Digital Modem Network Modules
for the Cisco 3600 Platform
OVERVIEW
Introduction
The Cisco 3600 Series is a family of modular, multifunction access
routers for medium and large-sized offices and smaller Internet
ServiceProviders.Withover70modular interface options, theCisco
3600 family provides solutions for voice/data integration, virtual
privatenetworks(VPNs) dial access, andmultiprotocol data routing.
Using Cisco’s Voice/Fax network modules, the Cisco 3600 Series
allows customers to consolidate voice, fax, and data traffic on a
single network infrastructure. The high-performance, modular
architecture of the Cisco 3600 Seriesprotects customers’ investment
innetwork technology and integrates the functionsof severaldevices
into a single, manageable solution.
Now, with this announcement of the new digital modem
networkmodules, the Cisco 3600expandsits role as amultifunction,
branch/enterprise orientated platform that, supports voice over data,
dial access and LAN-to-LAN or routing in one modular platform,
making it an ideal solution for the “power branch” environment.
The following network modules are being announced:
Table 1
ProductProduct Description
NM-6DM6 digital modem network module
NM-12DM12 digital modem network module
NM-18DM18 digital modem network module
NM-24DM24 digital modem network module
NM-30DM30 digital modem network module
MICA-6MOD6 digital modem upgrade card for the Cisco 3600 digital
MMTL-3600Managed Modem Software License (available in blocks
modem network modules
of 6 modems)
1
1. Note: These digital modem network modules must operate in conjunction with a
TI/EI/PRI/BRI network module. For details on supported PRI network modules, see
the “Technical Specifications” section.
Features at a Glance
• Up to 30 digital modems per 3620
• Up to 60 digital modems per 3640
• Up to 120 digital modems in a 3660
• Network module requires one slot in a Cisco 3600
• Each network module supports up to 30 digital modems
• Each modem is fully software upgradable
• Speeds up to 56 kbps (V.90) are supported
• The number of modems per chassis can be easily increased on site
• LEDs indicate when the networkmodule is enabled/modem banks
are in use
The Cisco 3600, installed with the digital modem network
modules, offers the most flexible, scalable, manageable,
and high-performance dial accesssolution available in themarket
today.
These new network modules utilize either the single or dual
PRI network module, the 4 and 8 port BRI Network Modules, or
the mixed media Fast Ethernet/PRI network module to offer
support for up to 90 remote modem users (using two digital
network modules), at speeds up to 56 kbps. Each network module
supports up to 30 digital modems. Flexible LAN topologies
including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Token Ring are supported.
Theinternal digital modem network moduleisavailablewith
6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 modems preinstalled, and can also be
upgraded on site, from say 18 to 24 modems, as simply
as upgrading computer memory! This scenario gives the
maximum flexibility to grow a dial-in solution as the remote user
base grows.
Support for the new 56K modem technology allows users to
achievemaximum data transfer rates, while still allowing support
for V.34technologies. The modems are software upgradable, and
will support future standards as they become available. This high
speed ensures the fastest downloads of Web pages and files.
Note: Actual speeds vary,dependingon line conditions. Because
of FCC limitations, speeds in the United States are less than 56
kbps.
The Cisco 3600 can take incoming Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN) or voice calls and automatically switch them to
the appropriate internal circuitry.ThePRI/BRI switching is based
on Q.931 messaging in the ISDN D channel. This out-of-band
signaling channel provides a way for the telephone network to
label each call as to the type of call. Specifically, when an
incoming call is labeled “voice” by the telephone network, the
Cisco 3600 directs it to one of its modems. When a call is labeled
“ISDN data”, it is directed to one of its High-Level Data Link
Control (HDLC) controllers. The benefits here are one phone
number for modem and ISDN users. R2 and CT1 interfaces also
support this switching ability.
The Cisco 3600 provides complete centrally managed
modem capabilities, key requirements for branches and
enterprises building midsized dial-in pools. The Cisco 3600
modems can be managed via the same Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP)-based tools used to manage the
rest of the network, providing network managers with one
solution at a central management point. Optional enhanced
modem management (Management Modem Technology License
[MMTL])capabilities allow for the gathering ofmodemstatistics,
real-time call-in-progress, monitoring modem activity log,
modem hard/soft busy out, and the ability to accomplish modem
firmware upgrades.
The installed modems can be utilized by LAN users for
dial-out and fax-out applications, utilizing 3rd party applications
such as the one available from Tactical Software. The modems
can be assigned as dial-in, dial-out, or both. Dial-out support
allows the LAN users to utilize the modems during the day for
outgoing calls, and use the same modems in the evening for
incoming calls from home users.
The ever-expanding numbers of remote users can be easily
accommodated with the support for Multilink Multichassis PPP,
allowing dial-in pools of lines to span numerous Cisco 3600
routers. Through the use of Layer2 Forwarding (L2F) technology
and Cisco’s exclusive Stack Group Bidding Protocol (SGBP), the
Cisco 3600 can growtomeet the requirementsof the fast-growing
and frequently changing dial environments. Since the essential
building block is a relatively small investment, enterprises and
branch offices can scale from very small to larger installations.
®
TheCisco IOS
softwarecan help maximize dialbandwidth,
utilizing numerous features such as bandwidth on demand and
protocol spoofing. These software features directly reduce line
usage and reduce the cost associated with a remote access
solution.
Lower operating costs are achievable with the Cisco 3600’s
set of central management. The Cisco 3600 and its internal
modems can be managed with CiscoWorks software. In addition,
Cisco’s configuration management capabilities provide network
managers with complete control over network statistics and the
ability to configure and tune network operations from a central
location. Finally, comprehensive debugging tools in Cisco IOS
software substantially reduce the time and cost associated with
problem isolation and correction.
Utilizing TACACS+, Challenge Handshake Authentication
Protocol/Password Authentication Protocol (CHAP/PAP), 56-bit
Data Encryption Standard (DES) encryption andthe built-in firewall
capabilities of the Cisco 3600 allowssecure access for remote users
to sensitive company data.
Life Cycle-Focused Support Solutions
Cisco’s comprehensive support portfolio delivers solutions
that enhance the network throughout its life cycle. From design and
installation,to preventiveandscheduledmaintenance, to performance
optimization, Cisco’s solutions promote network reliability,
eff iciency,and fle xibility. Designed to function as an integral product
component, these programs deliver seamless support. Together, they
proactively help organizations sharpen their competitive edge.
Through access to the Cisco Connection Online (CCO) W eb site,
customers can both use and market expanded functionality and new
featuresas soon as they become available.Moreover, accesstoCisco’s
technical expertise is availablearound the clockand around the globe.
This virtual team of the world’s top networking engineers is equipped
to address every need from troubleshooting to network design
and planning.
Digital Modem Applications
Historically, branch office connectivity has been synonymous with
connecting the localLAN to a regional or central site. Withthe rapid
growth in mobile computing and telecommuting, more and more
branch offices need to add user-to-LAN capabilities.
Using ISDN PRI, ISDN BRI or Fast Ethernet/ISDN PRI, and
digital modem network modules, the Cisco 3600 provides the ideal
functionality for the branch and enterprise offices.
Figure 1 illustrates a typical application for the ISDN PRI and
digital modem network modules.
For basic telephone users, both 33.6K and 56K modem calls
can be terminated through a PRI/BRI connection into a digital
modem network module, including mobile workers and people
working from hotel rooms. For teleworkers with access to Basic
Rate Interface (BRI), the same phone number could be used to
connectto the same Cisco3600, achieving 64 kbps non-compressed,
or with multilink PPP, 128 kbps.
Multiple backhaul options are available to link back to
a corporate network, at speeds up to 8 Mbps. Additionally, a slower
speed (T1 or Frame Relay, for example) connection could link the
branch to the World Wide Web.
NM-6DMOctober 1997October 199711.2 (9) XA
NM-12DMOctober 1997October 199711.2 (9) XA
NM-18DMOctober 1997October 199711.2 (9) XA
NM-24DMOctober 1997October 199711.2 (9) XA
NM-30DMOctober 1997October 199711.2 (9) XA
MICA-6MODOctober 1997October 199711.2 (9) XA
Memory requirements for the each digital modem network module
include:
• 300 KB main memory
• 200 KB input/output (I/O) memory
Ordering Information
Product
NumberProduct Description
NM-6DM6 digital modem network module
NM-12DM12 digital modem network module
NM-18DM18 digital modem network module
NM-24DM24 digital modem network module
NM-30DM30 digital modem network module
MICA-6MOD6 digital modem upgrade card for the Cisco 3600
Software upgradable to future modem and fax standards.
• Cisco 3660--four digital modem network modules
Technical Specifications
Physical Characteristics
• Six modems per modem module
• Up to five modem modules per network module
Modem Protocols Supported
Carrier protocols:
• V.90 (requires Portware 2.5.1.0 and IOS 11.(2)16P or
IOS 11.3.(6)T or higher.)
• K56Flex
• V.110 support
• ITU V.23 at 75/1200 bps
Modem Management (optional)
This option provides for modem statistics, real-time
call-in-progress, monitoring modem activity log, and modem hard/
soft busy out. For further details, reference the digital modem
management document support.
Requirements
Operates in conjunction with the following network modules,
operating in PRI, BRI (requires IOS 12.0(2)XC or higher), R2
(requires IOS 12.0(1)T or higher) and CT1 mode:
The Cisco 3600 expands the Cisco dial product line, now
with products from the Cisco 2509-12 series, through the
Cisco 3600 series, to the Cisco 5X00 series, making up a broad
range of dial solutions targeted at different market segments,
including small branch, enterprise, ISPs, telcos, and carriers.
Other dial-focused network modules of the Cisco 3600
include 16 and 32 port high-density async network modules,
ISDN network modules, eight and 16 port analog modem
network. These modules address the high-density async market
(up to 192 async ports) for external modems banks and terminal
servers,the ISDN consolidation market (eight PRI or48 BRI), the
mid-density analog modem market, and the mid-density hybrid
market (30-120 digital modems), all utilizing a high-performance
routing engine.
Summary
The Cisco 3600 is a multifunction platform, with the ability
to support dial access, LAN-to-LAN routing, and multiservice
functions in the same chassis. The benefits of this multifunction
positioning include modularity, scalability, inv estment protection,
and flexibility .The Cisco 36000 multifunction platform is the Swiss
army knife of routers, directly addressing the many varied needs of
the power branch environment.
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