CISCO ISR4221/K9

The Cisco ISR 4221/K9 is a versatile and popular Integrated Services Router (ISR) designed for small to medium-sized businesses and branch offices. It provides a balance of performance, security, and flexibility in a compact form factor. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and benefits:  

Key Features:

• Performance: Offers aggregate throughput of 35 Mbps to 75 Mbps, suitable for basic connectivity and branch office applications. Performance can be upgraded with licensing.  
• Connectivity:
  • 2 Gigabit Ethernet WAN/LAN ports (RJ-45)
  • 1 SFP port for flexible WAN connectivity (fiber or copper)  
  • 2 Network Interface Module (NIM) slots for expansion options (e.g., additional WAN interfaces, DSL, 4G/LTE)  
• Security:
  • Built-in Cisco IOS security features, including firewall, VPN, and intrusion prevention.  
  • Supports advanced security features like Cisco Umbrella Branch and Stealthwatch Learning Networks (with appropriate licensing).  
• Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN): Supports Cisco SD-WAN, enabling intelligent path selection, application optimization, and centralized management of WAN connections.  
• Management: Can be managed through Cisco DNA Center for simplified network automation and management.  
• Compact Design: 1RU form factor, suitable for desktop or rack mounting.  

Benefits:

• Cost-effective: Provides a good balance of features and performance at an affordable price point.
• Flexible: Modular design with NIM slots allows you to customize the router to meet your specific connectivity needs.  
• Secure: Built-in security features help protect your network from threats.  
• SD-WAN Ready: Enables you to take advantage of SD-WAN capabilities for improved WAN performance and management.  
• Easy to Manage: Can be easily configured and managed through Cisco DNA Center.

Use Cases:

• Small to medium-sized businesses: Provides reliable and secure connectivity for small offices.  
• Branch offices: Connects branch offices to the main network and provides local network services.  
• Remote offices: Extends network connectivity to remote locations.