In brief Cisco is to upgrade its line of low-end routers with improved security and networking features. The new 1800 series, 2800 series and 3800 series of integrated service routers will make it easier for firms to roll IP Telephony functions across intranets. The products will supplant Cisco's existing 1700, 2600, and 3600 product lines.

The upgrade is designed to defend Cisco's market dominance against competitors in the small business networking segment including 3Com and Juniper Networks. Early reports suggest the routers add support line cards that run Linux alongside Cisco’s own Internetwork Operating System (IOS). More details are due to be announced later today. ®

Related stories

Cisco dominates declining router market
Secure router revenues are up - but for how long?
Cisco snaffles network monitoring firm
Juniper security push