This post was written by Katie Bumper
Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches with LAN Base software are a family of fixed-configuration, standalone intelligent Ethernet devices with Power Over Ethernet (PoE) or non-PoE configurations that provide desktop Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. This enable enhanced LAN services for entry-level enterprise, midmarket, and branch office networks. The Cisco Catalyst 2960 LAN Base Series offers integrated security, including Network Admission Control (NAC), advanced quality of service (QoS), and resiliency to deliver intelligent services for the network edge.
Cisco 877W Integrated Services Router is offering a stunning level of security features all accessed and configured from a well designed management console packed to the gills with wizards. Setting up wireless access is a little more tricky as SDM fires up a separate interface for this function where you can elect to use bridging or routing. Some features require additional components to be running separately but small businesses and remote offices that want the best money can buy need look no further.
Cisco’s 1841 router is intended for use in small and medium branch offices. This router is a low-end device making it one of the cheaper models produced by Cisco. This is rack mountable making it fit much better into the wiring closet. The fan speed varies based on cooling demands which reduces noise and fan wear. The 1841 routers come with internal clocks, but are dependent on a non-replaceable battery. If you intend to use VoIP you will need a separate appliance as the 1841 does not support either voice or VoIP despite having two WICs.
Cisco’s Catalyst 6515 forms the backbone of many campus-wide distributed networking environments. Managing the Cisco Catalyst 6513 is pretty straight forward. The Catalyst 6513 support a wide range of interface types and densities, including support for up to 1152 10/100 Ethernet, 576 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet, and up to 130 Gigabit Ethernet ports. The Cisco Catalyst 6513 is not a cheap solution, but it is a reliable one. However, if you need a reliable, scalable, robust networking switch and can afford the entry fee the Cisco Catalyst 6513 might be worth a look.
Cisco 871 Integrated Services Router improves overall network performance without making any quantitative measurements. For anyone unfamiliar with configuring Cisco products setting this up can be a daunting task. For certain features you’ll have to have a service contract with Cisco. For example if you want updated SDM software you have to have a service account. The unit is compact although it’s much larger than consumer devices like the Linksys RVS4000. Just be aware of this if space is at a premium.
Cisco IP Phone 7911G is one excellent product that will open up a great opportunity for businesses. From within any office building, you are required to communicate within the building to get things done. If 20 employees working on the same project were scattered across the building in different offices, they could each have one of these, and use the internet to stay connect with each other in a call conference or even video conference if they buy webcams. Best of all, it wont cost the company any more on bills.