Cisco Integrated Services Routers (ISR) - 1800/2800/3800

Contents • Introduction (Right) • Comparison of features (1800, 2800, 3800) • Model Listing: 1800, 2800, 3800 • Expansion Modules (WIC-Type, AIM, and NM-Type) • Cisco product documentation • Request a  or call us at 216-896-9967 • Check our

Comparatively, ISRs offer 10% or more performance improvements over earlier generations, but more importantly offer integration of features and a variety of new expansion options not available in previous generations of modular routers. The 2821, for example, is rated at 140,000 packets per second, although with Firewall, VPN and  other services enabled decreases to about 50,000 PPS. The Cisco 2821, pictured right, illustrates the variety of expansion slots available.

ISR Expansion Cards:

Like the 2600, 3600, and 3700 series modular routers, ISR routers can be configured with a variety of WIC-type (smaller), and NM-type (larger) expansion modules to customize features and configuration.  There is now a sometimes confusing selection of expansion cards:

• In addition to supporting most existing Network Modules (NMs), new enhanced and sometimes physically different modules have been introduced including the NME, NME-X, NMD, NME-XD, and EVM (expansion voice modules).
• In addition to WICs and VWICs (voice WICS), there are new VICs and HWICs which work only in ISR equipment but not in earlier models. Complicating this is that some cards only work in some slots. 
• Advanced Integration Modules (AIM) that integrate VPN and voice capabilities into Cisco routers are now standard in many ISRs. 

Often times, ISRs are offered with a combination of expansion cards to provide an "out of the box" solution for particular uses - particularly in the 1800 line. However, it is also possible to mix and match expansion cards.  Pricewise, new ISRs offer sticker price savings over the sticker price of an equivalent set of new nonISR routers and switches. However, your experience may vary dramatically as street discounts for new, like-new and refurbished Cisco routers and switches are far larger than for the Integrated Services Routers currently.

VOIP on ISRs:

Voice/VOIP can be added to ISRs one of three ways. The first and simplest way is to install PVDM (voice cards) inside on the mainboard chassis. PVDM2-8, PVDM2-16, PVDM2-32, or PVDM2-64 voice chips can be installed in the internal PVDM slots to support from 8 to 64 voice channels (depending on voice codecs). Alternately, an AIM voice card can be installed in the internal AIM slot. Both of these methods would require a VWIC T1/E1 card or FXS/FXO card to be installed in a WIC/VWIC slot. Finally, an NM-HDV voice carrier card with PVDM/PVDM2 chips and T1/E1 VWIC can be installed, just as in a 2600/3600/3700 router.

 

Introduction:  The Cisco Integrated Services Router (ISR) series is a multifunction router, integrating routing, switching, and service delivery (including data, voice/VOIP, video, and other media) onboard in a single unit. ISR routers target small to medium-sized businesses needing the variety of features offered by ISRs. ISR series routers (800, 1800, 2800, 3800) include embedded security, QOS, optional firewall, in-line intrusion prevention, and virtual private network (VPN) & Network Admission Control (NAC), part of Cisco's "Self-Defending Network" concept.  At the upper end of the series, the 2800 and 3800 ISRs have options for setting up an IP PBX system, including integrated call processing, voicemail, and auto-attendant.