Cisco 1841 T1 bundle

[amdskip]

So my 2nd job is the computer guy for a small school. Today I get an email that the principal has purchased a replacement router for the school.

Also keep in mind that I have no prior cisco experience/training so that too may be an issue.

 

[her209]

Netflow traffic statistics

 

[amdskip]

I get that now on the linux box, so approximately how much does one of these actually sell for? Amazon says $1600 and change, is that correct?

 

[drebo]

Depends on exactly what model it is. The different IOS licenses impact the price greatly. I sold two 1841s to one customer...one was $1300, and the other was $2500 with a $1400 dual T1 WIC add-in. They both needed to do different things.

Using a Cisco router instead of a Linux box is kind of like using steel girders instead of 2-by-4s. The Linux box might get the job done, but the Cisco router's never going to break.

pfsense, endian, smoothwall, and monowall are all great products, but none of them are a replacement for a Cisco router. In addition, if he bought the 1841 with the built-in T1 card, you can now get rid of your stand-alone CSU/DSU. Assuming you actually have a T1 circuit, that is.

I would set the Cisco router up and forget about it.

 

[amdskip]

Could someone like me this up? I set the smoothwall box up without much prior linux knowledge. I also installed multiple add ons for it.

We do have a T1 circuit, and we do have a standalone CSU but I know nothing about the CSU.

Also, can this do any sort of content filtering? Otherwise I will still need the smoothwall box.

 

[her209]

Originally posted by: amdskip
Could someone like me this up?

Cisco has tons of documentation.

 

[m1ldslide1]

Originally posted by: her209

Originally posted by: amdskip
Could someone like me this up?

Cisco has tons of documentation.

Yeah, without having IOS experience you're going to have to go through some growing pains. It's worth it though in the long run, as others have pointed out.

I've used dozens of 1841's and have found them to be a very reliable little platform.

 

[cmetz]

amdskip, I've had some bad experiences with the ISR platform (the 1841 is a member of these). Others have had good experiences, YMMV.

As with all things Cisco, you *need* their service contract, called SmartNet, in order to download software updates. With their current software, you will be doing this. (for example, for security fixes). So make sure that they're getting this, and lobby hard if they don't have it. The same package includes a hardware extended warranty, which you probably don't need but it's still nice to have.

Cisco has a web-based UI that's enabled out of the box. It's not great, but it should get you started. Cisco has a ton of documentation on their web site. You still should probably pick up an intro to Cisco book from your local bookstore, as it will be more approachable.

 

[amdskip]

The new router came with a 12 month subscription to SMARTnet for $121. The router itself was $1916. I think I'm going to try this.

The old router turns out to be a CISCO 1720 which I didn't even realize was crammed in the cabinet. Thanks for the info everyone, much appreciated!

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: amdskip
The new router came with a 12 month subscription to SMARTnet for $121. The router itself was $1916. I think I'm going to try this.

The old router turns out to be a CISCO 1720 which I didn't even realize was crammed in the cabinet. Thanks for the info everyone, much appreciated!

If that's the case then learn a little bit about cisco configuration and file management. For the most part you can use the addressing, routing and just about everything else from the config file of the 1720. your first step is to download the config file from the 1720. Cisco's documentation is really very good.

The only REAL differences between your old and new will be interface and integrated CSU config related stuff. Before you do anything go to cisco.com and search 1720 file management. If you've never done anything like this before it can be unfamiliar, but it isn't really hard with some help, like this forum.