Cisco CISCO2901/K9 Router 2 Ports Ethernet Rack-mountable 9 Expansion Slots

Cisco CISCO2901/K9 Router Overview

The Cisco CISCO2901/K9 is a feature-packed integrated services router designed to deliver high-performance network connectivity. It offers robust and versatile routing capabilities for both small and medium-sized enterprises.

Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number / SKU: CISCO2901/K9
• Product Series: Cisco 2900 Series
• Product Type: Integrated Services Router (ISR)

Port Configuration

Equipped with a variety of ports to handle multiple networking needs:

• Total Ports: 2
• USB Connectivity: Available
• Management Port: Included
• Broadband Ports: 2 RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T)

Expansion Capabilities

This router is built for scalability with multiple expansion slots:

• Total Expansion Slots: 9
• Expansion Slot Types: HWIC, PVDM

Networking Features

Seamlessly supports high-speed Ethernet technologies:

• Network Standard: 10/100/1000Base-T
• Ethernet Type: Gigabit Ethernet

Memory Specifications

Designed with memory capacity to accommodate demanding networking tasks:

• Standard Memory: 512 MB
• Maximum Expandable Memory: Up to 2.5 GB
• Memory Technology: SDRAM
• Flash Storage: 256 MB

Power Options

This device operates efficiently across various power inputs:

• Input Voltage: Supports both 110 V AC and 220 V AC
• Power Source: Dedicated Power Supply
• Redundant Power Supply Option: Yes

Ports

The Cisco CISCO2901/K9 Router is equipped with 2 ports, offering users a range of connectivity options. These ports play a crucial role in facilitating communication and data transfer between different devices and networks. In this section, we will explore the benefits and importance of these ports in detail.

The router features 2 Ethernet ports that allow users to connect their devices to a Local Area Network (LAN). Ethernet ports offer high-speed connectivity, making them ideal for businesses or individuals who require fast and reliable internet access. With these ports, users can connect their computers, printers, servers, and other network devices directly to the router, enabling seamless data transfer and efficient communication.

Benefits

• High-speed connectivity: The Ethernet ports on the Cisco CISCO2901/K9 Router support Gigabit Ethernet, providing users with lightning-fast internet speeds. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on bandwidth-intensive applications or require rapid data transfer between devices.
• Increased productivity: With the ability to connect multiple devices to the router via Ethernet ports, businesses can enhance their productivity by streamlining communication and data-sharing processes. Employees can collaborate more efficiently, leading to improved workflow and reduced downtime.
• Flexibility: The presence of Ethernet ports gives users the flexibility to connect wired devices directly to the router. This eliminates the need for additional equipment such as switches or hubs, simplifying network setup and reducing costs.

2. USB Ports

The Cisco CISCO2901/K9 Router also includes USB ports that offer additional connectivity options for users. These ports enable the connection of various peripheral devices such as external hard drives, printers, or USB modems. By incorporating USB ports into the router, Cisco provides users with greater versatility and convenience.

Benefits

• Data storage and sharing: With USB ports, users can connect external storage devices such as USB drives or external hard drives directly to the router. This allows for easy data storage and sharing within the network. It eliminates the need for individual devices to be connected to each computer, providing a centralized storage solution.
• Printer sharing: The USB ports on the Cisco CISCO2901/K9 Router enable users to connect a printer directly to the router. This feature allows multiple devices within the network to access and use the shared printer, promoting cost savings and convenience.
• Mobile broadband backup: The USB ports can be utilized to connect a USB modem, providing users with a backup internet connection in case of primary internet service disruption. This redundancy ensures uninterrupted connectivity, particularly for businesses that heavily rely on an internet connection to operate.

Mounting

One of the standout features of the Cisco CISCO2901/K9 Router is its rack-mountable design. This feature allows users to conveniently mount the router on a standard rack, enhancing organization and scalability within their network infrastructure. Let's delve into the benefits and importance of this feature in more detail.

1. Space Efficiency

Rack-mountable routers offer significant space-saving advantages for businesses that house multiple networking devices. By securely mounting the Cisco CISCO2901/K9 Router on a rack, users can optimize their available space, reducing clutter and ensuring a neat networking environment. This is particularly beneficial for data centers or server rooms where space is often limited.

Benefits

• Enhanced organization: Mounting the router on a rack enables efficient cable management, reducing the risk of tangled cables and making it easier to identify and troubleshoot network connections when required. This promotes a more organized and streamlined networking setup.
• Scalability: Rack-mountable routers facilitate easy expansion of the network infrastructure. Users can add or remove routers as needed without any hassle. With a standardized mounting system, businesses can quickly adapt to evolving network requirements, ensuring seamless scalability.
• Improved airflow and cooling: Rack-mounted routers are designed to optimize airflow within the rack, preventing overheating issues. This feature is particularly crucial for maintaining the performance and reliability of networking equipment, as excessive heat can lead to performance degradation or even hardware failure.

2. Physical Security

Rack-mountable routers offer enhanced physical security compared to routers placed on desks or open shelves. By mounting the router within a rack, users can restrict access to authorized personnel only, minimizing the risk of unauthorized tampering or physical damage.

Benefits

Theft prevention: Mounting the router within a locked rack provides an additional layer of security against theft. Unauthorized individuals will find it difficult to steal or tamper with the router without proper access authorization.
Protection from accidental damage: Placing the router in a rack protects it from accidental bumps, spills, or other physical mishaps that may occur in an open environment. This ensures the long-term durability and reliability of the device.

Expansion Slots

The Cisco CISCO2901/K9 Router boasts an impressive 9 expansion slots. These slots provide users with the flexibility to customize and expand their network capabilities according to their specific requirements. Let's explore the benefits and importance of this feature in more detail.

1. Flexibility and Customization

Expansion slots are essential for accommodating various network modules or interface cards, allowing users to add or upgrade functionality as needed. With 9 expansion slots, the Cisco CISCO2901/K9 Router offers unparalleled flexibility and customization options for users looking to expand their network capabilities.

Benefits

• Versatile connectivity options: Expansion slots enable users to incorporate different network modules or interface cards, such as Ethernet switches, digital signal processors (DSPs), or voice interface cards (VICs), depending on their specific requirements. This versatility ensures that the router can adapt to a wide range of networking needs.
• Future-proofing: The ability to add or upgrade functionality through expansion slots ensures that the router remains relevant even as technology evolves. Users can easily integrate new features or technologies into their network infrastructure without having to replace the entire router, resulting in cost savings and improved longevity.
• Scalability: Expansion slots provide a scalable solution for businesses that anticipate growth or changes in their network requirements. Users can add expansion cards or modules as needed, allowing for seamless expansion without disrupting existing network operations.

2. Enhanced Performance and Efficiency

By leveraging the expansion slots on the Cisco CISCO2901/K9 Router, users can significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of their network infrastructure. The additional modules or cards enable advanced features and functionalities that contribute to improved network performance and streamlined operations.

Benefits

• Increased bandwidth: Expansion slots allow for the integration of Ethernet switches or additional interfaces, enabling higher bandwidth and faster data transfer rates. This is particularly important for businesses that handle large amounts of data or require uninterrupted access to bandwidth-intensive applications.
• Advanced voice and video capabilities: With expansion modules such as voice interface cards (VICs) or digital signal processors (DSPs), users can leverage the router's capabilities for advanced voice and video applications. This is especially beneficial for businesses that rely on Voice over IP (VoIP) or video conferencing solutions, as it ensures optimal call quality and video performance.
• Enhanced security: Expansion slots can be utilized to add security modules such as firewall cards or intrusion prevention system (IPS) modules. These modules provide advanced security features that protect the network infrastructure from external threats, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring business continuity.