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supporting 802.3af PoE and Cisco ePoE. Table 2 lists the architectural features and benefits of the Cisco 3900
Series.
Table 2. Architectural Features and Benefits of Cisco 3900 Series
Architectural Features Benefits
Modular platform
●
The Cisco 3900 Series routers are highly modular platforms with several types of module slots to add
connectivity and services for varied branch-office network requirements.
●
The routers offer an industry-leading breadth of LAN and WAN connectivity options through modules to
accommodate field upgrades to future technologies without requiring platform replacement.
●
The Cisco SPE on the Cisco 3900 offers the ability to increase the performance of the router with a field-
upgradable motherboard as your network needs grow.
Processors
●
The Cisco 3900 Series routers are powered by high-performance multicore processors that can support the
growing demands of high-speed WAN connections to the branch office while also running multiple concurrent
services.
Embedded IP Security with
Secure Sockets Layer
(IPSec/SSL) VPN hardware
acceleration
●
Embedded hardware encryption acceleration is enhanced to provide higher scalability, which, combined with an
optional Cisco IOS Software Security license, enables WAN link security and VPN services (both IPSec and
SSL acceleration).
●
The onboard encryption hardware outperforms the advanced integration modules (AIMs) of previous
generations.
Multigigabit fabric (MGF)
●
The Cisco 3900 Series introduces an innovative MGF that allows for efficient module-to-module
communication, enabling tighter services interactions across modules while reducing the overhead on the
router processor.
TDM interconnectivity fabric
●
Unified communications services in the branch office are significantly enhanced with the use of TDM
interconnectivity fabric in the router architecture, allowing for scaling of DS-0 channel capacity.
Integrated Gigabit Ethernet
ports
●
The Cisco 3900 Series provides up to four 10/100/1000 Ethernet WAN ports.
●
Two of the 10/100/1000 Ethernet WAN ports on the Cisco 3900 Series can support Small Form-Factor
Pluggable (SFP)-based connectivity in lieu of RJ-45 ports, enabling fiber connectivity.
Innovative universal-serial-bus
(USB)-based console access
●
A new, innovative, mini-B USB console port supports management connectivity when traditional serial ports are
not available.
●
Traditional console and auxiliary ports are also available.
Optional integrated power
supply for distribution of PoE
and universal DC power
supply
●
An optional upgrade to the internal power supply provides inline power (802.3af-compliant PoE, Cisco ePoE,
and Cisco Inline Power) to optional integrated switch modules.
●
An optional DC power supply that extends possible deployment environments such as central offices and
industrial environments will be available in the future.
Optional integrated redundant
power supply (RPS) and PoE
boost
●
Power redundancy is available by installing an optional integrated RPS, thereby decreasing network downtime
and protecting the network from power-supply failures.
●
When populated with dual integrated power supplies, the Cisco 3900 Series can operate in a configurable PoE
boost mode in lieu of redundant power mode whereby the power capacity of the platform is increased to almost
twice the normal power to support additional PoE ports.
Designed for flexible
deployments
●
The Cisco 3945 and 3925 are designed for Network Equipment Building Systems (NEBS) environments.
Modularity Features and Benefits
The Cisco 3900 Series provides significantly enhanced modular capabilities (refer to Table 3) while maintaining
investment protection for customers. Most of the modules available on previous generations of Cisco routers, such
as the Cisco 3800 Series Integrated Services Routers, are supported on the Cisco 3900 Series. Additionally,
modules used on the Cisco 3900 Series can easily be supported on other routers in the Cisco Integrated Services
Router portfolio to provide maximum investment protection. Taking advantage of common interface cards across a
network greatly reduces the complexity of managing inventory requirements, implementing large network rollouts,
and maintaining configurations across a variety of branch-office sizes.
A complete list of supported modules, including a list of supported SFPs for the Cisco 3900 Series, is available at:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps10536/products_relevant_interfaces_and_modules.html.
