Cisco 3600 Series Product Overview page 2

The Cisco 3600 is a mid-range dial-up platform that fits between Cisco's AccessPath and AS5300 products at the high
end and the Cisco 2500 series access servers at the low end. Mixed-mode and high density ISDN and asynchronous
configurations offer substantial flexibility in dial-up applications. New integrated digital modems (with support for PRI,
BRI, CT1 and R2) and new integrted analog modems further enhance the dial access flexibility and scalability of the
Cisco 3600.
•
ISDN PRI networks
The Cisco 3600 series offers new levels of cost effective ISDN PRI concentration. A Cisco 3640 configured with a Mixed
Media LAN/ISDN PRI network module and three 2-port ISDN PRI network modules supports up to 186 (T1) or 240 (E1)
B channels. This is a powerful and cost effective way to aggregate many branch offices and telecommuters onto one
corporate network.
•
ISDN BRI networks
For areas of the world where ISDN BRI services are more widely available or cost effective, the Cisco 3600 series
supports many BRI interfaces. Configured with a LAN network module and three 8-port network modules, a Cisco 3640
connects up to 48 B channels. In this way, one system provides high-density BRI interface dial-up support and local LAN
and WAN routing connectivity.
•
Serial networks
With support for up to 24 synchronous serial interfaces and a mixed media network module, the Cisco 3600 series and
its RISC processor are the perfect complement to the Cisco 2500 and 1600 series. The Cisco 3600's higher performance
and modular design are appropriate for locations needing support for multiple 56-kbps links or the ability to change
configurations in the future.
•
Mixed WAN services
Many corporate environments require support for a mixture of ISDN PRI, ISDN BRI, asynchronous serial, and
synchronous serial connections. The Cisco 3640 is ideal for this scenario. It allows migration between interfaces or
simultaneous support of several technologies.
•
Power branch applications
The Cisco 3620 allows new levels of connectivity and performance for branch offices with its smaller size, lower slot
density, and lower cost. A combination of one mixed media network module plus another network module provides new
opportunities for branch offices needing more than a fixed-configuration model. The Cisco 3620, for example, provides
multiple LAN access server support for asynchronous and ISDN environments, which complements the Cisco 2500 series
access servers. Alternatively, a Cisco 3620 adds multiple LAN capabilities to branch bank environments needing to
assimilate legacy serial devices, connecting them all to a high-speed Frame Relay network.
•
LAN-to-LAN services
Consistent with its other capabilities, the Cisco 3600 series offers midrange LAN-to-LAN connectivity for branch offices
needing a flexible modular platform. This is different from other low- to mid-range Cisco routers. The Cisco 4500 and
Cisco 4700 are the highest-performance access routers and support a wide array of high-speed LAN and WAN interfaces,
including FDDI and ATM. The Cisco 2500 series, with a multitude of fixed configurations, offers cost effective branch
office solutions including integrated routers and hubs, single and dual LAN routers, and multiple serial routers.
Network Module Options for the Cisco 3600 Series
The Cisco 3640 and Cisco 3620 routers are 4- and 2-slot modular access routers, respectively, whose LAN and WAN
connections are configured by means of interchangeable network modules and WAN interface cards.
The following network modules are available for the Cisco 3640 and Cisco 3620 routers:
•
Single-Port High-Speed Serial Interface (HSSI)
•
ATM 25 Mbps Network Module
•
ATM OC3 155Mbps Network Module
•
6-, 12-, 18-, 24- and 30-digital modem network modules
— LAN with modular WAN (WAN Interface Cards)
2 Cisco Product Catalog, February 1999