Product Positioning

Q. Why is Cisco delivering the Cisco Catalyst 2955 Series?

A.The migration to Ethernet that began in the enterprise space ten years ago and has moved into the metro, wireless, and service provider markets is now extending to other networks (manufacturing control networks, for example). As Ethernet becomes ubiquitous and far more competitive than any other Layer 2 technology, new markets outside the traditional enterprise wiring closet are converging on Ethernet. New markets require hardware implementations that address the new and different environmental conditions that differ from “traditional” applications.

The Cisco Catalyst 2955 allows Cisco to provide an end-to-end solution in many new markets where a new set of competitors is beginning to position themselves on the premise that Cisco does not have a hardened solution that meets the new markets’ environmental, power, and form-factor requirements.

The traditional Layer 2 networks that are being replaced with Ethernet solutions have been highly reliable and secure, but significantly limited in terms of bandwidth, interconnectivity, and standardization. By deploying intelligent Ethernet solutions, Cisco can deliver the benefits of an Ethernet architecture with the reliability and security that are a hard requirement in these new markets.

Q. Why is the Cisco Catalyst 2955 the best solution?

A. From a technology perspective, Cisco is the only solution in the market that provides intelligent services in a hardened platform. Most of the networks that are being replaced with Ethernet carry critical information that cannot tolerate latency, downtime, or intrusion from unauthorized users. Multiple features of the Cisco Catalyst architecture, including support for rapid spanning tree, IGMP snooping, storm control, and MAC address notification are critical to establishing a deterministic, secure, and highly available network. These features are only provided by the Cisco Catalyst product family.

From a solution’s perspective, only Cisco can provide an end-to-end solution with a common management platform, consistent QoS policies, and a scalable architecture.

Q. Are all ITS networks compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 2955 Series?

A. ITS architectures are rapidly moving to a TCP/IP infrastructure. Currently, ITS networks use several architectures, including Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), serial, coax, Ethernet, and wireless. The NTCIP standard has recommended TCP/IP for data structures (for more information, see http://www.NTCIP.org). To be NCTIP-compliant, future traffic control equipment must support an IP interface. Terminal servers are used to convert legacy serial connections to Ethernet.

Departments of transportation use the NEMA-TS2 compliance specification, which the Cisco Catalyst 2955 meets for traffic control hardware recommendations.

Q. Why does the Cisco Catalyst 2955 not offer a lifetime warranty like some other Cisco Catalyst products?

A. Given that the environments where the Cisco Catalyst 2955 can be deployed are significantly more demanding and uncontrolled and no active cooling is feasible, the product has a five-year limited warranty. This exceeds the traditional warranties from the equipment traditionally deployed in the factory floor and those of any significant competitor.

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Cisco Systems 2955 specifications Product Positioning
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2955 specifications

The Cisco Systems 2955 series, a robust family of integrated services routers, symbolizes versatility and reliability for businesses in need of scalable networking solutions. Designed to provide a seamless connection for enterprise branches, the 2955 series is engineered for superior performance, security, and low operational costs, making it an ideal choice for businesses aiming for efficiency.

One of the standout features of the Cisco 2955 is its modular design, which allows for the customization of WAN and LAN interfaces. This flexibility enables enterprises to adapt their networking capabilities as their requirements evolve. The router supports a variety of interface types, including Serial, T1/E1, and EtherSwitch, providing solutions for diverse applications and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of network deployments.

A key technology incorporated into the 2955 is Cisco IOS Software, which delivers advanced routing, switching, and security features. This operating system is foundational for managing network traffic efficiently and ensures high availability, security, and performance. The router also supports Voice over IP (VoIP) applications, facilitating improved communication across the enterprise by enabling businesses to combine voice and data traffic over a single network.

Security is paramount in modern networking, and the Cisco 2955 series does not disappoint. Integrated security features, such as VPN support, firewall capabilities, and intrusion prevention, provide a comprehensive approach to protecting enterprise networks from threats. The router also supports secure access methods, ensuring that only authorized users can connect to the network.

In addition, the Cisco 2955 is designed with enhanced management features. The integration of tools for network monitoring and troubleshooting simplifies the management of complex network environments, enabling IT teams to maintain optimal performance and quickly resolve issues.

With support for Power over Ethernet (PoE), the 2955 can power connected devices directly through the Ethernet cables, reducing the need for separate power sources and simplifying deployment for devices like IP phones and wireless access points. This capability enhances the overall efficiency of network infrastructure while contributing to a reduction in operational costs.

In summary, the Cisco Systems 2955 series stands out as a powerful and flexible router solution for enterprises seeking reliability and advanced features. With its modular design, integrated security, and support for various network technologies, the 2955 enables organizations to build robust and scalable networks that can adapt to the evolving demands of their operations.
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