Introduction

Although the AVVID solution is more than just hardware, this chapter outlines the routers, switches, trunks, gateways, and other hardware accessories that currently make up the AVVID product line . Cisco Systems, Inc. provides an innovative standardization of equipment, which can be assembled to interact with other vendors solutions. As components that make up the architecture, hardware will typically dictate the interaction and capabilities of the services that it supports.

Whether referring to the physical linking of technologies, the ability to support a directed flow of data, or the capacity to streamline the communications aspects of a business, standardization is too commonly overlooked and ignored. Unlike other vendors, which have entered proprietary solutions that addressed a single configuration or solution, Cisco offers an infrastructure by which all components specified by the AVVID design can interact. Traditionally, companies form partnerships in order to achieve this level of interaction; however in this case, Cisco has purchased or owns most proponents of its technology.

When choosing a hardware solution, your considerations should go beyond the simple contemplation of a few desirable features. Frequently the optimal approach is to go with the solution that offers the best long-term usage. Take, for example, the number of companies that built the core infrastructure based on 3Com technology. While an inexpensive and functional competitor to Cisco, 3Com simply did not have the capabilities to compete in the core infrastructure arena. Those with lagging technology now face having to migrate to a solution such as Cisco s. Looking...