Providing Integrated Solutions
The trend in networking is to provide network designers greater flexibility in solving multiple networking problems without creating multiple networks or writing off existing data-communication investments. Routers might be relied on to provide a reliable, secure network and act as a barrier against inadvertent broadcast storms in the local networks. Switches (which can be divided into two main categories: LAN switches and WAN switches) can be deployed at the workgroup, campus backbone, or WAN level. Remote sites might use low-end routers for connection to the WAN.
Underlying and integrating all Cisco products is the Cisco Internetworking Operating System (Cisco IOS) software. The Cisco IOS software enables disparate groups, diverse devices, and multiple protocols to all be integrated into a highly reliable and scalable network. Cisco IOS software also supports this network with advanced security, quality of service, and traffic services.