Cisco 921 Gigabit Ethernet security router C921-4P

Cisco 921 Gigabit Ethernet security router C921-4P represents a sophisticated fixed-configuration security router engineered for small to medium business environments requiring robust network protection and reliable connectivity. This enterprise-grade device integrates comprehensive security features with high-performance routing capabilities, supporting up to 50 concurrent users while maintaining optimal network performance.

Advanced Security and Threat Defense Architecture

The C921-4P incorporates multi-layered security architecture designed to protect against both established and emerging network threats. Built with Cisco’s proven 900 Series ISR technology, this router delivers enterprise-class security features typically found in larger network infrastructure devices.

Core Security Features:

• Hardware-accelerated encryption supporting DES, 3DES, AES 128, AES 192, and AES 256
• SSL VPN capabilities for secure remote access connectivity
• Support for 50 concurrent IPsec tunnels with NAT transparency
• Zone-based policy firewall with VRF-aware stateful inspection
• Integrated Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) for real-time threat detection
• Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) and GET VPN support

Network Interface Configuration and Performance

This professional networking device features dual Gigabit Ethernet WAN interfaces paired with a 4-port Gigabit Ethernet managed switch, providing comprehensive connectivity options for diverse network topologies. The Cisco 921-4P delivers maximum crypto throughput of 150 Mbps, ensuring encrypted traffic maintains acceptable performance levels.

Interface Specifications:

• Two Gigabit Ethernet WAN ports for redundant connectivity
• Four-port Gigabit Ethernet managed switch with 802.1Q VLAN support
• Integrated USB 2.0 port for external storage and cellular backup modules
• RJ-45 console port for direct management access
• Compact form factor: 1.70 × 9.0 × 9.5 inches including rubber feet

Advanced Routing and Quality of Service Capabilities

The device supports comprehensive routing protocols including OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and Performance Routing (PfR), enabling sophisticated network topologies and traffic engineering. Quality of Service implementation ensures critical applications receive appropriate bandwidth allocation and priority handling.

Routing and QoS Features:

• Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) support
• Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) for internet connectivity
• Low-Latency Queuing (LLQ) and Class-Based Weighted Fair Queuing (CBWFQ)
• Network-Based Application Recognition (NBAR2) for traffic classification
• Hierarchical QoS (HQoS) for complex traffic management scenarios
• Virtual Route Forwarding (VRF) Lite for network segmentation

IPv6 Implementation and Future-Ready Networking

Modern network requirements demand IPv6 compatibility, and the C921-4P delivers comprehensive dual-stack support. The router handles IPv6 addressing architecture, neighbor discovery, stateless address autoconfiguration (SLAAC), and multicast routing protocols essential for contemporary network deployments.

IPv6 Capabilities:

• Full IPv6 addressing and name resolution support
• OSPFv3 and BGP4+ routing protocol implementation
• IPv6 DHCP server and client functionality
• Path Maximum Transmission Unit (PMTU) discovery
• IPv6 multicast routing and ICMPv6 support

System Resources and Environmental Specifications

The router incorporates 1 GB of default DRAM with 2 GB of flash memory for storing configuration files and IOS images. Environmental design considerations include operation across temperature ranges from 0°C to 50°C with altitude derating, making it suitable for various deployment scenarios.

Technical Specifications:

• Default memory configuration: 1 GB DRAM, 2 GB flash storage
• Universal power supply: 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz operation
• Operating humidity range: 5% to 95% relative humidity (noncondensing)
• Altitude operation: 0 to 10,000 feet with temperature derating
• Safety certifications: IEC 60950-1, UL 60950-1, EN 60950-1 compliance

Management and Monitoring Capabilities

Enterprise network management requires sophisticated tools and protocols. The device supports multiple management interfaces including Cisco Configuration Professional, SNMP v3, SSH, and CLI access. Integration with CiscoWorks and Cisco Security Manager provides centralized network oversight capabilities.

Management Features:

• Cisco Configuration Professional and Configuration Express support
• Telnet, SNMPv3, SSH Protocol, and HTTP management interfaces
• RADIUS and TACACS+ authentication integration
• Cisco Next Generation Plug-and-Play (NG PnP) Protocol support
• Flexible NetFlow (FNF) for network traffic analysis and monitoring