and IPv6 routing, as well as various WAN and VPN technologies. It is equipped with a variety of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, serial, and ISDN, allowing for flexible connectivity to a variety of network types. Additionally, it has built-in security features such as a firewall and VPN support to help protect the network from unauthorized access. The Cisco 2821 also supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features to help ensure that critical network traffic is given priority and to help prevent network congestion.
External 2U Modular Design
The external 2U modular design of the CISCO2821 plays a crucial role in its versatility and scalability. Let’s break down this aspect into key components:
Form Factor
The 2U designation refers to the rack unit height of the router. A 2U form factor means that the router takes up two units of vertical space in a standard 19-inch rack. This compact design allows for efficient use of space in data centers or network closets.
Modular Architecture
The modular architecture of the CISCO2821 enhances its flexibility by allowing users to customize and expand the router’s capabilities. This modularity is particularly evident in the router’s ability to support various interface cards and modules, such as High-Speed WAN Interface Cards (HWICs), Packet Voice Digital Signal Processor Modules (PVDMs), and Network Modules (NME-X).
Power Supply and Energy EfficiencyAC Power Supply
The CISCO2821 is equipped with an AC (Alternating Current) power supply, ensuring reliable and consistent power delivery. This feature is essential for maintaining uninterrupted network operations. The router’s compatibility with AC power sources makes it suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios.
Energy-Efficient Design
Cisco has been at the forefront of promoting energy efficiency in networking equipment. The CISCO2821, with its modular design, allows businesses to optimize power consumption based on their specific requirements. The router is designed to meet energy efficiency standards, contributing to both cost savings and environmental sustainability.
Interfaces and Connectivity2GE (Gigabit Ethernet) Ports
The inclusion of two Gigabit Ethernet ports on the CISCO2821 enhances network speed and performance. Gigabit Ethernet is crucial for handling large volumes of data, and supporting high-speed connections between the router and other network devices. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses with bandwidth-intensive applications and data transfer requirements.
4HWICs (High-Speed WAN Interface Cards)
The router supports up to four High-Speed WAN Interface Cards (HWICs), providing flexibility in connecting to different types of Wide Area Network (WAN) services. HWICs enable the integration of additional functionality, such as enhanced security or expanded connectivity options, depending on the specific needs of the organization.
3PVDM (Packet Voice Digital Signal Processor Modules)
For organizations requiring voice services, the CISCO2821 includes three Packet Voice Digital Signal Processor Modules (PVDMs). These modules facilitate the deployment of Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, enabling businesses to seamlessly integrate voice communication into their network infrastructure.
1NME-X (Network Module Enhanced-Extended)
The inclusion of one Network Module Enhanced-Extended (NME-X) further expands the router’s capabilities. NME-X modules support various network services, such as additional Ethernet ports or integrated application services, contributing to the overall versatility of the router.
2AIM (Advanced Integration Module) Slots
The CISCO2821 features two Advanced Integration Module (AIM) slots, allowing for the integration of specialized modules to enhance the router’s performance in specific areas, such as security or encryption. AIMs provide a modular approach to extending the router’s capabilities, ensuring adaptability to evolving network requirements.
Suitable Performance
The Cisco 2821 is designed to provide high performance and reliability for small-to-medium-sized businesses and enterprise branch offices.
This makes it capable of handling a high volume of network traffic, even in demanding environments. The router also supports hardware-based encryption acceleration and on-board packet processing, which can help to offload CPU-intensive tasks and improve overall system performance.
In terms of reliability, the Cisco 2821 is designed to operate continuously and has features such as redundant power supplies and dual flash memory to help ensure that the router can maintain operation in the event of a failure. It also has several redundancy and failover options, such as Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) and Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) that can provide automatic failover to ensure that network traffic continues to be routed in the event of a failure.
It has built-in security features such as a firewall, VPN support, and intrusion detection and prevention that help protect the network from unauthorized access and threats. The Router runs on Cisco IOS software which is well known for providing features rich and stable operation, allowing advanced features and customization with the software.
Interface Provided for Digital Workplace
The Cisco 2821 Integrated Services Router provides a variety of interfaces that can be used to connect devices and networks in a digital workplace. Some of the key interfaces provided by the router include:
- Gigabit Ethernet: The Cisco 2821 has multiple Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, which can be used to connect to high-speed LAN networks or other devices that support Gigabit Ethernet, such as servers and switches.
- Serial: The router has multiple serial interfaces that can be used to connect to WAN networks using T1/E1, ISDN, or other serial-based technologies. This allows for flexible connectivity to a wide range of network types, including leased lines, Frame Relay, and ATM.
- ISDN: The Cisco 2821 also has an ISDN BRI interface, which can be used to connect to ISDN-based WAN networks. This can provide a reliable and cost-effective backup option for businesses that rely on a primary WAN connection, such as a leased line or VPN.
- VPN: The Cisco 2821 also has built-in VPN support, which allows the router to be configured to support a variety of VPN protocols, such as IPsec, PPTP, and L2TP. This allows the router to be used to create secure, encrypted connections to remote networks, such as branch offices or telecommuters.
- USB: the router also has one USB Port, which can be used to connect USB storage devices, or for direct connection to a PC for management.
All of these interfaces can be configured and managed using Cisco IOS software. This software provides a wide range of configuration options and advanced features that can be used to customize the router to meet the specific needs of a digital workplace.
General Information about this Cisco CISCO2821 Integrated Services Router
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# CISCO2821
- Product Series: 2800
- Product Type: Integrated Services Router
Technical Information
- Total Number of Ports: 2
- Management Port: Yes
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 2
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 12
- Expansion Slot Type: AIM
- Expansion Slot Type: HWIC
- Expansion Slot Type: NME-X
- Expansion Slot Type: PVDM
- Expansion Slot Type: EVM
Network & Communication
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
Memory
- Standard Memory: 256 MB
- Maximum Memory Supported: 1GB
- Memory Technology: DRAM
- Flash Memory: 64 MB
- Memory Card Supported: Compact Flash
Power Description
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC, 220 V AC
- Redundant Power Supply Supported: Yes
Features
- Cisco IOS Version: 12.3(8)T – The operating system for Cisco devices.
- Firewall Protection: Enhances security by providing a firewall.
- Hardware Encryption: Ensures data security through hardware-based encryption.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Supports secure communication over the Internet.
- MPLS Support: Enables efficient and flexible network routing.
- URL Filtering: Allows control over internet access by filtering URLs.
Expansion/Connectivity
- 4 (4) x HWIC (High-Speed WAN Interface Card) slots.
- 2 (2) x AIM (Advanced Integration Module) slots.
- 1 (1) x NME-X (Network Module Enhanced Express) slot.
- 1 (1) x EVM (Enhanced Voice Module) slot.
- 3 (3) x PVDM (Packet Voice DSP Module) slots.
- 2 Memory slots.
- 1 CompactFlash Card slot.
Interfaces
- 2 x Network – Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T – RJ-45.
- 2 x USB ports for additional connectivity.
- 1 x Management – Console for device configuration.
- 1 x Network – Auxiliary for supplementary network connections.
In short, the Cisco CISCO2821 Integrated Services Router offers a robust and versatile solution for diverse networking needs. Its modular design, Gigabit Ethernet ports, hardware interface cards, and advanced integration modules make it suitable for SMBs, branch offices, and organizations with specific communication and security requirements. This comprehensive guide has provided an in-depth look at the key features, use cases, installation, and future trends related to the CISCO2821 router, empowering users to make informed decisions about its deployment in their network infrastructure.
