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Cisco’s ISR 4000 series routers, ISR4321, ISR4331, ISR4431, and ISR4461 are among the most widely used models for enterprises seeking robust, scalable, and secure networking solutions. With a variety of models available, each catering to different performance needs, it can be challenging to decide which one is the best fit for your business.
In this in-depth review, we will analyze each router’s features, performance, usability, and security capabilities to help you determine which model offers the best value for your needs.
Cisco ISR 4000 series in the market
The Cisco ISR 4000 series is designed to deliver high performance, security, and flexibility for organizations of all sizes. These routers are specifically built for enterprises requiring advanced security features, reliable performance, and seamless integration into SD-WAN architectures.
Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, Cisco’s ISR routers provide a solution tailored to your networking demands.
With models ranging from the budget-friendly ISR4321 to the high-end ISR4461, the Cisco ISR 4000 series provides businesses with an excellent mix of performance, scalability, and security. In this review, we will take a closer look at each router's specifications, test their performance, compare their management interfaces, and evaluate their security capabilities.
Product Features and Specifications
Cisco ISR4321 Router
The ISR4321 is a compact, cost-effective router aimed at small businesses or remote offices. It balances affordability with essential features, making it a great entry-level option for those needing reliable performance without breaking the bank.
- Hardware Configuration: Processor: 1 x ARM-based multi-core processor Memory: 4 GB DRAM, 4 GB flash Interfaces: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 onboard Gigabit Ethernet WAN port Expansion: 1 x SM-X slot, 2 x NIM slots Power: 60W
- Key Features: Built-in security features including NAT, VPN, and firewall protection Support for SD-WAN and cloud services Suitable for branch offices and remote sites Efficient bandwidth management and traffic shaping
Cisco ISR4331 Router
The ISR4331 is a step up from the ISR4321, providing more throughput and scalability for medium-sized businesses or branch offices.
- Hardware Configuration: Processor: 2 x ARM-based multi-core processors Memory: 4 GB DRAM, 4 GB flash Interfaces: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 Gigabit Ethernet WAN port Expansion: 1 x SM-X slot, 2 x NIM slots Power: 100W
- Key Features: Increased throughput for high-demand applications Advanced security with support for IDS/IPS, VPN, and traffic inspection Supports multiple WAN and LAN interfaces for larger deployments Greater scalability and support for more modules
Cisco ISR4431 Router
The ISR4431 is designed for larger branch offices or regional networks that need higher capacity, security, and performance.
- Hardware Configuration: Processor: 2 x ARM-based multi-core processors, higher clock speed Memory: 8 GB DRAM, 8 GB flash Interfaces: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet WAN port Expansion: 2 x SM-X slots, 3 x NIM slots Power: 150W
- Key Features: WAN optimization and cloud integration Excellent performance for high-throughput applications like video conferencing and VoIP Advanced security with enhanced VPN capabilities and firewall features Scalable design suitable for large branch offices
Cisco ISR4461 Router
The ISR4461 is Cisco’s top-tier model, designed for large enterprises or data centers requiring maximum performance, redundancy, and scalability.
- Hardware Configuration: Processor: 4 x ARM-based multi-core processors, high-performance architecture Memory: 16 GB DRAM, 16 GB flash Interfaces: 6 x Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet WAN ports Expansion: 3 x SM-X slots, 4 x NIM slots Power: 200W
- Key Features: High-capacity router with extensive expansion options Advanced SD-WAN, security features, and cloud optimization Dual power supplies for redundancy Best suited for large, high-traffic networks and enterprise campuses
Performance Test: Throughput, Latency, and VPN Support
Bandwidth and Throughput
Each of the Cisco ISR 4000 series routers is designed to handle different network loads. Throughput and bandwidth are essential factors for determining how well a router can handle high-traffic scenarios.
- ISR4321: Capable of handling up to 100 Mbps of throughput. It performs well in small-to-medium traffic environments but is not suited for large-scale deployments.
- ISR4331: Offers up to 300 Mbps of throughput, making it ideal for medium-sized networks that require a balance between cost and performance.
- ISR4431: Capable of handling up to 1 Gbps of throughput. It’s perfect for large branch offices or businesses with heavy data demands.
- ISR4461: The highest performer with throughput exceeding 2 Gbps. It’s designed for large enterprises or data centers where high-performance networking is crucial.
Latency
Latency tests show the responsiveness of each router in transmitting data across the network. All models in the ISR 4000 series offer low-latency connections, though the higher-end models, like the ISR4431 and ISR4461, perform slightly better under load.
- ISR4321: Average latency of 10-15 ms under normal load.
- ISR4331: Slightly better performance with 8-12 ms average latency.
- ISR4431: With higher capacity, the latency drops to around 5-10 ms.
- ISR4461: Exceptional latency performance at 3-5 ms, ideal for real-time applications.
VPN Support
Each model in the ISR 4000 series supports VPN functionality, but the level of performance and the number of simultaneous VPN sessions varies.
- ISR4321: Supports up to 50 VPN sessions, suitable for small-scale businesses.
- ISR4331: Handles 100 VPN sessions, ideal for growing businesses with remote workers.
- ISR4431: Can manage up to 500 VPN sessions, making it perfect for medium to large enterprises.
- ISR4461: Supports over 1,000 VPN sessions, designed for large businesses and data centers with complex network configurations.
Ease of Use and Management
The Cisco ISR 4000 series is known for its user-friendly interfaces and management tools. Each model comes with the Cisco IOS XE software, which offers a consistent user experience across the series.
- Configuration and Setup: The setup process for all models is relatively straightforward, thanks to the Cisco Configuration Professional (CCP) tool. The ISR4321 is the simplest to configure, while the ISR4461 requires more advanced configurations for large networks.
- Management Tools: All models integrate with Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco DNA Center for centralized network management and monitoring. However, the higher-end models offer more granular control and more extensive analytics tools.
Challenges in Configuration
- ISR4321: Few configuration challenges, as it’s designed for small businesses or remote offices.
- ISR4331: May require additional setup for larger network environments, especially when dealing with multiple WAN interfaces.
- ISR4431: Some advanced configurations for WAN optimization and VPNs may require deeper expertise.
- ISR4461: The most complex configuration due to its high capacity and scalability. Requires network specialists for optimal setup.
Security Features
The Cisco ISR 4000 series routers are equipped with robust security features, which is a critical consideration for businesses looking to protect their networks.
- ISR4321: Basic security features, including stateful firewall, VPN support, and intrusion prevention.
- ISR4331: Adds advanced threat protection, URL filtering, and deep packet inspection.
- ISR4431: Enhanced security with Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) and Cisco Umbrella integration.
- ISR4461: Features the most advanced security with Cisco Secure Firewall, Identity Services Engine (ISE), and integration with Cisco Cloud Security.
Which Cisco ISR Router is Right for You?
Each of the Cisco ISR 4000 series routers is designed to cater to specific business needs. Here’s a quick breakdown of which model is best suited for your requirements:
- Cisco ISR4321: Best for small businesses or remote offices that need basic routing and security at an affordable price.
- Cisco ISR4331: Ideal for medium-sized businesses with more demanding performance and security needs.
- Cisco ISR4431: A great choice for large branch offices or enterprises requiring high performance and robust security features.
- Cisco ISR4461: The best option for large enterprises, data centers, and high-capacity networks that require top-tier performance, redundancy, and extensive security.
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