Router-Based Firewall Functionality

Cisco IOS Firewall is available on the Cisco 800, uBR900, 1400, 1600, 1700, 2500, 2600, 3600, 7100, 7200, and 7500, as well as RSM series routers. By supporting such a wide variety of router platforms, the firewall features will scale to meet any network’s bandwidth, performance, and security requirements. The firewall features are also available on the Catalyst 5000 switch.

No absolute rules exist for choosing the right Cisco router for implementing the firewall and security features. While an organization’s size and security requirements must be factored in, the following general guidelines can be used as a starting point.

• Small office/home offices (SOHO): Cisco 800, uBR900 series, 1600, and 1720 series

• Branch and extranet implementations: Cisco 2500, 2600, and 3600 series

• Central office or high-volume locations: Cisco 7100, 7200, 7500, and RSM series