Cisco 7200 VXR Product Overview

C H A P T E R 1

This chapter provides physical and functional overviews of the Cisco 7200 VXR routers. Descriptions and examples of software commands are included when they are necessary for replacing, installing, configuring, or maintaining the router hardware.

The following sections describe router hardware, major components, and functions of hardware-related features:

•Physical Description, page 1-1

•Software Requirements, page 1-4

•Cisco 7204VXR Overview, page 1-4

•Cisco 7206VXR Overview, page 1-7

•Field-Replaceable Units, page 1-10

•Functional Overview, page 1-53

Warning Before you install, operate, or service the system, read the Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information for Cisco 7200 Series Routers publication. This document provides important safety information you should know before working with the system. Statement 200

Physical Description

The Cisco 7200 VXR routers are the newest, multiservice members of the Cisco 7200 series routers. The Cisco 7200 VXR routers include the Cisco 7204VXR (4-slot router) and the Cisco 7206VXR (6-slot router). The Cisco 7200 VXR routers are designed to support gigabit capabilities and to improve data, voice, and video integration in both service provider and enterprise environments.

The Cisco 7200 VXR routers incorporate an integrated Multiservice Interchange (MIX) capability to support future voice applications. MIX interconnections on the midplane provide the ability to switch DS-0 time slots between multichannel T1 or E1 interfaces, much like a digital cross-connect or an add-drop multiplexer. This feature enables the Cisco 7200 VXR routers to switch DS-0 voice channels on a T1 or E1 interface from one voice processing port adapter to another voice processing port adapter. It also enables DS-0s to be switched through the Cisco 7200 VXR routers without any processing, a requirement in certain voice configurations.

Cisco 7200 VXR Installation and Configuration Guide

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7200 VXR specifications

The Cisco Systems 7200 VXR Series is a robust and highly scalable modular router designed to meet the demands of service providers and enterprises seeking high-performance solutions for their network infrastructures. Launched as part of the Cisco 7200 series, the VXR (Virtual Extensible Routing) variant enhances capabilities while providing effective support for a wide range of applications, including Internet Protocol (IP) routing, Voice over IP (VoIP), and Virtual Private Network (VPN) configurations.

At the core of the 7200 VXR is its modular design, which enables network administrators to customize the router according to their specific needs. The router supports a variety of interface cards, processing engines, and power supply options, ensuring flexibility for diverse network environments. This modularity facilitates easy upgrades and expansions, making it ideal for growing enterprises and service providers looking to future-proof their networks.

One of the standout features of the Cisco 7200 VXR is its impressive routing performance. It can handle a high level of traffic with low latency, which is critical for bandwidth-intensive applications. The router supports a wide array of routing protocols, including Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Integrated Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS), providing versatility for various network topologies.

The 7200 VXR also incorporates advanced features for enhanced security and reliability. With support for IPsec VPNs, it enables secure data transmission across untrusted networks. The router also includes features like Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing network traffic, ensuring critical applications receive the bandwidth they require even during peak loads.

In terms of scalability, the Cisco 7200 VXR can support hundreds of thousands of routes and MAC addresses, making it suitable for large metropolitan area networks (MANs) as well as enterprise backbone applications. It also provides the capability to support IPv4 and IPv6 networks, preparing organizations for a transition to next-generation internet protocols.

Additional characteristics of the Cisco 7200 VXR include enhanced manageability through the Cisco IOS software, which offers a comprehensive command-line interface and support for network management protocols. The router is also energy-efficient, with options for redundant power supplies that ensure continuous availability and minimal downtime in mission-critical applications.

Overall, the Cisco Systems 7200 VXR represents a powerful solution that combines performance, scalability, and security, making it an excellent choice for organizations looking to enhance their network capabilities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Cisco Systems manual Cisco 7200 VXR Product Overview, Physical Description

Models: 7200 VXR