Cisco CISCO2821 2821 Integrated Services Router

I bought this router to study with and for use on my home network. I have been using it non-stop for two years. The Good: I love this router for what I bought it for. I was looking for a cheap cisco router to study with for certifications that was also gigabit so I could use it on my network as well. This router does both very well. It has only given me issues once and I'll get into that below. Other than that it just sits there doing what it is supposed to until I want to mess with it. I get nearly the full gigabit speeds from the devices that support it and (obviously) it doesn't even phase this thing. Also, the power draw is reasonable in my eyes. I have it sitting in a rack with a 3750e, cable modem, unifi access point, and generic switch connected to an UPS. The total power draw at the UPS is only around 76 watts. The Not so Good: I don't want to say any of this is "bad" because it hasn't hindered the usage for the most part. On the one I got the chassis was bent a bit. It isn't noticeable unless you look straight at the back, but there is a very noticeable bend when noticed. The front plate on mine is very flimsily attached, but doesn't fall off without a reasonable amount of force. The only time the usage of the device was affected was when the CPU got pegged for some reason. I came home one day and couldn't get to the internet. I found that the process dns server input was using 99% of the CPU. A simple reboot fixed this and it hasn't happened since. I can't say for sure why that happened, but there were too many factors to determine if it was a fault with the router or not.

This is an extremely versatile router. However, it's a very good thing that I have access to a Cisco contract account. My router came configured for voice, and I needed IP. That's easy enough to change, IF you have access to the proper software tools. The 2821's stated raw routing performance is 87.04 MBps. I'm running 100mbps cable, and I get up to 118mbps through here just fine.

There was a leftover config containing things like MPLS circuit IDs, Encrypted Passwords (Type 7 easily breakable) and Certificates. Seller should really take better care to make sure these things are properly wiped before shipping.

If you have any idea how to program a Cisco router and access to the IOS that you really want to use, then order your Cisco 2821 router from Amazon.com.

perfect for what I needed. A basic router that supported 1000GB duplex

Excellent product, I tested it and all is working great.

I bought this router due to the price and it is what we are using in class. If you are buying for a CCNA lab, I would suggest that you buy a couple of WIC cards and cables. It is the only way to practice some of the labs. IOS 12.4 will only get you so far. If you plan on trying to go to some of the voice and security add ons, you might want to find one with 15.1. Don't forget a console cable or a rollover! I gave it five stars because of its versatility and "ease" of use.