INFRASTRUCTURE Enterprise Router: Cisco 7500 Series T he days of router-centric networks may be numbered, but the need for routed networks will never die. Faster, busier networks will require more performance from the central-site router, and Cisco Systems continues to offer a best-of-breed solution with its 7500 series of high-end, multiprotocol routers. Cisco persists in pushing the network routing envelope with innovative technologies like its redundant Route Switch Processors (RSP) and new networking protocols, such as Tag Switching. What truly makes Cisco a Well-Connected winner is its extensive experience in protocol processing. Many years of high-speed packet-forwarding experience have helped Cisco h one its software solution, including its state-of-the-art Internetwork Operating System (IOS) software. The dynamic combination of high-powered routing hardware and top-notch software has kept Cisco leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. Although technologies like IP Switching and Multiprotocol Over ATM (MPOA) prom ise to put the pinch on the traditional routed network model, the need for big central-site routers has yet to peter out. WAN access will always be an issue, and the Cisco 7500 is the Cadillac of devices for providing connectivity and policy to keep your network safe and alive. Cisco 7500 series of high-end, multiprotocol routers , $10,900 to $28,900, Cisco Systems, (800) 859-2726, www.cisco.com Honorable Mentions: Backbone Node Router family (BLN & BCN) , start at $48,000, Bay Networks, (800) 8-BAYNET, www.baynetworks.com NETBuilder II Bridge/Rout er , $9,995 to $115,500, 3Com Corp., (800) NET-3COM, www.3com.com Awards Table of Contents

Updated April 24, 1997