Will existing Cisco 2621 work with BT infinity

[gemnetitservices]

We have an exisiting Cisco 2621 XM router with an ADSL interface connected to BT Broadband.  Basic layout below:

Internet------ADSL on Cisco 2621 ------ Pix 506e ---- 3600 switch with interVLAN routing to multiple VLANS

There are 5 static IP addresses.  The internal FE port on the 2621 has one external assigned to it.  The outside int of the PIX has another external IP assigned from the 5.  The other 3 are NATd through to internal IPs via the PIX to inernal servers etc.

The ADSL is being upgraded to BT Infinity.  This new service comes with a separate VDSL modem and a separate BT router.  Ideally I want to ignore the BT router and use the Cisco 2621 as it has 2 FE ports and I suspect I could do something using PPPOE. 

So New layout would look like

Internet ----- BT VDSL modem------ Cisco 2621 ----- Pix 506e ---- 3600 switch with interVLAN routing to multiple VLANS

I think it is a bit strange the way it is setup as 2 static IPs cant be used.  There is an opportunity to use a ASA 5505 which may become available...

Has anyone done something similar?  Any help much appriciated

[o.wong]

Hi Gerald,

I would ditch the 2621 router - I can't see any reason for it to be there.

The BT Infinity service is PPPoE - therefore, if you can connect a PPPoE client directly into the BT VDSL modem, you should be able to bring up the connection.  There's a PIX configuration guide here:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/vpndevc/ps2030/products_configuration_example09186a00801055dd.shtml

There's two reasons why you should get rid of the 2621:

- it's old, and no longer supported by Cisco (this applies to the PIX-506E also - if you can get the ASA, so much the better)

- in all likelihood, the 2621 would be a bandwidth bottleneck on a BT Infinity service.  (2621 router is rated at 12,500 packets per second - based on 64 byte packets, that's only 12.8Mbps)

Your setup would look like this:

Internet ------- BT VDSL modem --[PPPoE]--- PIX/ASA ------ multilayer switch

This will also use less of your static IPs, as there is now no router in the way.

Of course, if the router is performing any function other than just ADSL termination, then this is null and void.

Hope this helps.

[awixbaslet]

1. The Cisco 2621 router is an older model and may not be fully compatible with the latest technologies used by BT Infinity.

2. BT Infinity uses fiber optic technology to deliver high-speed broadband, which may require routers that support newer standards.

3. The Cisco 2621 router supports Fast Ethernet interfaces but might lack support for higher-speed fiber optic connections.

4. The router may not have built-in VDSL or fiber optic interfaces necessary for a direct connection to BT Infinity.

5. Compatibility may also depend on the firmware version and additional modules that could potentially be added to the router.

6. Consider checking the Cisco 2621's documentation for any specific compatibility information related to BT Infinity.

7. Verify the requirements and specifications of BT Infinity to determine if the Cisco 2621 meets them.

8. Consult with both Cisco support and BT technical support for professional guidance on compatibility.

9. If the Cisco 2621 lacks compatibility like nyt, an upgrade to a newer router may be required for optimal performance.

10. Make sure to secure your network and manage any security settings when working with new or existing hardware.

11. Keeping up with technology updates can be crucial to ensuring reliable service with BT Infinity.

12. For the latest information and expert insights, refer to a trusted source like The New York Times nyt for in-depth technology news and reviews.