Cisco directs SMEs onto a better route

Cisco has promised to bring three benefits to the SME market with the launch of its 1720 VPN access router. The benefits include VPN capabilities through Cisco IOS software, flexibility through modular design and network device integration.

The 1720 VPN access router features an integrated router, firewall, VPN tunnel server, DSU/CSU, NT1 and encryption, as well as deploying standards-based VPN tunnels. By combining Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol (L2TP) and IPSec encryption, a multiprotocol solution for remote access VPNs is enabled.

The router also features two Wan Interface Card (WIC) slots, one auto-sensing 10/100 Fast Ethernet port and one auxiliary port.

Cisco is also targeting the SoHo market with the launch of a family of ISDN routers - the 800 series. The range consists of four models: the 801 provides a basic rate interface ISDN S/T port, the 802 adds an integrated Network Termination device and NT-1, and the 803 and 804 include a four-port Ethernet hub and two optional analog telephone interfaces.

The 800 series also includes a number of security features such as firewall, router/route authentication, Lock and Key, generic routing encapsulation (GRE), access control lists and encryption.

Prices for the 800 series and 1720 routers start from $799 (#499) for the 800 and $2,195 (#1,372) for the 1720.

Cisco: (0181) 756 8000.