C897VA-M-K9 Cisco 897VA Gigabit Ethernet Security Router

Cisco 897VA Gigabit Ethernet Router

The Cisco C897VA-M-K9 is a high-performance Gigabit Ethernet security router designed with advanced features for secure and reliable connectivity. It supports VDSL/ADSL2+ Annex M and integrates an 8-port Ethernet switch, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses requiring robust networking solutions.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C897VA-M-K9
• Device Type: Router
• Version: Original

Technical Specifications

Authentication & Security

• Authentication Methods: RADIUS, TACACS+
• Encryption Algorithms: Triple DES, PKI, AES (128-bit, 192-bit, 256-bit)
• Firewall Protection & NAT Support
• IPv6 Compatibility
• MAC Address Filtering

Performance & Capacity

• IPSec VPN Tunnels: Up to 50
• Flash Memory: 256 MB
• RAM: 512 MB (expandable to 1 GB)
• External Power Adapter: 60 Watt

Compliance Standards

• IEEE 802.1D, 802.1Q, 802.3af, 802.1x
• EN 61000-3-2, EN55022, EN55024
• CISPR 22, CISPR 24
• FCC CFR47 Part 15
• VCCI V-3

Connectivity & Interfaces

Supported Protocols

• Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
• ADSL2, ADSL2+, VDSL2
• L2TP, RSVP, ICMP/IP, IPSec, FTP, DHCP, DNS, L2TPv3
• Routing Protocols: OSPF, RIP-1, RIP-2, BGP, EIGRP, HSRP, VRRP, GRE, OSPFv3

Interfaces

• LAN: 8 x RJ-45 (10/100/1000Base-T)
• WAN: 1 x SFP (mini-GBIC)
• WAN: 1 x VDSL/ADSL2+
• WAN: 1 x RJ-45 (1000Base-T)
• WAN: 1 x BRI
• USB: 1 x 4-pin USB Type A
• Management: 1 x Console RJ-45

Physical Dimensions

• Width: 32.3 cm
• Depth: 24.8 cm
• Height: 4.4 cm
• Enclosure Type: Desktop

Environmental Conditions

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
• Humidity Range: 10% - 85% (non-condensing)

Advanced Features

Network Enhancements

• Power over Ethernet (PoE)
• VLAN Support
• Auto-Uplink (Auto MDI/MDI-X)
• IGMP Snooping
• DiffServ Support
• Stateful Failover

Traffic Management

• Low-Latency Queuing (LLQ)
• Class-Based Weighted Fair Queuing
• Policy-Based Routing (PBR)
• Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD)

Operating System & Management

• OS: Cisco IOS Advanced IP Services
• Remote Management: Telnet, SNMP v3, HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, CLI
• Status Indicators: Port status, power, PoE

C897VA-M-K9 897VA Gigabit Ethernet Security Router Overview

The Cisco C897VA-M-K9 897VA Gigabit Ethernet Security Router is a powerful, enterprise-grade networking solution designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern businesses that rely on stable, secure, and high-performance internet connectivity. Built with advanced DSL technologies including VDSL and ADSL2+ Annex M support, this router offers exceptional flexibility for organizations operating in diverse network environments. It is engineered to provide seamless integration of broadband access, routing, switching, and security features into a single compact platform, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, branch offices, and remote deployments.

With its integrated 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, the Cisco 897VA enables efficient LAN connectivity while reducing the need for additional networking hardware. This consolidation not only simplifies deployment but also lowers operational costs. The router supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS), VPN capabilities, and robust firewall protection, ensuring secure and optimized data transmission across all connected devices. Its compatibility with multiple WAN technologies allows businesses to adapt to changing connectivity requirements without replacing their core networking infrastructure.

Advanced DSL Connectivity and WAN Flexibility

VDSL and ADSL2+ Annex M Capabilities

The Cisco C897VA-M-K9 is equipped with integrated VDSL2 and ADSL2+ Annex M support, enabling organizations to leverage high-speed broadband connections depending on availability and infrastructure. VDSL technology provides significantly higher data rates over short distances, making it ideal for urban and suburban deployments where fiber may not be readily accessible. Meanwhile, ADSL2+ Annex M enhances upstream bandwidth, which is particularly beneficial for businesses that require improved upload speeds for cloud applications, VoIP, and video conferencing.

This dual-mode DSL capability ensures that the router can operate efficiently across a wide range of ISP environments. Businesses can maintain consistent performance even when transitioning between DSL technologies. The flexibility to switch between VDSL and ADSL2+ allows organizations to future-proof their network investments while maintaining uninterrupted connectivity.

Ethernet WAN and Failover Support

In addition to DSL connectivity, the Cisco 897VA includes Ethernet WAN support, providing an alternative uplink option for organizations that use fiber or cable broadband services. This feature enhances redundancy by enabling automatic failover between DSL and Ethernet connections. In the event of a primary link failure, the router can seamlessly switch to a backup connection, ensuring business continuity and minimizing downtime.

The integrated WAN flexibility makes the device highly suitable for mission-critical environments where network reliability is paramount. By supporting multiple WAN interfaces, the router enables load balancing and optimized traffic distribution, ensuring efficient utilization of available bandwidth resources.

Integrated Gigabit Ethernet Switching

8-Port Gigabit LAN Switch

The Cisco C897VA-M-K9 features an integrated 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, providing high-speed connectivity for local network devices. Each port supports auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDIX, allowing seamless connection to various devices such as computers, printers, IP phones, and network storage systems. The Gigabit capability ensures fast data transfer rates, which are essential for bandwidth-intensive applications like video streaming, large file transfers, and real-time collaboration tools.

This integrated switch eliminates the need for an external switch in many deployments, simplifying network architecture and reducing hardware costs. The compact design makes it an excellent choice for space-constrained environments such as small offices or branch locations.

VLAN Support and Network Segmentation

The router supports Virtual LAN (VLAN) configurations, enabling administrators to segment network traffic for improved security and performance. VLANs allow businesses to isolate sensitive data, prioritize critical applications, and manage network resources more effectively. This capability is particularly useful in environments where multiple departments or user groups share the same physical network infrastructure.

By implementing VLANs, organizations can enhance security by restricting access to specific network segments. This ensures that confidential information remains protected while maintaining efficient communication across the network.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Support

The Cisco 897VA supports a wide range of VPN technologies, including IPsec and SSL VPN, enabling secure remote access for employees and partners. VPN functionality is essential for businesses with distributed workforces or multiple branch offices, as it ensures that sensitive data remains encrypted during transmission over public networks.

With hardware-accelerated encryption, the router delivers high-performance VPN connectivity without compromising network speed. This ensures that users can access corporate resources securely and efficiently, regardless of their location.

High-Speed Processing and Throughput

The Cisco C897VA-M-K9 is designed to deliver high-performance routing and switching capabilities, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy network loads. Its advanced processor and optimized architecture enable efficient handling of data traffic, reducing latency and improving overall network responsiveness.

This performance is particularly important for businesses that rely on real-time applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-based services. The router’s ability to prioritize traffic ensures that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need to function effectively.

Scalable Network Deployment

The router’s modular design and support for multiple connectivity options make it highly scalable. Organizations can expand their network infrastructure as their needs grow without requiring a complete hardware replacement. This scalability ensures that the Cisco 897VA remains a valuable asset over the long term.

Whether deployed in a small office or as part of a larger enterprise network, the router can adapt to changing requirements while maintaining consistent performance and reliability.

Traffic Shaping and Bandwidth Control

The router includes advanced traffic shaping and bandwidth control features, allowing administrators to manage network usage effectively. These capabilities enable the limitation of non-essential traffic, ensuring that critical applications are not affected by excessive bandwidth consumption.

Traffic management features are particularly useful in environments with limited bandwidth, as they help maintain consistent performance and prevent network bottlenecks.

Durable and Compact Design

The router’s compact and robust design makes it suitable for deployment in a variety of environments. Its durable construction ensures long-term reliability, while its small footprint allows for easy installation in space-constrained locations.

The device is engineered to operate efficiently under varying conditions, making it a dependable choice for businesses with diverse deployment requirements.

Branch Office Connectivity

For organizations with multiple branch offices, the router provides a robust solution for connecting remote locations to the central network. Its VPN capabilities enable secure communication between sites, ensuring that data remains protected.

The router’s scalability and performance make it suitable for branch deployments, where reliable connectivity is essential for daily operations.

Future-Proof Networking Investment

The Cisco C897VA-M-K9 is designed to accommodate evolving network requirements, making it a future-proof investment for businesses. Its support for multiple WAN technologies and advanced features ensures that it can adapt to changing connectivity demands.

By choosing this router, organizations can build a reliable and scalable network infrastructure that supports their growth and innovation.