Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000) vs. Cisco 900 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR)

The Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 2000) is well suited in an enclosed environment where there is no air con in place, and it may get quite hot. It provides copper and fiber connections to the next site so if you have a fiber in place, it suits as well. As it's not designed for speed, so if you are after high speed links, such as 10G and above, it is not the choice.

Incentivized

No problems with any of the Cisco 900 Series [Integrated Services Routers] (ISR) platform features within the enterprise environment. Because these devices are running a version of IOS-XE as opposed to traditional IOS, some of the more 'basic' configurations can become more complex. In the end, the 900 Series is still able to provide the required functionality, but there is a learning curve.

Incentivized

• Resistant to many elements that its exposed to
• Work well in higher temperatures
• Compact enough to be installed in an inground box

Incentivized

• [It] works great full-featured, but [I recommend a] small router for remote sites.
• [It] can handle more traffic than it even advertises!
• [It has a] well-priced option for smaller or less critical sites.

Incentivized

• Harder to find and acquire than other routers

Incentivized

• [It has a] pay as you grow model of licensing, but, [in my opinion, is] a pain to implement.
• [The] service impacting license application [could be improved].
• Configuration complexity [could be improved].

Incentivized

Have not had to use support yet but would follow our current Cisco process.

Incentivized

While the Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms provide better throughput and thin chassis (1 RU) compared to the Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers, the Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Routers survive in a hot, non-ventilated/aircon enclosed environment and, at the same time, provide connectivity from the sites back to the data center.

Incentivized

I have similar feelings about the NCS 5500 Series Router. IOS-XR is great, but the need to upgrade components to support newer features seems like a planning oversight. 400G Linecards are great and needed.... but they need all new power supplies? Really? Also, the ability to use lags across multiple linecards would be nice. I'm pretty sure that's not available, but that is more understandable.

Incentivized

• Saved money on replacing standard routers that die in those environments
• Saved time with the easy linking and connection options
• Given us peace of mind that the device will continue to run without intervention

Incentivized

• Lots of money saved in downgrading from less useful and older full-sized routers at small sites
• Time saved having to learn new commands (web GUI works great)
• Saves time training staff to manage them

Incentivized