Overview of the Cisco 1841 Router - Computers

The Cisco 1841 router is intended for use in smaller branch offices. Aiming for the lower end of the market, the Cisco 1841 router is an economical router solution. As expected with all hardware manufactured by Cisco, the 1841 is enterprise class and has low failure rates. As you expect, the 1841 router uses the IOS software and uses Cisco standard cards to provide nearly any type of interface you want in it. A great percentage of people in IT are familiar with Cisco hardware and IOS, so provisioning and maintenance should be easier to attain than with another brand. This router is rack mountable making it fit much better into the wiring closet. However, it does have only a single power supply revealing its intended location in the satellite offices rather than central routing for a big company.

The 1841 router comes with the following features: * 2 10/100 ethernet ports (copper - RJ45) * 2 Wan Interface Card (WIC) slots for the ports of your choice * 1 internal expansion slot * standard pair of console/auxiliary console ports * 1 USB port for console access (local device management) * 128 Meg RAM; only expandable to 384 Meg. * 1U height

The 1841 routers come with three-speed fans which are controlled by a thermostat in the chassis. The fan speed varies based on cooling requirements which reduce noise and fan wear. Cisco Brand 1841 routers have a non-replaceable battery which runs its internal clock. For battery failures, you will need to return the router to Cisco for a new battery, although a battery failure should be covered by the warranty.

For VoIP applications a separate appliance will be required since the 1841 router capabilities do not include VoIP or voice even though it has 2 WICs. As with most lower-end routers having only one power supply is a drawback, although with most typical locations it would be installed in, this simply means not being allowed backup power supplies, and breakers. For fewer than 300 users, the Cisco 1841 can handle the needs of a remote office. It is heavy-handed for a job of fewer than 20 nodes where a smaller router or a PIX firewall is recommended.

The router should be able to handle Network Address Translation, having more than one route to the internet or headquarters, as well as a reasonable amount of access control lists (ACLs).

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