Chapter 2 Preparing to Install the Router

Preparing to Connect to a Network

Table 2-2 Typical DTE and DCE Devices

Device Type

Gender

Typical Devices

 

 

 

DTE

Male1

Terminal

 

 

PC

 

 

 

DCE

Female2

Modem

 

 

CSU/DSU

 

 

Multiplexer

 

 

 

1.If pins protrude from the base of the connector, the connector is male.

2.If the connector has holes to accept pins, the connector is female.

Signaling Standards Supported

The synchronous serial ports available for the router support the following signaling standards: EIA/TIA-232, EIA/TIA-449, V.35, X.21, and EIA-530. You can order a Cisco DB-60 shielded serial transition cable that has the appropriate connector for the standard you specify. The documentation for the device you want to connect should indicate the standard used for that device. The router end of the shielded serial transition cable has a DB-60 connector, which connects to the DB-60 port on a serial WAN interface card. The other end of the serial transition cable is available with a connector appropriate for the standard you specify.

The synchronous serial port can be configured as DTE or DCE, depending on the attached cable (except EIA-530, which is DTE only). To order a shielded cable, contact customer service. See the “Obtaining Technical Assistance” section on page xvii.

Note All serial ports configured as DTE require external clocking from a CSU/DSU or other DCE device.

Although manufacturing your own serial cables is not recommended (because of the small size of the pins on the DB-60 serial connector), cable pinouts are provided in the Cisco Modular Access Router Cable Specifications document.

Distance Limitations

Serial signals can travel a limited distance at any given bit rate; generally, the slower the data rate, the greater the distance. All serial signals are subject to distance limits, beyond which a signal significantly degrades or is completely lost.

Note Only the serial WAN interface card supports bit rates above 128 kbps.

Table 2-3lists the recommended maximum speeds and distances for each serial interface type. However, you might get good results at speeds and distances greater than those listed if you understand the electrical problems that might arise and can compensate for them. For instance, the recommended maximum rate for V.35 is 2 Mbps, but 4 Mbps is commonly used.

Cisco 3700 Series Routers Hardware Installation Guide

 

OL-2180-07

2-11

 

 

 

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Cisco Systems 3700 Series manual Signaling Standards Supported, Distance Limitations, Device Type Gender Typical 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.