Several questions regarding the Cisco 2800 series and IMA

Hi all!

I need to buy a Cisco 2811 or 2821 router, but the documentation on the Cisco web site is scattered and confusing at best. Since they don't sell their wares cheap I really can't afford to mess up or buy a module I don't need.

I need to hook up 4 x 2mbit E1 links into one 8mbit logical link using inverse multiplexing over ATM(IMA). I'm currently using two 2610 routers with one 2mbit link each. From what I've gathered from my old 2600 documentation, I'll need the modules AIM-ATM and NM−4T1−IMA, but these two modules have been specifically listed on Cisco.com as not compatible with the 2800 series, then which modules are to be used?

Cisco has the IOS divided into a modular structure, I'm pretty happy with what I'm getting feature-wise out of my current base IP c2600-i-mz.122-21.bin, but I also am interested in AutoQoS and traffic congestion avoidance, and I'd also like to test Cisco's IDS, firewall, Anti-virus and P2P filtering features. Which IOS set should I get? What do I get with the basic IOS version? To add to this confusion Cisco is offering a hardware firewall module as well, the NM-CIDS-K9, what are the differences between the software extended IOS firewall and the hardware solution, other than reduced CPU and memory usage? Before I even dream about actually setting these new IOS software gizmos on the network I'd like to test them and get some specific answers as everything works perfectly in theory but in reality..

What support services can I expect from Cisco? Advantages of Smartnet extended warranty?

A lot of questions I know, but the last two routers I got off ebay, and I've tried contacting Cisco(I don't live in the US) but they couldn't really give me any more info other than pointing me to the Cisco website.

Thanks in advance for your help.

I'd really recommend contacting a Cisco reseller . Cisco usually won't directly work with you unless you are ordering a huge amount of equipment. They'd be able to find the appropriate modules and IOS feature set to meet your budget. As far as Smartnet, I'd recommend getting it. Their Technical Assistance Center (TAC) is great, so why not buy a little peace of mind? I put it this way to a former customer I had: if you ever have a problem with your Cisco routers, you are on your own without Smartnet. If you call Cisco and open a TAC case, you will be charged nearly $1000 at minimum without it. And calling a reliable consultant will also be very expensive.

As far as the ATM IMA modules, I really don't think the 2800 has a module. Check this page for the 2800 modules .

Thanks for the tips!

I've earched and found out most of what i need, except one thing. I've got a pair of wic=2t serial interfaces, what the difference between them and vwic serial cards?

The VWIC's will give you the capability to trunk data and voice through your serial connection. Cisco calls them multiflex trunk interface cards, which totally corresponds to the VWIC acronym.