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Do I Need a Cisco Router?

Cisco routers typically maintain the highest price point in the industry, leaving buyers with a quandary when purchasing terminating equipment for their network or T1. There are many choices available when it comes to T1 routers and most are nearly half the price of a comparable Cisco router. Why are Cisco routers such as the 1721 and 2621 comparably more expensive than the competition? Cisco stakes their claim in what they call the Cisco Converged, Intelligent Network, which has four cornerstones: modularity, resilience, adaptivity, and security.

Modularity is most notable in Cisco routers in that the 1721 and 2621 are chassis that accept a wide array of wan interface cards in order to terminate networks of different types. For instance, a T1 would require a T1 DSU interface card while a frame relay network would require a frame interface card, both of which can be installed in the same chassis. Modularity allows Cisco routers to upgrade and change with the needs of the user, saving money in the long term.

Resilience is realized when Cisco gear operates in Cisco infrastructure. A powerful advantage is gained in that the intelligent network is application-aware. This means that the network actively participates with the applications, automatically providing end devices with rights and priorities based on the needs of the device and the application.

Embedded in the Cisco Intelligent Network, the purpose-built Cisco IP Communications applications are also network-aware, meaning that they automatically seek and retrieve the most up-to-date software versions and upgrade themselves. When the network and applications communicate in this highly adaptive way, customers can more quickly deploy communications. This also simplifies management and reduces management costs.

Network intelligence also enhances IP-based security. Integrated security helps Cisco offer an IP network that is the strongest, most secure system available. Cisco security is based not on point products, but rather on multilayer, system-level security that pervades the entire infrastructure, from endpoints such as the IP phones or PCs to the call-processing components to the software and silicon on the router.

Network Liquidators keeps a large amount of Cisco routers, and other Cisco equipment in stock. Visit our blog for more articles and reviews about Cisco networking equipment.