ATLANTA, Sept. 12, 1994 -- Cisco Systems has expanded itsCisco 2500 family of fixed-configuration Access ProductFamilies, adding three newmodels that feature two LAN ports (two Ethernet, two Token Ring or one ofeach) rather than the single LAN port available on the earlier models.
The new models are designed for use in branch office environments thatneed the increased density as a way to segment a single existing LAN intotwo -- relieving congestion or creating firewall security -- or as acost-effective means of linking a mixed-media LAN installation to theoutside world.
In addition to their two LAN ports, the new Cisco 2500 models providetwo synchronous serial ports and one low-speed asynchronous serial port forwide-area dial-backup and dial-on-demand connectivity.
Kevin Kennedy, Cisco's director of access products, said, "By doublingthe LAN port density of our original Cisco 2500 units, we address the needsof ultra-cost-conscious remote-site users whose applications don't call fora more powerful and expensive modular router. In a school network, forexample, the 2500 can be used to build a security firewall between theEthernet used by administration and that used by students. In a retailenvironment, where the store's inventory database is on an Ethernet and itspoint-of-sale activity on a Token Ring, the 2500 offers an integratedsolution that keeps users from having to purchase two routers or a moreexpensive modular router."
Since the Cisco 2500 family of remote access routers wasintroduced inJanuary 1994, more than 40,000 units have been shipped to customers.The2500 models feature 4 MB of Flash EPROM for fast, reliable software loadingand updating; and 2 to 6 MB of system DRAM (expandable to 18 MB).
Each Cisco 2500 model is available with one of three feature sets ofCisco's Internetwork Operating System (IOS): the basic IOS IP featureset, the mission-specific IOS Desktop feature set or the comprehensive IOSEnterprise feature set. All include Cisco's AutoInstall feature, whichallows fast, economical router installation with no technical expertise atthe remote site. All models are manageable by the CiscoWorksseries ofrouter management applications and other SNMP-basedmanagement systems.
The new Cisco 2500 models will be available in October. Price rangesare as follows, with specific prices depending on the IOS feature setselected.
Model 2513 (1 Ethernet, 1 Token Ring): $3,695 - $5,195 Model 2514 (2 Ethernet): $2,995 - $4,495 Model 2515 (2 Token Ring): $3,995 - $5,495All three models also include two synchronous serial ports and onelow-speed asynchronous serial port.
Cisco will continue to offer its original Cisco 2500 models with oneEthernet or one Token Ring interface.
Cisco Systems, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, Calif., is the leading global supplier ofinternetworkingproducts, including routers, bridges,workgroup systems, ATM switches, dial-up access servers, software routersand router management software. These products are used to buildenterprise-wide internetworks linking an unlimited number of geographicallydispersed LANs, WANs and IBM SNA networks. Cisco's Internetwork OperatingSystem (IOS) technology, found in more than 200,000 installed Cisco unitsand in the products of over 20 partners, is the de facto industry standardfor data transmission. In the U.S., Cisco is traded over the counter underthe Nasdaq symbol CSCO. A member of the S&P 500 and Fortune 500, Cisco infiscal 1994 logged sales of $1.2 billion.
