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Folks! My network has a CISCO 2611 Router which is used to terminate a T1 connection. An ethernet cable then goes from the T1 to a SonicWall's WAN port. I would like to replace the CISCO 2611 Router with another router that is easier to configure and manage (preferably with a Web page or a GUI interface). Which router would you recommend? The T1's upstream and downstream sped is 1.536 Mbps and it is supporting a block of 16 IP addresses. Thanks, in advance, for your help. - Charles

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Is there anything actually wrong with the 2611 ? features you need that it can't support? It not being able to keep up with the data rate? Unstable? – Zypher♦ Jul 21 '11 at 20:23
The firewall has sent me these messages "WAN Availability - Probing failure on NAT Static IP" and "WAN Availability - WLB Resource failed". I have received these messages on three occasions in the last two days, where it couldn't find 4.2.2.2. I don't know if it's a problem with my router, T1 service or the destination. I'm just trying to be prepared in case we might have to change the router. Thanks! – Charles Jul 21 '11 at 21:02
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A google search for WAN Availability - Probing failure on NAT Static IP seems to imply that you are getting a message from a sonicwall appliance, not a Cisco router. Are you sure you are looking at the correct device? – Zoredache Jul 21 '11 at 21:13
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up vote 3 down vote accepted

I would recommend the Cisco 2611, or another device in the same general family. Cisco make s a fine router, the units are very common, and reasonably well-liked. Sticking with Cisco hardware (or if you're sure you want to change, another major vendor like Juniper) will make it easier to find qualified network admins if/when you need to grow your network in the future.

There are GUI tools available for most Cisco devices -- for example, the Cisco Configuration Assistant (CCA). Contact Cisco for information on tools available for your specific router.

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2611 is EOL now ... today i'd recommend the 800 series – Zypher♦ Jul 21 '11 at 21:10
@Zypher - really? Wow, it's been a very long time since I went near Cisco hardware. Something still supported then, by all means - but i'd stay with Cisco or Juniper if at all possible. – voretaq7♦ Jul 21 '11 at 21:25
Thanks for your advice and suggestions, @voretag7 and @Zypher! I greatly appreciate it. – Charles Jul 26 '11 at 17:03
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up vote 2 down vote

What exactly do you find hard to manage with Cisco router? Also do you use any dynamic routing protocols, etc. If not - then what exactly requires configuration? Typically you can just "set and forget"

I also find cisco configurations very easy and pragmatic. I have a similar routers and a Watchguard firewall which has a GUI configuration tool. I just can't stand it - the configuration tool runs only on Windows, it's confusing, it is has way less features than a similar cisco firewall. So I suggest you take some time to learn how to use IOS. It's quite easy for basic tasks.

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Thanks for the advice, Vitaliy! – Charles Jul 26 '11 at 17:03
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