Two New 2500 Series Routers Simplify Management, Installation for Remote Sites, ISP Providers

---

• Moreinformation on Cisco 2500 Ethernet Routers and Hubs
• More information on Cisco2500 Token Ring Routers and Hubs

---

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 4, 1996 -- Cisco Systems, Inc. today introduced theCisco 2524 and the 2525, the first single-product routing solutions tooffer completely integrated telecommunications and routing functionality.

The Cisco 2524 and 2525 eliminate the need for separate internetworkingcomponents by combining a data service unit/channel service unit (DSU/CSU)and a Basic Rate Interface (BRI) Integrated Services Digital Network(ISDN) interface with a remote office router. The DSU/CSU modules were developedwith wide-area network (WAN) access providers Adtran, a leader in 56/64kbps DSU/CSU technology, and Digital Link, Corp., a leader in FT1 DSU/CSUtechnology. (Note to editors: A DSU is a device used in digitaltransmission for connecting data terminal equipment to a digitaltransmission service. A CSU is a digital interface device that connectsend-user equipment to the local digital telephone loop.)

The Cisco 2524 and 2525 are modular routers targeted for corporatecustomers who want to deploy a single, remotely managed intelligent deviceto their remote offices for both WAN and telecommunications lineconnectivity. These routers are also an ideal solution for InternetService Providers (ISPs) who offer turnkey ISP-managed Internetconnections.

Featuring all of the functionality of the Cisco Internetwork OperatingSystem (Cisco IOS) software, Cisco's 2524 and 2525 routers arecompletelyscalable. These access routers also offer, for the first time in Cisco's2500 series, an integrated Network Terminal (NT1) device, providing acomplete solution for ISDN users in North America.

"Cisco continues to expand its market-leading 2500 series router family tooffer customers increased functionality and modularity, simplifying theinstallation and management of remote access sites," said Kevin Kennedy,division director in the company's Access Business Unit. "Plus, through asingle vendor, corporations and ISPs can select just the modules theyrequire to implement new sites efficiently and cost-effectively. "

Unattended Remote Access Made Easy

Cisco's integrated DSU/CSU and ISDN modules provide a compact, self-containedunit without the usual clutter of external devices and cables. Plus, theintelligent DSU/CSU and ISDN modules can be remotely managed from a centrallocation using Cisco's built-in Simple Network Management Protocol(SNMP) to speed problem resolution and avoid on-site visits. These benefits makethe 2524 and 2525 routers an ideal solution for unattended remote sites orsites without an information systems (IS) or telecommunicationsprofessional.

Fully scalable for any WAN technology, such as ISDN, Digital Data Services(DDS), Switched 56K, Frame Relay packet switching, or fractional/full T1leased line services, the Cisco 2524 and 2525 routers each accept twosynchronous serial plug-in modules and one ISDN module. The twosynchronous WAN interface slots can accommodate any of four DSU/CSUmodules, making the 2524 and 2525 routers the perfect solution forenvironments that need to reserve one port for Synchronous Data LinkControl (SDLC) or bisynchronous protocols and the second port for FrameRelay or leased line links to headquarters. The routers also featureoptional plug-in ISDN modules for both ISDN BRI or ISDN BRI with NT1. Allof the modules for the Cisco 2524 and 2525 are user-installable andfield-upgradeable, allowing customers to easily add or modify WANfunctionality as needed. The Cisco 2524 includes an Ethernet interface,while the Cisco 2525 includes a Token Ring interface.

The routers also provide a number of bandwidth optimization features,including 4:1 data compression over leased lines, packet-switched andcircuit-switched WAN services, and dial-on-demand routing (DDR) over ISDNand switched 56K lines. For IBM environments, the routers support proxyexplorer and NetBIOS name caching to avoid wasting WAN bandwidth onoverhead traffic. Snapshot routing and SPX/IPX spoofing keep router andserver state data on both sides of the WAN connection to reduce additionaltraffic.

The new Cisco routers also ensure application availability. Priorityoutput queuing, for instance, enables network administrators to prioritizetraffic by protocol, message size, physical port and Systems NetworkArchitecture (SNA) device. Custom queuing offers the same level ofprioritization granularity and ensures that mission-critical trafficreceives a guaranteed minimum amount of bandwidth.

Availability

The Cisco 2524 and 2525 routers are available immediately in the UnitedStates, Canada and South America. These models will not be available inEurope, since DSU/CSU modules there are regulated by the telephonecompanies. Optional modules include a two-wire switched 56K DSU/CSU,a four-wire 56K/64K DSU/CSU (DDS or Switched 56K interface), afractional/full T1 DSU/CSU, and a 5-in-1 synchronous serial module.

About Cisco

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the leading globalsupplier ofinternetworking solutions,including routers, LAN and ATM switches,dial-up access servers, and network management software. These products,integrated by the Cisco IOS software , linkgeographically dispersed LANs,WANs and IBM networks. Cisco Systems news and product/service informationare available at World Wide Web site http://www.cisco.com. Cisco Systemsis headquartered in San Jose, Calif.

---

Posted: Mon Oct 20 14:37:24 PDT 1997