When people think of computer networking products, one brand that’s generated top-of-mind awareness is Cisco. Cisco is an American technology company best known for its computer networking products. From cybersecurity to collaboration, the Cisco portfolio is vast, thorough, and ever-expanding.

 

One of Cisco’s most popular line of products is its Cisco 3800 Series of Integrated Services Routers. The Cisco 3800 Series of Integrated Services Routers provides customers with unparalleled network agility, performance, and intelligence by transparently integrating advanced technologies, adaptive services, and secure enterprise communications into a single, resilient system. 

 

Cisco 3800 Series of Integrated Services Routers contains some of the industry’s most comprehensive security services embedded and integrated within each product, providing customers with a single, resilient platform to swiftly deploy secure networks and applications.  

 

Not just comprehensive, Cisco’s Integrated Services Routers also contain advanced security services and management capabilities including hardware encryption acceleration, IPSec, VPN (Advanced Encryption Standard [AES], Triple Digital Encryption Standard [3DES], DES and Multiprotocol Label Switching [MPLS]), stateful firewall protection, dynamic intrusion prevention (Intrusion Prevention System [IPS]), and URL filtering support. 

 

Cisco 3800 Series routers also provide embedded security processing, performance and memory enhancements, by building high-density interfaces that deliver the performance, availability, and reliability required for scaling mission-critical security, IP telephony, business video, network analysis, and Web applications in the most demanding enterprise environments. 

 

All these impressive security features got them to be the router of choice by no less than the  US Federal government. Cisco’s 3825 routers met FIPS 140-2 Level 2 standards, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), a U.S. government standard tailored to approve cryptography modules. To meet FIPS 140-2 Level 2 standards is a mandatory requirement when working with the U.S. government. 

 

Interested to know what kind of computer networks are used in federal governments? Then let’s go through Cisco 3825’s comprehensive review below to get to know the router’s unique features, installation guide, specifications, and some pros and cons. 

 

Why Choose Cisco 3825 Integrated Services Router?

CISCO 3825 Integrated Service Router

Cisco 3825’s integrated services routing design was developed under the main design of Cisco 3800 series routers. One of Cisco 3800 Series main features includes embedded security processing, significant performance and memory enhancements, and new high-density interfaces that deliver the performance, availability, and reliability required for scaling mission-critical security, IP telephony, business video, network analysis, and Web applications in the most demanding enterprise environments.

 

All these features are included in Cisco 3825 Integrated Services Router. Other features are  optimized converged communications, intelligent network services, and application layer functions, so advanced they’re capable of handling exclusive computer networking transactions within the U.S. federal government divisions such as the U.S. Army, Air Force, Army Corps of Engineers, Defense Contract Audit Agency, and Marine Corps among others. 

 

In terms of bandwidth, Cisco 3825 Integrated Services Router supports bandwidth requirements for numerous Fast Ethernet interfaces per slot, completely integrated power distribution to modules supporting 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) and time-division multiplexing interconnections. 

 

While it can support an existing portfolio of modular interfaces, Cisco 3825’s robust infrastructure ensures continuous investment protection to cater to network expansion or technological upgrades as new platforms and services are implemented. By combining the functions of numerous separate devices into one single compact component, the Cisco 3825 dramatically lessens the complexity and cost of handling remote networks. 

 

In terms of roles and services, Cisco 3825 has a role-based authentication. The router contains two primary roles that operators can assume – the User role and the Crypto Officer role. The admin of the Cisco 3825 holds the Crypto Officer role to maintain and configure the router using the Crypto Officer services, while the User role assumes only the basic User configurations.

 

In terms of password management, Cisco 3825 router’s cryptographic key management involves the administration of both cryptographic keys and other significant security parameters such as passwords. Physical protection for all keys is provided through the tamper evidence seals.

 

After all that, if you’re still not convinced with Cisco’s state-of-the-art security features, maybe finding out how Cisco 3825 handles secure data in its system will help. To prevent secure data from leaking, it is crucial to test the cryptographic mechanisms of a security module to ensure all units are performing well.

 

In order to do this, Cisco 3825 has an array of self-tests that are programmed periodically during operations and startups. If any of the self-test procedures fail, the router transitions into an error mode. In error mode, all secure data transmission is terminated and Cisco 3825 displays status information indicating the failure.

Pros

Availability of Comprehensive Documentation

Density

Ease of Installation and Setup

Ease of Management

Impressive Speed and System Performance

Reduced Cost of Ownership

Robust Security

Scalability and High Availability

Wider Coverage

Cons

Expensive

Need to Hire External Network Administrators or IT Experts for Installation

Needs Improvements on Firmware

Heavy Weight

Complicated Installation and Configurations

Limited Mounting Options

Key Features

Hardware Encryption Acceleration

Cisco 3825 is completely encased in a metal, opaque casing. The back part of the unit has an auxiliary port, ENM slots, HWIC ports, Gigabit Ethernet ports, and a console port. The front part has the LEDs, power switch, power inlets, CF drive, and USB connectors. Since the router operates at FIPS 140-2 Level 2 standards, one of Cisco 3825’s security measures include it cannot be accessed without signs of tampering. A serialized tamper-evidence label is applied to seal the unit.

 

Crypto Officer Services

Through the Crypto Officer Integration, the admin has a centralized repository for the maintenance and configuration of the router. It includes functions such as setting encryption and configuration tables for IP tunneling; manage router activities such as viewing complete configurations, restoring router configurations and managing user roles; define rules and filters which define a set of packets to allow or reject based characteristics such as packet direction, addresses, ports and protocol ID; and router configurations. 

 

Key Zeroization Feature

Through Cisco 3825’s IPSec feature, each key can be zeroized by transmitting the “no” command before the key function commands. As a result, it will zeroize each key from the DRAM, the executing configuration. 

 

VPN Management Support

Integrated with the Cisco Easy VPN Solution, Cisco 3825 has reduced the complexity of managing large-scale VPN deployments by centralizing VPN management with constant key management and policy methods across all Cisco VPN platforms.

 

Central Policy Push for Integrated Client Firewall

This feature enables Cisco 3825 VPN Servers to configure a personal firewall on client machines, enabling optimized security against split tunnelling. It can select not to permit clients that do not have the latest firewall configuration standards to streamline the VPN.

Other Features

AES 128, AES 192, and AES 256 Encryption Configurations

Dynamic Intrusion Prevention System

Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Support

Network Integration

Password Expiry Using AAA

RADIUS Secret

Security Device Manager

Stateful Firewall Defense

TACACS+ Secret

URL Filtering Support

Specifications

Product Series 3800
Product Model 3825
Ethernet Technology Gigabit Ethernet
Number of Ports 4
Number of Expansion Slots 14
Form Factor Rack-Mountable
Network Technology 10/100/1000Base-T
Compatible Rack Unit 2U
Dimensions Height: 3.5” Width: 17.4” Depth: 14.8”
Weight 23lbs
Redundant Power Supply Supported Yes
Manufacturer Part Number CISCO3825-AC-IP-RF
Package Components 3825 Integrated Services Router; RJ-45-To-DB-9 Console Cable; RJS-45-To-DB-25 Modem Cable for Management Access; 2.54 MM Centerline, Single-Row Shunt; Ground Lug and 2 Mounting Screws (AC Power Cord with AC-Powered Routers); 1 Pair of Rack-Mount Brackets with Screws for 19” Rack; 1 Pair of Brackets for 19” Rack; Ethernet Cable for LAN Interface; Cisco Product Registration Card; Cisco 3800 Series Integrated Services Routers Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information Document; Cisco Router and Security Device Manager Quick Start Guide Document; Cisco 3800 Series Integrated Services Routers Quick Start Guide
Expansion Slot Type AIM; HWIC; PVDM; SFP (Mini-GBIC)
Standard Memory 256MB
Maximum Memory 1GB
Memory Technology DRAM
Flash Memory 64MB
Memory Card Supported CompactFlash (CF) Card
Input Voltage 110V~220V AC

How To Use

Think the Cisco 3825 Integrated Services Router will be a good fit for your home or business? Learn more about its features and current price here.

 

Cisco is known to have very detailed installation guides that tend to overwhelm tech newbies with its complicated jargon and long winding pieces of information. 

 

As a result, installing the Cisco 3825 Integrated Services Router can be quite overwhelming. To help you along, and to simplify the process, we have listed down each step in a clear and concise manner : 

 

Connecting ATM-0C3-P0M Ports To The Network

Removing the Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Module

  • Connect the ESD Wrist Strap to your wrist and the ESD Connection socket on the chassis
  • Disconnect the network fiber cable from the SFP Module Connector
  • Remove the SFP Module from the Slot
  • Set aside the SFP Module on an Anti-Static area/surface

 

Installing the Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Module

  • Connect the ESD Wrist Strap to your wrist and between an unpainted chassis exterior and yourself
  • Verify the part number and distance information on the SFP Module label
  • Align the slot with the SFP Module so that the label is facing away from the handle
  • Insert the SFP Module into the slot on the SFP port by holding the SFP Module at the latching band
  • Push the SFP Module back into the slot until the latch engages. Only the band around the front part of the module should be clearly seen when fully inserted.
  • Remove the plug from the SFP Module Optical Bores
  • Attach the Network Interface Fiber-Optic Cable by inserting a fiber-optic cable with 1 duplex SC connector into the ATM Interface

 

Online Insertion and Removal of Cisco Network Modules

Cisco 3825 is fully compatible in establishing a gigabit ethernet Internal connection using the Cisco High-Speed Intrachassis Module Interconnect (HIMI) feature. To perform virtual removal of a network module and insertion of a replacement, follow this step-by-step procedure. As a prerequisite, ensure that your router is in privileged EXEC mode. 

 

  • Begin a network module session by using the following command lines:
    Router#
    service-module integrated-Service-Engine slot/unit session
    Trying 10.10.10.1, 2065 … Open
    SE-Module>
    enableSE-Module#
  • Save the executing configuration of the network module by inputting the following command on the SE-Module# prompt:
    SE-Module# copy running-config tftp tftp-server-address filename
  • Press CTRL+SHFT+6 and press x to exit the network module session
  • On the router, clear the integrated-Service-Engine console session by inputting the following:
    Router# service-module integrated-Service-Engine slot/unit session clear
  • Execute a shutdown of the network module disk drive by inputting the following command:
    Router# service-module integrated-Service-Engine slot/unit shutdown
  • Turn off the network module interface through the following commands:
    Router (config)# interface integrated-Service-Engine slot/unit
    Router (config-if)# shutdownRouter (config-if)# exit
  • Disconnect all network interface cables from the network module
  • Loosen two captive screws that are connecting the network module in the chassis slot
  • Slide the network module out of the slot
  • Position together the replacement network module with the guides in the chassis slot and slide it smoothly into the slot
  • Push the module in place until the edge connector mate is securely attached to the connector on the backplane
  • Reconnect the network interface cables from Step #7
  • Verify that the network module LEDs are turned on.
  • Start a new network module session by inputting the following commands:
    Router# service-module integrated-Service-Engine slot/unit session
    Trying 10.10.10.1, 2129 … OpenSE-Module> enable
    SE-Module#
  • Restore the executing configuration of the network module by inputting the following on the service module prompt:
    SE-Module# copy tftp running-config tftp-server-address filename
  • Press CTRL+SHFT+6 and press x to exit the network module session
  • On the router, clear the integrated-Service-Engine console session by inputting the following:
    Router# service-module integrated-Service-Engine slot/unit session clear

If you require more information and other essential installation guidelines, you may refer to Cisco’s Network Modules Hardware Installation Guide.

About Cisco

Established in San Jose, California, Cisco Systems Inc. is an American multinational company that designs, manufactures, develops and sells telecommunications equipment, software, hardware, computer networking, and other technology products and services. In line with what was just mentioned, one of the most astounding product lines of Cisco are its series of products and platforms embedded with security features that detect threats in plain hours instead of months. 

 

On top of all that, after selling their products and services to customers, Cisco goes above and beyond what is expected of them by helping their clients manage and support technology upgrades and modifications of the items they purchased. 

 

With more than 30 years of extensive experience, and an end-to-end portfolio, Cisco’s routing technology and solutions provides numerous networking services and infrastructure needs to many clients and business enterprises around the world. 

 

But they are not done yet! Armed with state-of-the-art technology and advanced expertise, Cisco continuously studies how networks are utilized and consumed, integrating those learnings to upgraded and newly-released networks. 

 

Taking into consideration all that the company has accomplished, it would be certainly safe to say Cisco has become the standard frontrunner when it comes to learning and developing in the world of computer networking.

Final Thoughts

With a brand that is synonymous with providing excellent and innovative networking solutions, there’s no doubt that Cisco integrated routers provide only the best intent-based and open networking platforms across the cloud, WAN, and other branching computer networks. The company provides end-to-end encryption, analytics, and automation with award-winning, and high-quality services and support.

 

On a final note, we happily conclude that Cisco 3825 Integrated Services Router is a worthy buy. It provides round-the-clock support to reliable and secure enterprise networks. With its impressive speed and system performance, robust security features, and wide, wide coverage, Cisco 3825 Integrated Services Router helps clients and business entities implement a future-ready and FIPS 140-2-based infrastructure and connection with continuous upgraded and real-time protection. 

 

Have you already used the Cisco 3825 router? Got anything to say about its maintenance and upgrade initiatives? Why don’t you share your thoughts with us through our Contact Us page. 

 

After checking out this review, if you are still on the lookout for another wireless router more suitable to you and your networking needs, we at firewallguide.com are more than willing to assist you in deciding which router works best for you. Feel free to browse our comprehensive reviews of other routers on our website.