C3945-AX/K9 Cisco Router, 15 Slots, 3 Management Ports, Gigabit Ethernet

Overview of the Router

The Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router represents a powerful, enterprise-grade networking solution designed to meet the growing demands of modern organizations. Built within the Cisco 3900 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR), this model is engineered to deliver high-performance routing, advanced security, and scalable infrastructure support. With its robust architecture, 15 available slots, 3 dedicated management ports, and integrated Gigabit Ethernet capabilities, it is tailored for medium to large enterprises, branch offices, and data-intensive environments that require reliable and secure connectivity.

General Specification

• Brand: Cisco
• Part Number/SKU: C3945-AX/K9
• Product Series: 3900
• Model: 3945
• Product Type: Router

Router Interfaces and Ports

• Total Ports: 3
• USB Ports: Yes
• Management Port: Yes
• Token Ring Port: No
• Serial V.35 Interface: No
• RJ-45 Network Ports: 3

Expansion Capabilities

• Total Expansion Slots: 15
• EHWIC
• PVDM
• ISM
• SFP (mini-GBIC)

Network and Communication

• Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
• Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
• VoIP Support: Yes

Management and Protocols

• VPN: Supported
• DMVPN: Supported

Security Features

• Cisco IOS IPS
• Cisco IOS Content Filtering
• Flexible Packet Matching (FPM)
• Cisco Security Manager
• Cisco IOS Firewall
• Cisco IOS Zone-Based Firewall
• AAA
• PKI
• Intrusion Prevention System
• Cisco Security MARS

Memory Specifications

• Standard Memory: 1 GB
• Maximum Memory: 2 GB
• Memory Type: DDR2 SDRAM
• Flash Memory: 256 MB
• Supported Memory Card: Compact Flash (CF) Card

Power Requirements

• Input Voltage: 110 V AC, 220 V AC
• Power Source: Power Supply

Package Contents

• 3945 Router
• SPE150 Module

Certifications and Standards

• UL 60950-1
• CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1
• EN 60950-1
• AS/NZS 60950-1
• IEC 60950-1

EMC

• 47 CFR, Part 15
• ICES-003 Class A
• EN55022 Class A
• CISPR22 Class A
• AS/NZS 3548 Class A
• VCCI V-3
• CNS 13438
• EN 300-386
• EN 61000 (Immunity)
• EN 55024, CISPR 24
• EN50082-1

Telecom

• TIA/EIA/IS-968
• CS-03
• ANSI T1.101
• ITU-T G.823, G.824
• IEEE 802.3
• RTTE Directive

Advanced Enterprise Networking Capabilities

The Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router is engineered for high-performance networking, supporting bandwidth-intensive applications and services without compromising reliability. Its architecture is designed to handle complex routing tasks, making it suitable for organizations with heavy data traffic, multiple branch connections, and demanding workloads. The router’s Gigabit Ethernet interfaces ensure fast data transfer rates, reducing latency and improving overall network efficiency.

With integrated hardware acceleration and optimized processing power, the router can handle encryption, firewall operations, and deep packet inspection simultaneously. This ensures that security measures do not become bottlenecks in the network. Enterprises can deploy secure VPN connections, enable real-time communication services, and manage large volumes of traffic seamlessly.

The inclusion of 15 expansion slots is a defining feature of this router. These slots provide the flexibility to install a wide range of modules, including WAN interface cards, service modules, and network interface modules. This modular design allows businesses to scale their infrastructure without replacing the entire system, offering long-term cost efficiency and adaptability.

Modular Design and Scalability

Scalability is a critical requirement for growing businesses, and the Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router addresses this need through its modular design. The availability of 15 slots allows organizations to expand their network capabilities incrementally. This means that as business requirements evolve, additional modules can be integrated without disrupting existing operations.

The router supports a variety of module types, enabling organizations to customize their configurations. For example, WAN modules can be added to support different connectivity options such as MPLS, broadband, or leased lines. Voice modules can be integrated to support unified communications, while security modules can enhance threat protection and compliance.

This flexibility makes the router suitable for diverse deployment scenarios. Whether it is used in a headquarters environment, a regional office, or a remote branch, the C3945-AX/K9 can be tailored to meet specific networking needs. The modular approach also simplifies maintenance and upgrades, as individual components can be replaced or upgraded without affecting the entire system.

High-Speed Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity

The integration of Gigabit Ethernet ports ensures that the Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router delivers high-speed connectivity for modern applications. Gigabit Ethernet is essential for supporting data-intensive tasks such as cloud computing, video conferencing, and large-scale data transfers. By providing fast and reliable network connections, the router enhances productivity and user experience.

Gigabit Ethernet interfaces also enable efficient communication between network devices, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall performance. This is particularly important in environments where multiple users and applications are competing for bandwidth. The router’s ability to handle high-speed connections ensures that critical applications receive the necessary resources to operate effectively.

In addition to performance, Gigabit Ethernet supports advanced features such as VLAN segmentation, Quality of Service (QoS), and traffic prioritization. These features allow network administrators to optimize traffic flow, ensuring that high-priority applications receive preferential treatment. This is especially beneficial for voice and video applications that require low latency and consistent performance.

Comprehensive Management and Control

The Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router includes three dedicated management ports, providing administrators with multiple options for monitoring and controlling the network. These ports facilitate out-of-band management, allowing administrators to access the router even when the main network is unavailable. This ensures continuous visibility and control over network operations.

Effective management is essential for maintaining network performance and security. The router supports a wide range of management protocols and tools, enabling administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network efficiently. Features such as remote management, centralized configuration, and automated updates simplify network administration and reduce operational complexity.

Network visibility is further enhanced through detailed logging and monitoring capabilities. Administrators can track network activity, identify potential issues, and implement corrective actions proactively. This level of control is crucial for maintaining uptime and ensuring that the network operates smoothly.

Integrated Security Features

Security is a top priority for modern networks, and the Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router incorporates advanced security features to protect against threats. The router supports integrated firewall functionality, intrusion prevention systems, and secure VPN connectivity. These features work together to safeguard sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.

Encryption capabilities ensure that data transmitted over the network remains secure, even when traversing public or untrusted networks. This is particularly important for organizations that rely on remote access or connect multiple locations. By implementing secure VPN tunnels, the router enables safe communication between sites and remote users.

The router also supports advanced threat detection and mitigation techniques. By analyzing network traffic and identifying suspicious activity, it can prevent potential attacks before they impact the network. This proactive approach to security helps organizations maintain compliance with industry standards and protect their critical assets.

Support for Unified Communications

The Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router is designed to support unified communications, making it an ideal choice for organizations that rely on voice, video, and collaboration tools. With the ability to integrate voice modules and support IP telephony, the router enables seamless communication across the organization.

Quality of Service features ensure that voice and video traffic are prioritized, reducing latency and ensuring clear communication. This is essential for applications such as VoIP and video conferencing, where delays or interruptions can impact productivity. By optimizing network performance for these applications, the router enhances the overall user experience.

Unified communications also contribute to operational efficiency by enabling collaboration across different locations. Employees can communicate and collaborate in real time, regardless of their physical location. This is particularly valuable for organizations with distributed teams or multiple offices.

Reliability and High Availability

Reliability is a key consideration for enterprise networks, and the Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router is built to deliver consistent performance. Its robust hardware design and advanced software features ensure that the network remains operational even under challenging conditions. High availability features such as redundancy and failover mechanisms minimize downtime and maintain continuity.

The router supports redundant power supplies and hardware components, providing an additional layer of protection against failures. In the event of a hardware issue, the system can continue to operate without interruption. This is critical for organizations that rely on continuous network connectivity for their operations.

In addition to hardware reliability, the router’s software features contribute to stability and performance. Automated failover, load balancing, and traffic optimization ensure that the network can adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal performance.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Optimization

Energy efficiency is an important consideration for modern organizations, and the Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router is designed with this in mind. By optimizing power consumption and reducing energy usage, the router helps organizations lower operational costs while maintaining high performance.

The modular design also contributes to cost efficiency. Instead of replacing the entire router when new capabilities are needed, organizations can simply add or upgrade modules. This reduces capital expenditure and extends the lifespan of the equipment.

Additionally, the router’s ability to consolidate multiple network functions into a single platform reduces the need for additional devices. This not only saves space but also simplifies network management and reduces maintenance costs.

Versatile Deployment Scenarios

The Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router is suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, making it a versatile choice for different types of organizations. It can be used as a central router in a corporate headquarters, providing high-speed connectivity and advanced services. In branch offices, it can serve as a reliable gateway, connecting remote locations to the main network.

For service providers, the router offers the flexibility to deliver managed services to customers. Its modular design and advanced features enable the deployment of customized solutions tailored to specific requirements. This versatility makes it a valuable asset for organizations across various industries.

The router’s ability to support multiple applications and services also makes it suitable for environments such as healthcare, education, and finance. In these sectors, reliable and secure connectivity is essential for operations, and the C3945-AX/K9 delivers the performance and security needed to meet these demands.

Future-Ready Networking Solution

As technology continues to evolve, organizations need networking solutions that can adapt to new requirements. The Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router is designed to be future-ready, with support for emerging technologies and standards. Its modular architecture ensures that it can accommodate new capabilities as they become available.

By investing in a scalable and flexible router, organizations can future-proof their network infrastructure. This reduces the need for frequent upgrades and ensures that the network can support new applications and services as they are introduced. The C3945-AX/K9 provides a solid foundation for digital transformation and innovation.

Overall, this category of enterprise routers offers a comprehensive solution for organizations seeking high performance, scalability, and security. The Cisco C3945-AX/K9 router exemplifies these qualities, making it a reliable and versatile choice for modern networking environments.