Cisco 2611XM - router

Advantages: Very Cheap, with lots of features
Disadvantages: Will help with CCNA, but may stuggle with CCNP

...I bought one of these routers off ebay to help with my upcoming (Cisco) CCNA exam. These are by no means cutting edge routers, and are obsolete now as they only support 10Mbps via their AUI (lan) port and support a limited amount of protocols. The router itself has one AUI port, which when used with a transceiver can connect to either another router or a switch (at 10Mbps); 2 serial ports which can be configured with a routing protocol such as frame relay to connect to another switch or ISP data terminal equipment, a console port to configure the router itself, and an AUX port for modem connection. Though well past it's sell by date, the switch is perfect to get to grips with Ciscos IOS (internetwork Operating System) and set up simple routed networks in conjuction with other routers and switches. One thing to be aware of when buying... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Fast, Secure and Efficient Internet Connection
Disadvantages: High level of Technical Expertise needed to setup more advanced features

...The Cisco 800 Series Routers provide a solution for high speed, secure and above all reliable Internet connection. The 857 model is specifically designed for connecting small office / home office (Soho) networks to the Internet via ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) or "Broadband" technologies. For those of you who know little of Broadband (ADSL), it is a new technology that allows more data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines at higher download rates. Typically home users connect to the Internet via a Modem, often supplied by there internet service provider. However, this solution of internet connectivity is far from ideal in a mission critical environment. If you don't know what a router is, it is unlikely you need one. However, if you wish to connect to the internet in a fast and secure manner a router is the only... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: ease of use, strong, durable, linking into GAL, remote managment and upgrades from call manager.
Disadvantages: Call quality is dependant on quality of the Network. Duplex settings, over utilized network, etc

...In my experience with the Cisco IP phone 7941, which has been for 5 years or so, has been nothing but pleasure. There features to link into AD and the ability to log onto any phone in the building and look up a user on the GAL on AD is very handy indeed. Call Transfer,Conference, Mute are the standard features. The Phones will have to be set up to work with a call manager, Which is a centre point to manage the phones, and has the ability to record conversation for quality control, etc. They have 2 options when it comes to powering these phones, on is to buy a power adapter, the other is to buy a Cisco Switch that can supply power to the phones via Ethernet. They are strong and reliable, they have been used as call centre phones, and we know what kind of abuse they would be put through in that environment. All in all, i would rate... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful