Hi guys,

For a new iDirect 5IF Hub Installation, which we are planning to have for our customer with more than 500 Remote Sites (initially 100 remotes), do we need a Cisco Router at the Hub Site, such as Cisco 3800 or Cisco 2800 etc.?
If yes, what actions will it perform, or why is it needed?

Doesn't the PP perform Routing?

Reg/Tek

If Im understanding your question correctly, the answer is Yes, that router is your path to a MPLS backbone as well as your linkage between the NMS and PP's.

Ok, but if we have a Managed L2 Switch such as Cisco 2960, which is drectly connected over Trunk port to PP, than why will we need Router?

Otherwise, what if we use a L3 Switch such as Cisco 3560, 3760 etc, then do we still need Separate Router?

Although I agree, that for further WAN/MPLS connectivity, we will need a Router.

A router provides an interface between two different networks, typically between a public internet IP address and your own invented private IP address range.

If you use a router, your VSAT network can then be made up entirely of private IP addresses. There is significant security advantage in that internet located hackers will have less easy access to your equipment and the equipment of your 500 customers.

Make sure you set a very secure password on the router before connecting to the internet. A firewall device to stop spam emails, virus etc., should be considered also.

In case I am wrong, please would anyone with an iDirect 5IF hub say how they have their routing configured and tell us their experience and recommendations.

Best regards, Eric.

To my understanding,

A router or Layer 3 switch links between the Upstream and Tunnel Switches.

Regards

I would say that the router is a must in this setup as it performs the following essential functions:

1.  Security - as mentioned by Eric, router is necessary (but in many cases not enough) to provide your network with  proper security.

2. QoS - Router shaping/qos may perform better than iDirect and in many cases you may want to shape traffic prior  it hits iDirect network.

3. Traffic monitoring - router may also be used for advanced reporting/monitoring, such as netflow, snmp (related to qos and traffic load), ipsla, may be something else.

4. Routing - in many cases you would want to have 2 WAN/MPLS connections for redundancy and it is easier to manage routing on the router than on the PPs or Switches.

Also, router cost is insignificant comparing to the linecard or chassis...