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Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers
Cisco® 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers build on 25 years of Cisco innovation
and product leadership. The new platforms are architected to enable the next phase of
branch-office evolution, providing rich media collaboration and virtualization to the
branch while maximizing operational cost savings The Integrated Services Routers
Generation 2 platforms are future-enabled with multi-core CPUs, support for high
capacity DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) for future enhanced video capabilities, high
powered service modules with improved availability, Gigabit Ethernet switching with
enhanced POE, and new energy monitoring and control capabilities while enhancing
overall system performance. Additionally, a new Cisco IOS® Software Universal image
and Services Ready Engine module enable you to decouple the deployment of
hardware and software, providing a flexible technology foundation which can quickly
adapt to evolving network requirements. Overall, the Cisco 2900 Series offer
unparalleled total cost of ownership savings and network agility through the intelligent
integration of market leading security, unified communications, wireless, and
application services.
Figure 1. Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers
Product Overview
Cisco 2900 Series builds on the best-in-class offering of the existing Cisco 2800 Series Integrated Services
Routers by offering four platforms (Figure 1): the Cisco 2901, 2911, 2921, and 2951 Integrated Services Routers.
All Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers offer embedded hardware encryption acceleration, voice- and
video-capable digital signal processor (DSP) slots, optional firewall, intrusion prevention, call processing, voicemail,
and application services. In addition, the platforms support the industries widest range of wired and wireless
connectivity options such as T1/E1, T3/E3, xDSL, copper and fiber GE.
Key Business Benefits
The Integrated Services Routers Generation 2 (ISR G2) provide superior services integration and agility. Designed
for scalability, the modular architecture of these platforms enables you to grow and adapt with your business
needs. Table 1 lists the business benefits of the Cisco 2900 Series.
© 2013 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public Information. Page 2 of 15
●
The Cisco 2900 Series ISRs offer increased levels of services integration with voice, video, security,
wireless, mobility, and data services, enabling greater efficiencies and cost savings.
●
A single Cisco IOS® Software Universal image is installed on each ISR G2. The Universal image contains
all of the Cisco IOS technology sets which can be activated with a software license. This allows your
business to quickly deploy advanced features without downloading a new IOS image. Additionally, larger
default memory is included to support the new capabilities.
●
The Cisco Services Ready Engine (SRE) enables a new operational model which allows you to reduce
capital expenditures (CapEx) and deploy a variety of application services as needed on a single integrated
compute services module.
High Performance with
Integrated Services
●
The Cisco 2900 Series enables deployment in high speed WAN environments with concurrent services
enabled up to 75 Mbps.
●
A multigigabit fabric (MGF) enables high-bandwidth module-to-module communication without
compromising routing performance.
●
Designed to address customer business requirements, the Cisco 2900 Series modular architecture offers
increased capacity and performance as your network needs grow.
●
Modular interfaces offer increased bandwidth, a diversity of connection options, and network resiliency.
●
The Cisco 2900 Series architecture provides energy-saving features that include the following:
◦ The Cisco 2900 Series offers intelligent power management and allows the customer to control power to
the modules based on the time of day. Cisco EnergyWise technology will be supported in the future.
◦ Services integration and modularity on a single platform performing multiple functions, optimizes raw
materials consumption and energy usage.
◦ Platform flexibility and ongoing development of both hardware and software capabilities lead to a longer
product lifecycle, lowering all aspects of the total cost of ownership, including materials and energy use.
◦ High efficiency power supplies are provided with each platform.
●
The Cisco 2900 Series maximizes investment protection:
◦ Reuse of a broad array of existing modules supported on the original Integrated Services Routers
provides a lower cost of ownership.
◦ A rich set of Cisco IOS Software features carried forward from the original Integrated Services Routers
and delivered in a single universal image.
◦ Flexibility to adapt as your business needs evolve.
●
The Cisco 2900 Series ISRs are highly modular platforms with several types of module slots to add
connectivity and services for varied branch-office network requirements.
●
The ISRs offer an industry-leading breadth of LAN and WAN connectivity options through modules to
accommodate field upgrades for future technologies without requiring a platform replacement.
●
The Cisco 2900 Series are powered by high-performance multi-core processors that can support the
growing demands of high-speed WAN connections to the branch-office while also running multiple
concurrent services.
Embedded IP Security (IPSec)
VPN Hardware Acceleration
●
Embedded hardware encryption acceleration is enhanced to provide higher scalability, which combined
with an optional Cisco IOS Security license, enables WAN link security and VPN services (IPSec
acceleration).
●
The onboard encryption hardware replaces and outperforms the advanced integration modules (AIMs) of
previous generations.
Multigigabit Fabric (MGF)
●
The Cisco 2900 Series introduces an innovative multigigabit fabric (MGF) that allows for efficient moduleto-module communication, enabling tighter services interactions across modules while reducing the
overhead on the route processor.
Table 1. Key Business Benefits of the Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers
Platform Architecture and Modularity
The Cisco 2900 Series is architected to meet the application demands of today’s branch offices with design
flexibility for future applications. The modular architecture is designed to support increasing bandwidth
requirements, time-division multiplexing (TDM) interconnections, and fully integrated power distribution to modules
supporting 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Cisco Enhanced PoE (ePoE). Table 2 lists the architectural
features and benefits of the Cisco 2900 Series.
Table 2. Architectural Features and Benefits
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TDM Interconnectivity Fabric
●
Unified communications services in the branch office are significantly enhanced with the use of a TDM
interconnectivity fabric in the system architecture, allowing for scaling of DS-0 channel capacity.
Integrated Gigabit Ethernet
Ports
●
All onboard WAN ports are 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet WAN routed ports.
●
One of the three 10/100/1000 Ethernet WAN ports on the Cisco 2921 and 2951 supports Small FormFactor Pluggable (SFP)-based connectivity in lieu of a RJ-45 port and enabling fiber connectivity.
Innovative Universal-SerialBus (USB)-Based Console
Access
●
A new, innovative USB console port offers management connectivity for devices without a serial port such
as modern laptop computers.
●
Traditional console and auxiliary ports are also available.
Optional Integrated Power
Supply for Distribution of PoE
and Universal DC Power
Supply
●
An optional upgrade to the internal power supply provides inline power (802.3af-compliant PoE and Cisco
Inline Power) to integrated switch modules.
●
On the Cisco 2911, 2921, and 2951, an optional DC power supply will be available in the future that
extends deployment into central offices and industrial environments.
Optional External Redundant
Power Supply (RPS)
●
The Cisco 2911, 2921, and 2951 allow for power redundancy through the use of an external RPS device,
thereby decreasing network downtime and protecting the network from power-supply failures.
●
Redundant power on the Cisco 2900 Series is supported through the Cisco RPS 2300 Redundant Power
System. You can use the Cisco RPS 2300 to provide redundant power for Cisco 2900 Series ISRs as well
as Cisco Catalyst® switches.
●
In order to use the Cisco RPS 2300, an external RPS adapter is required (configurable option) to connect
the platform to the external RPS.
●
When connected to an external RPS device, the Cisco 2911, 2921, and 2951 can operate in a PoE boost
configuration in lieu of redundant power mode - whereby the power capacity of the platform is increased to
twice the normal level to power additional PoE ports.
Designed for Flexible
Deployments
●
The Cisco 2911 and 2951 are designed for NEBS environments.
●
The 2911 is 12” deep and has an optional fan filter for deployments in a variety of environments. An
assembly that provides front-to-back airflow is also available for 23” racks.
●
Each service module slot offers high-data-throughput capability:
◦ Up to 4 Gbps aggregate toward the route processor.
◦ Up to 2 Gbps aggregate to other module slots over MGF.
●
Service module (SM) slots are highly flexible with support for double-wide service modules (SM-Ds),
which are Service Modules that require two SM slots. SM-Ds in the Cisco 2921 and 2951 provide
flexibility for higher-density modules.
●
A service module slot replaces the network module and the extension module for voice/fax (EVM) slots
and is offered on Cisco 2911, 2921, and 2951 ISRs.
●
An adapter module enables backward compatibility with existing network modules, enhanced network
modules (NMEs), and EVMs.
●
Service module slots provide twice the power capabilities relative to the network-module slots, allowing
for flexibility for higher-scale and better-performance modules.
●
Power to service module slots can be managed by extensions similar to the Cisco EnergyWise
framework, so your organization can reduce energy consumption in your network infrastructure. Full
EnergyWise support will be available in future software releases.
Modularity Features and Benefits
The Cisco 2900 Series provides significantly enhanced modular capabilities (refer to Table 3) offering investment
protection for customers. Most of the modules available on previous generations of Cisco routers, such as the
Cisco 2800 Series, are supported on the Cisco 2900 Series. Additionally, modules can be used on other supported
Cisco platforms to provide maximum investment protection. Taking advantage of common interface cards across a
network greatly reduces the complexity of managing inventory requirements, implementing large network rollouts,
and maintaining configurations across a variety of branch-office sizes.
A complete list of supported modules, including a list of supported SFPs for the Cisco 2900 Series, is available at:
http://www.cisco.com/go/2900.
Table 3. Modularity Features and Benefits
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Cisco Enhanced High-Speed
WAN Interface Card (EHWIC)
●
The EHWIC slot provides enhancements to the prior generation’s high-speed WAN interface card
(HWIC) slots while provide maximum investment protection by natively supporting HWICs, WAN
interface cards (WICs), voice interface cards (VICs), and voice/WAN interface cards (VWICs).
●
Four integrated EHWIC slots on the Cisco 2901, 2911, 2921, and 2951 allow for more flexible
configurations.
●
Each HWIC slot offers high-data-throughput capability:
◦ Up to 1.6 Gbps aggregate toward the route processor.
◦ Up to 2 Gbps aggregate to other module slots over the MGF.
●
Flexibility to support double-wide modules is enabled by combining two EHWIC slots. Up to 2
doublewide HWIC (HWIC-D) modules are supported.
Cisco Internal Services Module
(ISM)
●
A single ISM slot provides flexibility to integrate intelligent service modules on an internal slot within the
chassis
●
Each ISM slot offers high-data-throughput capability:
◦ Up to 4 Gbps aggregate toward the route processor.
◦ Up to 2 Gbps aggregate to other module slots over the MGF.
●
The ISM replaces the AIM slot; existing AIM modules are not supported in the ISM slot.
●
Power to ISM slots can be managed by extensions similar to the Cisco EnergyWise framework, so your
organization can reduce energy consumption in your network infrastructure. Full EnergyWise support
will be available in future software releases.
Cisco High-Density Packet Voice
Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
Module (PVDM3) Slots on
Motherboard
●
PVDM3 slots natively support PVDM3 modules, providing support for richer density for rich-media voice
and video.
●
Each PVDM3 slot connects back to the system architecture through a 2 Gbps aggregate link through
the MGF.
●
Investment protection for PVDM2 modules is supported through an adapter module.
●
Power to the PVDM slots can be managed by extensions similar to the Cisco EnergyWise framework,
so your organization can reduce energy consumption in your network infrastructure. Full EnergyWise
support will be available in future software releases.
●
Two external Compact Flash slots are available on the Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers.
Each slot can support high-speed storage densities upgradeable to 4 GB in density.
●
Two high-speed USB 2.0 ports are supported. The USB ports enable secure token capabilities and
storage.
Cisco IOS Software
Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers deliver innovative technologies running on industry-leading Cisco
IOS Software. Developed for wide deployment in the world's most demanding enterprise, access, and service
provider networks, the Integrated Services Routers Generation 2 platforms are supported on Cisco IOS Software
releases 15M&T. Release 15.0(1)M is available immediately and provides support for a comprehensive portfolio of
Cisco technologies, including the functionality and features delivered in releases 12.4 and 12.4T. New innovations
in 15.0(1)M span multiple technology areas, including security, voice, high availability, IP Routing and Multicast,
quality of service (QoS), IP Mobility, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), VPNs, and embedded management.
Cisco IOS Software Licensing and Packaging
A single Cisco IOS Universal image encompassing all IOS technology feature sets is delivered with the platforms.
You can enable advanced features by activating a software license on the Universal image. In previous
generations of access routers, these feature sets required you to download a new software image. Technology
packages and feature licenses, enabled through the Cisco software licensing infrastructure, simplify software
delivery and decrease the operational costs of deploying new features.
© 2013 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public Information. Page 5 of 15
Four major technology licenses are available on the Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers; you can
activate the licenses through the Cisco software activation process identified at http://www.cisco.com/go/sa.
The four licenses are as follows:
●
IP Base: This technology package is available as default.
●
Data
●
Unified Communications
●
Security (SEC) or Security with No Payload Encryption (SEC-NPE)
For additional information and details about Cisco IOS Software licensing and packaging on Cisco 2900 Series
Integrated Services Routers, please visit http://www.cisco.com/go/2900l.
Key Branch-Office Services
The Cisco Integrated Services Routers are industry-leading platforms that offer unprecedented levels of services
integration. Designed to meet the requirements of the branch office, these platforms provide a complete solution
with voice, video, security, mobility and application services. Businesses enjoy the benefit of deploying a single
device that meets all their needs, reducing capital and operational expenses.
Unified Communications, Collaboration, and Voice-Gateway Services
The Cisco 2900 Integrated Services Router is the foundation for collaboration in the small and midsize branch
office, serving as a critical component of a Cisco's video architecture (Medianet) and enterprise Unified
Communications solution. With embedded voice services and a wide range of supported telephony interfaces, the
Cisco 2900 Series delivers maximum deployment flexibility for the distributed enterprise. Unified communications is
enabled through a rich signaling and media-processing infrastructure, including a variety of protocols, media
interworking, signal and media security, transcoding, conferencing, and QoS. Cisco Integrated Services Routers
also feature a wide range of voice-gateway interfaces, supporting a broad array of signaling and physical network
interfaces.
The Cisco 2900 Series enables a full range of existing and emerging video services, with scaling improvements to
support Cisco TelePresence® conferencing, security, and session control. The Cisco Unified Border Element
extends these capabilities for business-to-business TelePresence communications. The Cisco 2900 Series adds
support for the new Cisco High-Density Packet Voice Digital Signal Processor (DSP) Module (PVDM3), which has
been optimized for voice and video support. The new PVDM3 modules support all voice-gateway functions of
earlier generations of PVDMs and add higher density and more processing power to support emerging rich-media
applications. The Cisco 2900 Series provides 2 or 3 onboard PVDM3 slots, depending on the platform.
Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express and Survivable Remote Site Telephony
The Cisco Integrated Services Routers natively provide optional unified communications services within the Cisco
IOS Software, minimizing the IT hardware footprint and total cost of ownership at the branch office. Cisco Unified
Communications Manager Express (CME) provides a broad range of IP private-branch-exchange (PBX) and keysystem features integrated into the router for the small and midsize branch office. Cisco Survivable Remote Site
Telephony (SRST), also inherently available in Cisco IOS Software, and an option on the Cisco 2900 Series, helps
ensure that branch-office employees have uninterrupted telephony services and features, even if the connection to
a centralized Cisco Unified Communications Manager is disrupted.