Description
Product Overview of the Cisco 4 Ports Ethernet Router
In the dynamic landscape of networking and communication, having a reliable and feature-rich router is crucial for businesses and organizations. The Cisco C2901-CME-SRST/K9 2901 Voice Bundle Router stands out as a powerhouse, offering a versatile solution with its advanced features and capabilities. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the key aspects of this router, understanding its specifications, applications, and the value it brings to the table. The Cisco C2901-CME-SRST/K9 2901 Voice Bundle Router is a member of the Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR). Designed for voice collaboration and connectivity, this router brings together cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of modern communication networks. Let’s begin our journey by examining the fundamental features that define the essence of this router.
Key FeaturesVoice Bundle Capabilities
At the core of its functionality, the Cisco C2901-CME-SRST/K9 2901 is a voice bundle 4 ports router, equipped to handle voice communication seamlessly. With integrated voice services, it becomes a valuable asset for organizations relying on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other voice applications.
Router Performance
Powered by a robust architecture, the router boasts impressive performance metrics. The inclusion of a 4-port switch enhances its capabilities, providing efficient data transfer and network connectivity. This ensures a smooth and reliable user experience, crucial for businesses with high communication demands.
Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express (CME)
One of the standout features is the integration of Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express. This element empowers the router to act as a centralized communication hub, managing call processing for IP phones within the network. The inclusion of CME elevates the router’s utility in unified communication setups.
Survivable Remote Site Telephony (SRST)
In scenarios where connectivity to the central communication infrastructure is compromised, the SRST feature comes into play. The router, acting as a survivable remote site, ensures that basic telephony services remain operational, mitigating the impact of network failures. This resilience is invaluable for businesses requiring uninterrupted communication.
Technical SpecificationsHardware Architecture
The Cisco C2901-CME-SRST/K9 2901 Voice Bundle Router is built on a robust hardware foundation. Understanding the internal components and architecture is crucial for grasping its capabilities fully.
Processor
At the heart of the router lies a powerful processor, driving its performance. The processor’s speed and efficiency play a pivotal role in handling voice, data, and routing tasks seamlessly.
Memory
Adequate memory is essential for the smooth operation of any router. The Cisco 2901 router is equipped with sufficient RAM and flash memory to support its functions and accommodate future software upgrades.
Ports and Interfaces
Connectivity is a cornerstone of any router, and the Cisco 2901 doesn’t disappoint. With a range of ports and interfaces, including the 4-port switch, it provides flexibility in connecting various devices and peripherals.
Voice Technology
Voice communication requires specialized technology, and the Cisco C2901-CME-SRST/K9 2901 excels in this domain. Understanding the voice technology integrated into the router sheds light on its capabilities in handling telephony services.
Voice Codecs
The router supports a variety of voice codecs, ensuring compatibility with different voice applications. This flexibility is vital for maintaining high-quality voice communication over the network.
Voice Modules
Modularity is a key feature, allowing organizations to customize the router based on their specific voice requirements. Voice modules can be added or upgraded to adapt to changing communication needs.
Applications and Use Cases
Enterprise Communication
Large enterprises with extensive communication needs can leverage the Cisco 2901 router for its robust voice capabilities. The integration of CME and SRST ensures a comprehensive solution for managing communication within the organization.
Remote Site Connectivity
For businesses with multiple remote sites, the router’s SRST functionality becomes a game-changer. It provides a failover mechanism, ensuring that even in the absence of a central communication link, remote sites can maintain basic telephony services.
Unified Communication
The Cisco 2901 router is tailor-made for unified communication environments. Its compatibility with various voice codecs and support for IP phones make it an ideal choice for organizations looking to integrate voice, data, and video communication seamlessly.
Security Features
Firewall and VPN Capabilities
Security is a paramount concern in networking, and the Cisco 2901 router addresses this with its built-in firewall and Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities. These features ensure that data communication remains secure and protected from external threats.
Access Control
Fine-tuning access control is essential for safeguarding network resources. The router’s access control features allow administrators to define and enforce policies, regulating who can access specific network resources.
High Availability and Scalability
The C2901-CME-SRST/K9 Cisco 2901 Integrated Services Router is designed to offer high availability and scalability to businesses. Some of the key features that contribute to this include:
Cisco SRST (Survivable Remote Site Telephony): This feature allows the router to provide basic call processing in the event of a WAN failure, ensuring that voice communications remain up and running.
Redundant Power Supply: The router supports a redundant power supply, which helps to ensure that it remains operational even in the event of a power failure.
High-availability features: The router supports several high-availability features such as Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) and Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) to ensure that the network remains up and running in case of failure of one of the routers.
Scalability: The C2901-CME-SRST/K9 supports modular design and can scale up to support a larger number of users and devices. This allows businesses to easily expand their network as their needs grow.
Software-defined networking (SDN) support: The router can be integrated with SDN controllers like Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), which allows centralized management and automation. This helps to scale network operations.
General Information about the Cisco C2901-CME-SRST/K9
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# C2901-CME-SRST/K9
- Product Series: 2900
- Product Type: Integrated Services Router
Interfaces/Ports of the 4 Ports Router
- Total Number of Ports: 2
- Management Port: Yes
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 9
Network & Communication
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
Power Description
- Redundant Power Supply Supported: Yes
Memory
- Flash Memory: 256 MB
- Standard Memory: 512 MB
- Memory Technology: DRAM
- Maximum Memory: 2 GB
Power Description
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC – 220 V AC
Features
- This router is equipped with various features to enhance performance and security:
- Firewall Protection
- Hardware Encryption
- VPN Support
- MPLS Support
- Syslog Support
- Content Filtering
- IPv6 Support
- Class-based Weighted Fair Queuing (CBWFQ)
- Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED)
- Quality of Service (QoS)
- Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN)
- Web Services Management Agent (WSMA)
- Netflow
Compliant Standards
- This Cisco router complies with several industry standards, ensuring interoperability and reliability:
- IEEE 802.3
- IEEE 802.1Q
- IEEE 802.3ah
- IEEE 802.1ah
- IEEE 802.1ag
- ANSI T1.101
- ITU-T G.823
- ITU-T G.824
- IP Telephony:
- Voice Codecs: G.711, G.722, G.723.1, G.728, G.729, G.729a, G.729ab, G.726
Expansion / Connectivity
- This router provides various connectivity options for seamless integration:
- Interfaces:
- 2 x 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T – RJ-45
- Management: 1 x Console – RJ-45
- Management: 1 x Console – Mini-USB Type B
- Serial: 1 x Auxiliary – RJ-45
- USB: 2 x 4-pin USB Type A
- Expansion Slot(s):
- 4 (total) / 4 (free) x EHWIC
- 2 (total) / 1 (free) x PVDM
- 2 (total) / 1 (free) x CompactFlash Card
- 1 (total) / 1 (free) x ISM
Finally, the Cisco C2901-CME-SRST/K9 2901 Voice Bundle Router stands as a testament to Cisco’s commitment to delivering powerful and versatile networking solutions. Its integration of voice capabilities, coupled with robust performance, makes it a preferred choice for businesses ranging from large enterprises to those with multiple remote sites. As we continue to witness advancements in communication technology, routers like the Cisco 2901 play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connectivity.
