Submitting a Service Request

Note Use the Cisco Product Identification (CPI) tool to locate your product serial number before submitting a web or phone request for service. You can access the CPI tool from the Cisco Technical Support Website by clicking the Tools & Resources link under Documentation & Tools. Choose Cisco Product Identification Tool from the Alphabetical Index drop-down list, or click the Cisco Product Identification Tool link under Alerts & RMAs. The CPI tool offers three search options: by product ID or model name; by tree view; or for certain products, by copying and pasting show command output. Search results show an illustration of your product with the serial number label location highlighted. Locate the serial number label on your product and record the information before placing a service call.

Using the online TAC Service Request Tool is the fastest way to open S3 and S4 service requests. (S3 and S4 service requests are those in which your network is minimally impaired or for which you require product information.) After you describe your situation, the TAC Service Request Tool provides recommended solutions. If your issue is not resolved using the recommended resources, your service request is assigned to a Cisco TAC engineer. The TAC Service Request Tool is located at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/techsupport/servicerequest

For S1 or S2 service requests or if you do not have Internet access, contact the Cisco TAC by telephone. (S1 or S2 service requests are those in which your production network is down or severely degraded.) Cisco TAC engineers are assigned immediately to S1 and S2 service requests to help keep your business operations running smoothly.

To open a service request by telephone, use one of the following numbers:

Asia-Pacific: +61 2 8446 7411 (Australia: 1 800 805 227)

EMEA: +32 2 704 55 55

USA: 1 800 553-2447

For a complete list of Cisco TAC contacts, go to this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/techsupport/contacts

Definitions of Service Request Severity

To ensure that all service requests are reported in a standard format, Cisco has established severity definitions.

Severity 1 (S1)—Your network is “down,” or there is a critical impact to your business operations. You and Cisco will commit all necessary resources around the clock to resolve the situation.

Severity 2 (S2)—Operation of an existing network is severely degraded, or significant aspects of your business operation are negatively affected by inadequate performance of Cisco products. You and Cisco will commit full-time resources during normal business hours to resolve the situation.

Severity 3 (S3)—Operational performance of your network is impaired, but most business operations remain functional. You and Cisco will commit resources during normal business hours to restore service to satisfactory levels.

Severity 4 (S4)—You require information or assistance with Cisco product capabilities, installation, or configuration. There is little or no effect on your business operations.

15Obtaining Additional Publications and Information

Information about Cisco products, technologies, and network solutions is available from various online and printed sources.

•Cisco Marketplace provides a variety of Cisco books, reference guides, and logo merchandise. Visit Cisco Marketplace, the company store, at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/go/marketplace/

•Cisco Press publishes a wide range of general networking, training and certification titles. Both new and experienced users will benefit from these publications. For current Cisco Press titles and other information, go to Cisco Press at this URL:

http://www.ciscopress.com

SOHO 76, 826 specifications

Cisco Systems, a global leader in IT and networking, has long been recognized for its innovation in providing high-quality networking solutions. One of their noteworthy offerings is the Cisco 826 and SOHO 76 series, designed specifically for small office/home office (SOHO) environments. These devices are engineered to meet the unique demands of small businesses, providing reliable connectivity, robust features, and enhanced security.

The Cisco 826 series is particularly celebrated for its versatile routing capabilities. It is equipped with a high-performance CPU and ample memory, allowing it to effectively manage multiple connections and data-intensive applications. With support for advanced routing protocols and dynamic IP addressing, businesses can enjoy seamless internet connectivity and efficient data traffic management. This router is also designed to handle Voice over IP (VoIP), making it ideal for companies that rely on a unified communications strategy.

On the other hand, the Cisco SOHO 76 series serves as an entry-level solution for organizations that prioritize ease of use and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing performance. It features a straightforward setup process, making it accessible even for users with limited technical expertise. The SOHO 76 also encompasses integrated security features such as firewalls and VPN support, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected while employees work remotely or access the corporate network.

Both series are designed with scalability in mind. As a business grows, the need for more robust networking solutions becomes essential. Cisco's solutions provide the flexibility to expand network resources seamlessly, whether through additional hardware or enhanced software features. This adaptability helps businesses avoid the pitfalls of over-investing in technology that may soon become inadequate.

In terms of technologies, Cisco leverages their advanced software, Cisco IOS, which provides a stable and feature-rich platform for managing network operations. Coupled with support for Cisco’s Smart Assist features, these routers facilitate easy monitoring and management, allowing IT departments to maintain consistent performance.

Moreover, the Cisco 826 and SOHO 76 series excel in providing comprehensive network visibility through analytics and reporting tools. This allows businesses to make informed decisions regarding network usage and performance.

In summary, the Cisco 826 and SOHO 76 series routers stand out due to their robust features, ease of use, and advanced security capabilities. They are ideal solutions for small office or home office settings, fostering reliable connectivity and fostering business growth through enhanced networking capabilities.