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The global Cisco router market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.81% to 2024. The Cisco router, a VLAN machine, makes virtual local area networks by grouping computers together regardless of the building they are in. There are different types of VLAN Cisco routers:
Aggregation Services Router (ASR)
The router has hardware- and software-based technologies to offer high performance, scalability, and high availability. It is designed to meet enterprise network requirements and service provider. ASR routers deliver secure, high-performance network services and continuous availability for the most demanding operating environments.
Cloud Services Router (CSR)
The/router Virtual (Vyatta) enables IT to deploy and manage secure, high-performance networking services across physical and virtual environments. It supports fully integrated firewall and networking functionalities that simplify the way IT delivers and secures access to applications and services.
Integrated Services Router (ISR)
These are Cisco routers that deliver intelligent and secure networking for businesses. They combine advanced network and security services with a broad range of routing platforms optimized for WAN, LAN, and cloud connectivity. Their architecture supports virtualization, enabling business applications to run network services.
Network Convergence System (NCS)
The service provider platform supports IP, optical, and hybrid network architectures. NCS routers leverage the programmable, high-performance Cisco IOS-XR network operating system to optimize service delivery across fixed and mobile networks and distribute cloud-based network functions.
Aggregation Services Router (ASR)
The router has hardware- and software-based technologies to offer high performance, scalability, and high availability. It is designed to meet enterprise network requirements and service provider. ASR routers deliver secure, high-performance network services and continuous availability for the most demanding operating environments.
Cloud Services Router (CSR)
The/router Virtual (Vyatta) enables IT to deploy and manage secure, high-performance networking services across physical and virtual environments. It supports fully integrated firewall and networking functionalities that simplify the way IT delivers and secures access to applications and services.
Integrated Services Router (ISR)
These are Cisco routers that deliver intelligent and secure networking for businesses. They combine advanced network and security services with a broad range of routing platforms optimized for WAN, LAN, and cloud connectivity. Their architecture supports virtualization, enabling business applications to run network services.
Network Convergence System (NCS)
The service provider platform supports IP, optical, and hybrid network architectures. NCS routers leverage the programmable, high-performance Cisco IOS-XR network operating system to optimize service delivery across fixed and mobile networks and distribute cloud-based network functions.
Cisco routers for VLANs have several features that help customers manage and secure their networks efficiently. These include the following:
Inter-VLAN Routing
Cisco routers generate sub-interfaces on a single physical interface to route traffic between different VLANs on the same LAN. Each sub-interface is assigned an IP address that acts as a default gateway for devices in that specific VLAN. The Cisco router uses the IEEE 802.1Q tagging standard to identify the VLAN associated with each sub-interface.
Route Configuration
Cisco routers with VLAN support can apply standard and extended access control lists (ACLs) to improve security and optimize network traffic. For example, administrators can configure rules for each VLAN to permit or deny specific types of traffic enhancing data security. Cisco routers also support dynamic routing protocols such as EIGRP, OSPF, and RIP for VLANs. These protocols automatically adjust inter-VLAN routing tables based on changes in the network, improving the router's efficiency.
DHCP Snooping and Relay
Split horizon is a DHCP relay feature that prevents the server from receiving requests from clients in different VLANs. Cisco routers with VLAN capabilities can bypass this rule to enhance interoperability between the relay and the DHCP server. DHCP snooping is a security measure that helps prevent rogue DHCP servers in the network. Cisco routers can filter and monitor DHCP traffic, allowing DHCP servers only on trusted ports.
Access Control
Cisco routers with VLAN support have port-based access control features such as multi-authentication and web authentication. These features enforce strict user access control on all network devices. For example, a user must be authenticated before the port can be used to connect devices in the network. Cisco VLAN routers also have Radius and TACACS+ services that help administrators manage remote access to the router.
High Availability
Cisco routers with VLAN support enable administrators to optimize network performance by load balancing across multiple internet connections. They can also use the Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) to configure multiple routers as a single virtual router for greater network reliability.
Cisco routers use Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) to distribute traffic to multiple destinations simultaneously. They can use the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) to manage group membership for hosts that want to receive multicast traffic in a VLAN.
Quality of Service (QoS)
These Cisco VLAN routers support mechanisms that recognize and prioritize multicast, broadcast, and unicast traffic. This capability ensures the distinct handling of different types of traffic, optimizing network performance and resource utilization.
Trunking Between Switches:
This router can be used for tree trunking. For example, when selecting a router to connect multiple switches in a Cisco VLAN network, one option is to choose a router with at least as many Ethernet ports as required to connect the switches. The router's Ethernet ports can be assigned to different VLANs, allowing it to connect multiple switches, just like a trunk port on a switch. Each switch would then be connected to one of the router's Ethernet ports.
Inter-VLAN Routing:
To allow communication between devices on different VLANs, a router is added to a VLAN network. The router is configured with sub-interfaces on its Ethernet port, corresponding to each VLAN and assigned IP addresses that serve as default gateways for devices in those VLANs. Inter-VLAN routing is then configured on the router, allowing traffic to pass between VLANs. This gives each VLAN a way to access resources.
Packet Filtering:
Another benefit of VLAN routing Cisco is that it can filter. Routers can be set up to filter or control traffic between VLANs using ACLs. This allows administrator control over which VLAN traffic passes and ensures sensitive data remains secure by implementing access controls.
Bandwidth Allocation:
Route Cisco VLAN by a router to improve performance. QoS policies can be implemented on routers to prioritize certain traffic and ensure optimal performance for critical applications. It also optimizes performance. It can be used to allocate bandwidth to different VLANs or applications, ensuring efficient use of network resources. Traffic shapes can be used for smooth, consistent performance for users and applications.
VLANs for Network Segmentation:
A router with VLAN support can help segment a network as it creates separate logical networks. Routers help keep sensitive data secure by implementing access control, and they also allow different departments or groups to have their own VLANs. It can also have separate VLANs for guests and employees in a company.
When purchasing Cisco VLAN routers for business, it is important to choose one that meets the desired network needs. This can be done by considering the following aspects;
Q: What does a VLAN do on a Cisco router?
A: VLAN technology allows the logical grouping of devices on a network regardless of physical location. It provides flexibility and easier network administration. VLANs improve security by segregating network segments. VLANs reduce broadcast traffic and increase the performance of a network.
Q: How to set up a VLAN on a Cisco router?
A: To configure VLANs on a Cisco router, access the Cisco switch terminal. Create a VLAN using the command ""vlan [VLAN_NUMBER]"" after entering VLAN configuration mode. Provide a name for the VLAN created. Repeat the process of creating VLANs. ""Show VLAN"" displays all the configured VLANs.
Q: Can Cisco routers use VLANs?
A: Cisco routers can use VLANs. However, the router must support multi-protocol VLANs. It should also support IP interface, which is a feature that allows a router to provide gateway services to different VLANs.
Q: What is the difference between a switch and a VLAN router?
A: A switch is a layer 2 device that forwards packets within a VLAN. On the other hand, a router is a layer 3 device that can route traffic between different VLANs.