We are currently looking at 3 products
AS5210 - Cisco
MAX 4004 - Ascend
PM-IAS - Livingston
Each has some pros and cons. What we,
and probably any ISP is looking for is
quality and price vs. performance. When
it comes down to it you want those modems
to answer every time! Has anyone had
expereinces with the following boxes?
What are your thoughts?
Here are some pro's and con's for each
Cisco AS5200
PROS
1. Cisco should be around for a long time, and
they seem to want this market
2. Box is probably the most powerfull, because of
the extensive cisco IOS. (2511 is a feature rich box)
3. Cisco IOS is common across all cisco boxes
4. We use Cisco Routers.
CONS
1. IOS is large, and cisco-CD docs suck. Books are
better
2. Newest player in this market
3. We already use livingston for all terminal servers
4. Haven't heard much about this product
5. Only does 48 modems per box as opposed to ASCEND appx 96
6. Tech support?
7. Need external CSU/DUS
Ascend MAX4004
PROS
1. Seem to have a large share of the market, UUNET uses
many many Ascend boxes
2. Probably the technology that has been out the longest
3. 6 Months no payment for box, then installments
4. They will come in and help with the first configuration
5. High density per box.
6. Built in CSU/DSU
CONS
1. Read that the modem technology isn't the best. (True?)
2. No Ascend prducts now - make a much harder to manage shop.
3. Don't know Ascend's "IOS"
4. Tech support?
Livingston PM-IAS
PROS
1. Already are using Livingston products
2. ComOS is very easy to use and understand
3. Hearing many good things about the boxes
4. Good Price, if not the best.
5. Good Technical Support
6. Built in CSU/DSU
CONS
1. NOT SHIPPING YET!
2. Untested product
3. ComOs not as powerfull as IOS
Thank you for your comments.
Edward Longstrom
Network Operations Director
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