As an IT administrator, it’s important to understand the throughput capabilities of the Cisco ISR 4221 router. The router is a popular choice for small to medium businesses, but its throughput performance can be somewhat limited. This article will discuss why the router’s throughput is often slower than expected, and provide some guidance on how to improve its performance.
The Cisco ISR 4221 is a single rack unit router designed for small and medium businesses. It supports a variety of services, including IP routing, security, and voice. It has four Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB ports, and an optional cellular modem. It supports up to 800 Mbps of throughput, but this maximum rate is rarely achieved in real-world environments.
The primary reason for the ISR 4221’s limited throughput is its hardware design. It uses an Intel Atom processor, which is not designed for high-throughput applications. In addition, the router’s memory is limited to 4GB, which can be a bottleneck for certain applications. The ISR 4221 does not support the latest technologies such as 802.11ac Wi-Fi or 10G Ethernet, which may be required for certain applications.
The router’s performance can be improved through a few steps. First, make sure the router is running the latest firmware. This will ensure it is using the latest bug fixes and optimizations. Next, verify that the router is configured correctly. Make sure the correct ports are enabled and that they are configured for the correct speeds. Finally, consider adding more memory or an additional processor to improve its performance.
It’s important to realize that the Cisco ISR 4221 router is not designed for high-throughput applications. It is best suited for small to medium businesses that need basic routing, security, and voice services. If you need more throughput, consider upgrading to a higher-end router.
Overall, the Cisco ISR 4221 router is a reliable and cost-effective option for small to medium businesses. However, its limited throughput capabilities should be taken into consideration when selecting a router for your specific needs. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can improve its performance and ensure it meets the requirements of your network.
