Identifying Company Site Equipment

One of the key challenges for the network designer is selecting the equipment that is appropriate
to both the current and future demands of the network. This becomes even more difficult when
cost constraints are taken into account.
Designers need to select equipment based primarily on the port type and density required for
their application. Port type refers to the topology, interface, and protocol (T-1, PRI ISDN with
an RJ-45 connector, for example). Port density is a simplified way of noting the number of ports
that can be squeezed into a particular slot or chassis. Frequently changing connectors will allow
greater density; however, a larger chassis can also increase the density. As a result, equipment
purchased for the central site will frequently require larger and more modular platforms. Equipment
for remote locations tends to be simpler and less expensive—primarily to simplify administrative
costs.

Note:Although the current version of the Remote Access exam is relatively new,
some of Cisco’s recommendations and questions might refer to end-of-life or
end-of-sales equipment. Please consider this when deploying a production
remote access solution, and consult the Cisco website, www.cisco.com, for the
most current information.