Cisco offering new access routers

SAN JOSE: Cisco Systems Inc. on Tuesday said it is now selling 14 new low-

and mid-range access routers, the machines used by companies to transport data

over the Internet and computer networks.






The San Jose, California-based company, the world's largest maker of equipment
that directs Internet traffic, said the new 3700 Series routers offer customers

an all-in-one box that can incorporate switching.

The new products also offer higher speeds, greater security, more memory for

more complex software to allow sophisticated routing of data traffic with

companies' branch offices and employees who telecommute, Cisco said.

Cisco said the new boxes, plus enhancements it is offering on its existing

800, 1700 and 2600 Series lines are meant to lure customers seeking to do more

with their information technology dollars at a time when such spending has been

curtailed amid the broader economic slowdown.

Cisco dominates with access router space, with what analysts estimate is 85

per cent to 95 per cent of the market, according to Ian Pennell, head of the

company's access routing operations.

The company also has introduced enhancements to its higher-end 7300, 7400,

7500 and 7600 Series multi-service routers.