Cisco is one of the leading providers of networking hardware, particularly routers, which are critical for managing traffic between different networks, enabling communication, and providing secure connectivity. Cisco routers are widely used in enterprise, service provider, and small business environments due to their reliability, performance, and advanced security features.
Here’s an overview of the main types of Cisco routers and their key features:
1. Cisco ISR (Integrated Services Routers) Series
The Cisco ISR series is designed for branch offices, remote sites, and SMBs (Small and Medium-Sized Businesses). These routers provide integrated security, unified communications, WAN optimization, and cloud connectivity, making them ideal for hybrid and distributed environments.
Key Features:
- Integrated Services: Combines routing, switching, security, and wireless capabilities in a single device, reducing hardware complexity.
- Security Features: Integrated firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention, and secure connectivity for remote and branch sites.
- SD-WAN Ready: Supports Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) for optimizing branch office connections and improving application performance.
- Modular Design: Offers modularity, allowing for customization with different modules such as LTE, DSL, and enhanced security features.
- Unified Communications: Supports voice, video, and collaboration capabilities, ideal for businesses looking for converged communications.
Popular Models:
- Cisco ISR 1000 Series: Entry-level for small businesses and branch offices.
- Cisco ISR 4000 Series: High-performance routers for larger branch offices and service provider environments.
2. Cisco ASR (Aggregation Services Routers) Series
The Cisco ASR series is built for service providers and large enterprises that require high-performance, scalable routing solutions for WAN aggregation, edge services, and cloud networking.
Key Features:
- High Scalability: Designed to handle high traffic volumes and scale to meet the needs of large networks and service providers.
- Carrier-Grade Performance: Delivers high-throughput performance, ideal for large data centers, carrier networks, and multi-site enterprises.
- Advanced Security: Offers advanced security features such as encrypted tunnels, firewalls, and DoS protection.
- QoS (Quality of Service): Ensures optimal performance for critical applications by prioritizing traffic based on policies.
- MPLS Support: Provides support for Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), enabling high-speed routing in large-scale networks.
Popular Models:
- Cisco ASR 1000 Series: Suitable for enterprise data centers and medium-sized service providers.
- Cisco ASR 9000 Series: High-performance, modular routers built for large-scale service providers and ISPs.
3. Cisco Meraki MX Series
The Meraki MX series is a cloud-managed router ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and organizations with distributed networks. It provides simplified deployment and management through the Meraki cloud dashboard.
Key Features:
- Cloud Management: Managed entirely through the Meraki cloud, allowing for easy deployment, configuration, and monitoring from a web-based dashboard.
- Security Features: Integrated firewall, Auto VPN, intrusion detection/prevention (IDS/IPS), and malware protection.
- SD-WAN Support: Offers built-in SD-WAN capabilities, enabling optimized performance for branch offices and remote sites.
- Zero-Touch Deployment: Simplifies the setup process, making it ideal for environments that require rapid deployment across multiple locations.
- Application Visibility: Provides visibility into network traffic, allowing administrators to monitor and control bandwidth usage on a per-application basis.
Popular Models:
- Meraki MX67/MX68: Designed for small branch offices or remote sites.
- Meraki MX100/MX250: Ideal for medium-sized businesses and large branch networks.
- Meraki MX450: High-performance router for large enterprises.
4. Cisco Catalyst 8000 Series
The Cisco Catalyst 8000 Series is designed for enterprises looking for next-generation SD-WAN and cloud connectivity. This series delivers advanced routing, security, and networking features for multi-cloud environments.
Key Features:
- SD-WAN and Cloud Edge: Built to enable seamless cloud connectivity and optimize traffic across hybrid cloud environments.
- Integrated Security: Offers advanced security features like Cisco Umbrella integration, secure edge, firewall, and VPN support.
- Multi-Gigabit Throughput: Provides high performance and throughput, making it ideal for handling the data demands of modern enterprises.
- Analytics and Telemetry: Enables real-time monitoring and insights into network performance and traffic patterns.
- Edge Computing: Supports edge computing capabilities to process data closer to where it’s generated, reducing latency for critical applications.
Popular Models:
- Cisco Catalyst 8500 Series: Built for large-scale enterprise branches and data centers.
- Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series: Ideal for medium-to-large branch offices with advanced SD-WAN and cloud integration needs.
5. Cisco RV Series (Small Business Routers)
The Cisco RV Series routers are designed for small businesses that need secure, reliable connectivity at an affordable price. These routers are easy to set up and manage, making them a popular choice for businesses with limited IT resources.
Key Features:
- Easy Deployment: Designed for small businesses with simple plug-and-play installation and web-based management.
- Integrated VPN: Supports VPN connectivity for secure remote access, ideal for businesses with remote workers or multiple locations.
- Built-In Security: Provides essential security features like firewalls, DoS protection, and VLAN support.
- WAN Failover: Offers WAN redundancy and failover, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity in case of primary WAN failure.
- Affordable and Scalable: Offers cost-effective solutions for small businesses with limited networking budgets.
Popular Models:
- Cisco RV160: A small business router with built-in VPN and easy management.
- Cisco RV340: Provides dual WAN connectivity, robust security features, and scalable performance for small offices.
6. Cisco Industrial Routers
Cisco also provides industrial-grade routers designed to operate in harsh environments such as manufacturing plants, oil and gas fields, energy grids, and transportation.
Key Features:
- Rugged Design: Built to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, and vibration, ensuring reliability in industrial settings.
- Industrial Protocols: Supports industrial protocols like Modbus and DNP3, making them suitable for integration with OT (Operational Technology) systems.
- Edge Computing: Offers edge computing capabilities for data processing and analytics at the network edge in industrial environments.
- Advanced Security: Provides integrated security features to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
- Redundant Connectivity: Includes support for redundant WAN connectivity (e.g., LTE, satellite) to ensure continuous communication in remote locations.
Popular Models:
- Cisco IR1101: A modular industrial router for IoT and edge computing applications.
- Cisco 809 Industrial Router: Designed for rugged environments with LTE connectivity options.
In Summary:
Cisco offers a wide range of routers tailored to meet the needs of different environments, from small businesses to large enterprises and industrial applications. Whether you need high-performance routing for your data center, cloud connectivity with SD-WAN, or secure branch office connectivity, Cisco routers provide scalable and reliable solutions.
Key Series Overview:
- Cisco ISR Series: For branch offices, SMBs, and unified communications.
- Cisco ASR Series: For high-performance, scalable WAN aggregation and edge services.
- Cisco Meraki MX Series: Cloud-managed routers with integrated security and SD-WAN.
- Cisco Catalyst 8000 Series: Designed for next-gen SD-WAN and multi-cloud connectivity.
- Cisco RV Series: Affordable, easy-to-deploy routers for small businesses.
- Cisco Industrial Routers: Rugged, secure routers for industrial environments.
Cisco routers are known for their reliability, security, and ability to handle modern networking demands, making them a popular choice for enterprises of all sizes.