Cisco 2500 User Manual

CHAPTER

1

Cisco 2500 Series Overview

The Cisco 2500 series is a multiprotocol router platform that is the basis for the following four
product types:

• A compact single LAN multiprotocol router

• A compact router/hub with 8, 14, or 16 Ethernet ports

• A compact router/access server with 8 or 16 asynchronous serial ports

• A dual LAN/multiprotocol router

This chapter provides an overview of the systems and their physical configuration, and contains the
following information:

• System Specifications

• Memory Configurations

The 2500 series is available in four fixed-configuration network-interface options, which are listed
in Table 1-1 and shown in Figure 1-2 through Figure 1-8.

Table 1-1 Network Interface Options

Token

Model Ethernet

2501 1 0 2 0 0 0

2502 0 1 2 0 0 0

2503 1 0 2 1 0 0

2504 0 1 2 1 0 0

2505 0 0 2 0 0 8

2507 0 0 2 0 0 16

2516 0 0 2 1 0 14

2509 1 0 2 0 8 0

2510 0 1 2 0 8 0

2511 1 0 2 0 16 0

2512 0 1 2 0 16 0

2513 1 1 2 0 0 0

2514 2 0 2 0 0 0

2515 0 2 2 0 0 0

Ring Serial BRI Async Hub Product Type

Multiprotocol router

Router/hub

Router/access server

Dual LAN/
multiprotocol router

Cisco 2500 Series Overview 1-1

The multiprotocol router is a fixed-configuration system that is ready for external network hardware
connections and software configuration. The router system code operates from Flash memory by
default. (For more information on system-code operation, see the section “System Operation
Prerequisites” in the chapter “Preparing for Installation.”)

The network interface types include Ethernet 802.3 (AUI and RJ-45), Token Ring 802.5 (DB-9),
synchronous serial, asynchronous serial, and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Basic
Rate Interface (BRI). The chassis can be rack- or wall-mounted, or it can be placed on a table or
desktop. Figure 1-1 shows the front of the router.

Figure 1-1 Router Front View

The Cisco 2500 series hub is available with 8, 14, or 16 hub ports supporting Ethernet interfaces. A
single BRI port is supported with 14 hub ports. The hub system code operates from Flash memory
by default. For more information on system-code operation, see the section “System Operation
Prerequisites” in the chapter “Preparing for Installation.”

The Cisco 2500 series access server contains one or two asynchronous 68-pin SCSI-type connectors,
depending on the access server model. Using a modular SCSI-type breakout cable (available from
Cisco Systems), you can connect to 8 asynchronous serial devices. The modular SCSI-type breakout
cable contains one 68-pin connector on one side of the cable and eight DB-25 connectors or RJ-45
connectors on the other side of the cable (depending on the type of cable you ordered). Therefore, if
the Cisco access server contains one asynchronous 68-pin SCSI-type connector, using the modular
SCSI-type breakout cable you can connect to eight asynchronous serial devices. If the
Cisco access server contains two asynchronous 68-pin connectors, you can connect to
16 asynchronous serial devices.

H1690

The access server interface types include Ethernet 802.3 (AUI), Token Ring 802.5 (DB-9),
asynchronous serial, and synchronous serial. The chassis can be rack or wall-mounted, or it can be
placed on a table or desktop.

Note This publication takes you through the initial hardware installation and selected maintenance

procedures. Refer to the Router Products Getting Started Guide or the router products configuration
publication for software configuration and operating information. To order UniverCD, Cisco’s
library of product information in CD-ROM format, or printed documentation, refer to Ordering
Cisco Documentation, which is in your warranty package.

1-2 Cisco 2500 Series Hardware Installation and Maintenance