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Before you purchase a router it is important to know what you need the router to do and where you need it placed in the network. For example if you need a router at a remote branch location with only 15 users you may decide to purchase a 2600. For a large core site you would probably decide to purchase a 7500 series router. If you need voice over ip communication at a remote site with a few users you may decide to purchase a 3600 series router.
It is important to write down what you need the router to do on your network before you purchase it. If you need a router to provide a DS-3 connection you would want to make sure that the router you purchase supports DS-3 interface cards.
Make sure that the router supports the IOS features that you need. You can all your research on Cisco.com. Also try to find out if there are any bugs or known problems related to the router. If there are quite a few the router could possibly discontinued in the near future.
It is important to pay attention to details about a router before you purchase it. Make sure it provides the necessary services that satisfy your users needs.
This was first published in November 2002