Cisco 1721 is a modular access router designed for small and medium branch offices. It provides secure WAN connectivity with support for multiple WAN interface cards (WICs), allowing flexible deployment over serial, ISDN, DSL, or Ethernet WAN links. The router runs Cisco IOS software and supports routing, basic security, VPN services (depending on IOS feature set), and WAN optimization for enterprise branch networks. It is a widely deployed legacy platform used for branch connectivity and network training environments.
Key Features
- Modular WAN architecture with WIC support
- 1 × 10/100 Fast Ethernet LAN port
- 1 × 10/100 Fast Ethernet WAN port
- 2 × WIC slots for WAN expansion
- Cisco IOS software-based routing
- Supports multiple WAN technologies (serial, ISDN, DSL via WIC)
- Basic firewall and NAT capabilities (IOS dependent)
- VPN support (IPSec depending on IOS image)
- Compact 1U desktop/rack-mount design
- Console and auxiliary management ports
- Ideal for branch office and remote site connectivity
Technical Specifications
Model: Cisco 1721
Series: Cisco 1700 Series Modular Access Router
Form Factor: Desktop / Rack-mountable
Interfaces:
- 1 × 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN port
- 1 × 10/100 Mbps Ethernet WAN port
- 2 × WIC slots (WAN Interface Card expansion)
Supported WAN Modules:
- WIC-1T / WIC-2T (serial)
- WIC-1B-S/T (ISDN BRI)
- DSL WIC modules (platform dependent)
- Voice/WAN combo cards (selected modules)
Processor:
- Motorola PowerPC-based architecture (platform dependent)
Memory:
- DRAM expandable (typical 32–128 MB range depending on configuration)
- Flash memory expandable (for Cisco IOS images)
Routing Protocols:
- RIP v1/v2
- OSPF
- EIGRP
- Static routing
- BGP (limited, IOS dependent)
Security Features:
- NAT / PAT
- ACLs (standard and extended)
- IPSec VPN (feature set dependent)
- Basic firewall services (IOS feature set dependent)
Management:
- Cisco IOS CLI
- Console port (RJ-45)
- Auxiliary port for remote management
Power Supply:
- External AC adapter (varies by region and revision)
Typical Throughput:
- Small branch office bandwidth (up to tens of Mbps depending on IOS features enabled)
