Cisco expands router portfolio

Cisco Systems officials used the Interop trade show under way in Las Vegas to announce a new line of routers with integrated wireless and security features.

The launch of the new 800 and 1800 series routers is essentially an extension of a product launch from September 2004, said Robert Checketts, senior manager of the enterprise routing group. That announcement was for the 1841, 2800 and 3800 series platforms.

Company officials say the new products make it easier for teleworkers and small and midsize organizations to use broadband technologies. "We're extending the product portfolio out to much smaller offices," Checketts said.

Pricing for the new products starts at $399 for the Cisco 850 router. The new products have ample capacity for expansion, and Cisco officials have more products in their pipeline, Checketts said.

"This is really the beginning of the journey for us," he said.