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Product Overview

The Cisco 837 and SOHO 97 routers are asymmeric digital subscriber line (ADSL)–over–plain old telephone service (POTS) routing devices. They have an integrated 4-port Ethernet switch for the LAN and an ADSL physical interface for the WAN, allowing the routers to connect a corporate telecommuter or small office to corporate LANs and the Internet.

The routers support high-speed encryption, the10/100BASE-T switch, and dial backup functionality via the auxiliary console port. The autosensing function in these routers eliminates the need for a crossover cable and allows the router to detect medium dependent interface in normal mode (MDI) or medium dependent interface in crossover mode (MDIX) in any other PC or hub with a straight-through cable or a crossover cable. The routers are capable of bridging and multiprotocol routing between LAN and WAN ports.

The dial backup feature allows the user to connect an analog modem to the console port as a backup link to the WAN in case the ADSL service goes down. This feature gives the Cisco 837 and SOHO 97 routers a high level of performance and security.

The Cisco 837 router is designed with both hardware-based and software-based encryption, while the SOHO 97 router supports only software-based encryption. The Cisco 837 routers support the addition of Flash memory or DRAM, either as a factory upgrade or a field-installed option. SOHO 97 routers have a fixed memory configuration.

 

 

Cisco 837 Router and SOHO 97 Router Hardware Installation Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cisco Systems SOHO 97, 837 manual Product Overview
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837, SOHO 97 specifications

Cisco Systems SOHO 97 is a noteworthy offering in the realm of networking hardware, designed to cater specifically to small office and home office (SOHO) environments. Launched in the late 1990s, the SOHO 97 router marked a significant advancement in networking solutions for small businesses, enabling cost-effective connectivity and reliable communication.

One of the primary features of the Cisco SOHO 97 is its ability to support both wired and wireless connectivity, making it versatile for varying user needs. The device supports a standard RJ-45 Ethernet interface, allowing users to connect multiple devices through LAN ports. Furthermore, its built-in support for PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) enables broadband connectivity, which is crucial for internet access in modern setups.

In terms of technology, the Cisco SOHO 97 incorporates NAT (Network Address Translation) capabilities, enabling multiple devices to share a single public IP address. This feature is particularly advantageous in SOHO environments where budget constraints often limit the number of public IP addresses that can be obtained. Security is also a critical concern, and the SOHO 97 addresses this with integrated firewall capabilities to protect the internal network from outside threats.

The device is equipped with a user-friendly web-based management interface, allowing even non-technical users to configure and manage their network settings with ease. This intuitive interface provides easy access to settings such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) configurations, and port forwarding options.

Additionally, the device supports various routing protocols, including RIP and Static Routing, providing flexibility in network design and implementation. It is built to handle a wide range of network tasks, from basic internet browsing to more complex operations like VPN (Virtual Private Network) support, which enhances security for remote users accessing the network.

The compact design of the Cisco SOHO 97 allows it to fit discreetly into any office environment, while its reliability makes it a trusted choice for small businesses. Overall, the Cisco SOHO 97 exemplifies the balance of performance, security, and ease of use that is essential for small office and home office networking today.
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