Chapter 2 Preparing to Install the Router

Preparing to Connect to a Network

Token Ring Connections

The IEEE has established Token Ring as standard IEEE 802.5. Specifications indicate a maximum segment distance of 328 feet (100 meters) for UTP cabling.

Note To ensure agency compliance with FCC Class B electromagnetic emissions requirements (EMI), make sure that you use a shielded RJ-45 Token Ring cable when connecting your router to a Token Ring network.

Token Ring can operate at two different ring speeds: 4 and 16 Mbps. All devices on the Token Ring must use the same operating speed.

Use a Token Ring cable to connect the router to a switch. See the section “Token Ring Port Pinouts” in the Cisco Modular Access Router Cable Specifications document for Token Ring port pinouts. This document is available on Cisco.com.

Serial Connections

Serial connections are provided by WAN interface cards and network modules. For more information on WAN interface cards, see the Cisco Interface Cards Installation Guide. For more information on network modules, see the Cisco Network Modules Hardware Installation Guide. These documents are available on Cisco.com.

Before you connect a device to a serial port, you need to know the following:

Type of device—data terminal equipment (DTE) or data communications equipment (DCE)—that you are connecting to the synchronous serial interface

Type of connector—male or female—required to connect to the device

Signaling standard required by the device

Configuring Serial Connections

The serial ports on the asynchronous/synchronous serial network modules and the serial WAN interface card use DB-60 connectors. Serial ports can be configured as DTE or DCE, depending on the serial cable used.

Serial DTE or DCE Devices

A device that communicates over a synchronous serial interface is either a DTE or a DCE device. A DCE device provides a clock signal that paces the communications between the device and the router. A DTE device does not provide a clock signal. DTE devices usually connect to DCE devices. The documentation that accompanied the device should indicate whether it is a DTE or DCE device. (Some devices have a jumper to select either DTE or DCE mode.) Table 2-2lists typical DTW and DCE devices.

Cisco 3700 Series Routers Hardware Installation Guide

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Cisco Systems 3700 Series manual Token Ring Connections, Configuring Serial Connections, Serial DTE or DCE Devices

3700 Series specifications

Cisco Systems 3700 Series routers are a pivotal part of Cisco's portfolio, designed for medium to large enterprises aiming to deliver secure and efficient networking capabilities. Introduced as a versatile solution, these routers provide a comprehensive blend of performance, scalability, and investment protection.

One of the standout features of the Cisco 3700 Series is its modular architecture, allowing organizations to customize their router according to specific needs. This modularity supports various modules for different functions, including voice, data, and video, making the 3700 Series an ideal choice for converged networking environments. Administrators can enhance functionality through an array of WAN and voice interface cards that adapt as the organization's needs evolve.

The 3700 Series is built on Cisco's IOS (Internetwork Operating System), ensuring robust and high-quality performance. It supports advanced routing protocols including EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP, facilitating efficient data transmission across diverse environments. This versatility helps organizations implement sophisticated multi-site connectivity and enables reliable performance in complex network scenarios.

Security is a paramount concern in modern networking, and the Cisco 3700 Series delivers with features such as integrated firewall services, VPN support, and intrusion detection capabilities. These security measures protect sensitive data and ensure secure communication between remote sites—critical in today’s cyber landscape.

Another key characteristic of the 3700 Series is its support for Quality of Service (QoS), which prioritizes time-sensitive traffic such as voice and video. By ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they require, organizations can maintain the quality of service that their users expect.

Moreover, the Cisco 3700 Series is designed with redundancy in mind. Features like dual power supplies and hot-swappable fan trays enhance reliability and uptime, which are crucial for mission-critical applications.

Furthermore, energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration in network design. The Cisco 3700 Series adheres to modern energy standards, helping reduce the overall carbon footprint while supporting high-performance capabilities.

In summary, the Cisco Systems 3700 Series routers stand out for their modularity, advanced routing capabilities, robust security features, and energy efficiency, making them an optimal choice for enterprises that not only need performance but also flexibility and reliability in their networking solutions. As businesses continue to evolve and adapt, the Cisco 3700 Series is a dependable partner in their connectivity journey, ensuring they can meet current demands while preparing for future challenges.