Cisco 800 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR 800) vs. Cisco Small Business RV Series

Cisco [800 Series Integrated Service] Routers, [specifically] 819 routers, are well suited for small offices like remote teleworker sites, and a very perfect solution for operating automated teller machines (ATMs) at locations where the only source of network connectivity is via a mobile network operator where one has to use a SIM card. The fact that the router supports dual SIM makes it a great solution. However, I guess because one has to configure the embedded modem to function as desired, it takes some time to get used to [the] chat scripts and so on.

Incentivized

It's best suited for small offices 10-25 users. Any more and its best to move away to a more higher tier. It will be less appropriate for a mid level company with a large staff. It's best for a small business with a limited budget and less strenuous security functionality.

Incentivized

• [Cisco 800 Series Integrated] Routers can form tunnels over a cellular network via the SIM inserted into it.
• With an external antenna attached to it, their coverage is very good, making them suitable for remote sites where network coverage from ISPs is a concern.
• They function as a switch and router in one device.

Incentivized

• It has the typical firewall functions you'd expect in an all in one unit.
• GUI interface is easier to use by less technical users.
• The extra features such as VLANs are nice to have.

Incentivized

• Being one of the most versatile routing/switching platforms available, it fulfills most functions one would need in a compact appliance.
• I have not experienced lack of functionality in any areas we use the appliance for.
• One small feature I would like to have is 19" rack mount.

Incentivized

• More switchports would be welcome, although this would increase cost and size
• Faster wireless would improve performance
• An SPF port would allow uplinking to more business-class switches

Incentivized

Cisco has provided a real diverse router in a small package that meets the needs of our current environment. I highly recommend this product and should feel the to consider this type of solution, you would have made the right decision

This router is easy to use and manage. It provides the features, most important the security our organization requires to function properly. There is also cohesion between the HQ router we are currently using.

I think Cisco is a good product that offers a huge list of options where you can get support from. I find that forums, blogs and communities really assist wit resolving any issues that you might come across.

The features are good. The support is good. The resources to deploy, manage, and operate it are good. Customer's feedback and testimonials are good. The updates in terms of zero day vulnerabilities are good and timely. But, I still give an 8 out of 10 because I think the pricing, licensing, and GUI can be improved more.

Incentivized

Implementation of this router is relatively easy. What i can say is plan your implementation and consider the the environment you are going to use it for.

We looked into setting up Site to Site VPN with either Cisco ASAs or [Fortinet] FortiGate Firewalls. We were unable to find a product that didn't also require us to set up an LTE modem separately. It would have forced us to have a mess of cables and multiple devices. Our kit for the field with the Cisco 800 [Series Integrated Services Router] is simple: router, power cables, and wireless access point. Everything is labeled and attached plugs into one device. Any field user can follow the instructions [to] get up and running quickly.

Incentivized

Cisco's power really stems from its brand reputation and honestly not much else. No one ever got fired for deploying Cisco, and that's why it stands out. The Cisco Small Business RV Series is no exception there; the unit is built well and does the job. However, much more powerful alternatives for routers are out there—the biggest competitor being Ubiquiti. The UniFi routers are significantly more powerful in all regards, including routing speed, IPS/IDS speeds, and VPN functionality. Support for those is admittedly rather lackluster though, so if your network is critical, you are effectively self-insuring your equipment. For some that may be fine, but for others, that risk of extended downtime is just not worth it.

Incentivized

• The long-term stability is great, we have very few problems, resulting in low maintenance costs.
• Configuration for almost all routers in the basics is the same, so there's a very short learning curve per model.
• Running some models of Router for more than 10 years of stability, so the ROI with the devices is greater than expected on starting.

Incentivized

• Very good ROI
• Most products have a CLI that is easy to use and understand.
• Very large feature set. Cisco offers numerous open standard and proprietary protocols and options in their code that other vendors lack parity with.

Incentivized