Networking requirements at these places are ever evolving and nowadays the driving factors are web and e-business applications. To enhance productivity and keep the cost equation on low side, organizations need to merge their voice and data transferring setup. In addition, they require high security features and uncomplicated network expansion capabilities from their equipment. That's exactly what the Cisco 2691 Router fulfills.

Cisco 2691 is a scaleable multi-service foundation, also based on a RISC processor like other models in the series, which achieves wire speed Ethernet routing with a throughput capacity of up to 70k packets per second, excellent for high density WAN applications. At the same time, it also supports high speed interfaces, offers enhanced security options and is able to handle more services running concurrently than many of the other models in 2600 series.

On the hardware side, the router has two Ethernet ports of 10/100 BaseT nature. It also supports two WAN interface cards, has a network module slot and also possesses a placeholder for CompactFlash card.

WIC's support an array of WAN connectivity options which can be utilized as primary or backup link. Then Network Modules open the doors for integration of multiple services such as data, voice and fax. Hardware based compression or data encryption is possible via exploiting the support for Advanced Integration Modules. All in all, there are more than 100 network modules and WIC's available for this series.

For security purposes, there are two ways of accessing the router. Firstly, as an administrator which is also called Crypto Officer; the configuration and maintenance of 2691 router is only possible when logged in with this role. Secondly, as a User who can only perform basic user services such as viewing the state of interfaces, connecting other network devices etc.

Cisco 2691 Router runs many cryptographic algorithms, details of which can be read on Cisco's website. In a nutshell it satisfies all Level 2 benchmarks set by FIPS 140-2. It also comes with serial stickers that can be labeled to seal the system once internally configured and thereby provide evidence in case of any tampering.