At-a-Glance
Cisco 5921 Embedded
Services Router (ESR)
Greater Flexibility to Meet Your Job-Specific Needs
Benefits
• Simplify integration into a
broad range of third-party
systems and devices in various
form factors that meet jobspecific requirements.
• Gain greater situational
awareness and improve
safety in dynamic or potentially
dangerous situations.
• Extend the reach of fixed
networks with immediate
connection capabilities.
• Ensure secure, mission-critical
communications over multiple
wireless networks.
• Enable remote voice
communications over
corporate networks with
integrated IP telephony.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is growing fast. And with it comes the
need for new technologies to make those device connections possible.
Today, your network might include small sensors or compact wearable
devices, or even ground and armored vehicles, planes, trains, ships,
oil rigs, substations, or mines. How do you network this expanded
universe of platforms, especially when operating in extremely harsh
conditions or remote locations? Or accommodate limitations in size,
weight, power, or mobility?
The Cisco® 5921 Embedded Services Router is a Cisco IOS® Software
router that allows systems integrators and product vendors to create
products with specialized requirements. Designed for systems based
on Intel x86 processors that are running Linux operating systems,
the 5921 provides reliable, secure network routing for a variety of
systems, whether large or small battery-powered devices. All in more
places, environments, and form factors than traditional routers. It is also
part of the Cisco IoT System, a comprehensive set of products and
technologies for creating IoT solutions from cloud to fog.
The 5921 not only helps you capture the efficiencies and opportunities
of the IoT, it also plays an important role in the Internet of Everything
(IoE) - the next generation of the Internet that connects people,
processes, data, and things.
Choose the Right Level of Routing Technology
The 5921 is available in basic and advanced versions, with support for
multiple throughput levels. This added flexibility enables integrators to
select the combination of features and performance that works best for
a given application.
The 5921 IP base version comes with a lower price point and is ideal
for those who want basic routing technology with greater design
flexibility. The 5921 Advanced Enterprise Services version offers more
sophisticated mobility, more comprehensive security, and infrastructureless networking. It also has other features often needed in the most
challenged environments including emergency situations.
© 2015 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
At-a-Glance
Next Steps
Features include:
To learn more about the Cisco
5921 ESR, visit www.cisco.com/go/
embedded.
• Software-only router that can be integrated with a wide range of
devices designed to address size, weight, and power restrictions*
• Cisco IOS routing software optimized for use in extreme
environments*
• IP multiplexing for simple configuration and to help you get the most
of available bandwidth
• WAN optimization to eliminate redundant traffic for improved
throughput and performance
• Radio-aware routing (RAR) to ensure that the most important
traffic gets through in critical situations, even when links degrade
or begin to fail
• Built-in capabilities, which include remote voice services, mobile
communications, and streaming multicast video
• Mobile unplanned networking that enables self-forming, self-healing
networks without manual intervention or the need for reach-back
connectivity to a centralized network
Built to Connect in Harsh Environments & Conditions
The Cisco 5921 Embedded Services Router can benefit your
organization in a wide variety of use cases:
Industry
Use case
Mass transit and rail,
shipping ports, roadways
• Provides high-speed wireless networks for onboard
passengers
• Connects handheld radios, scanners, and other devices
for onboard or trackside crew members
• Delivers reliable mobile communications in remote or
extreme temperatures, harsh weather, high humidity,
excessive dust, or severe vibration
Mining, oil and gas, and
manufacturing
• Delivers reliable mobile communications in extreme
temperatures, harsh weather, high humidity, excessive
dust, or severe vibration
Military and public safety
• Enables aircraft, ships, and other moving vehicles or
objects to communicate with each other with or without
a fixed or centralized network infrastructure
• Creates information hubs by connecting tactical radios,
satellites, or in-vehicle computers
• Enables discreet communication with small, connected
battery-powered devices that fit inside pockets
* Available with 5921 IP base software. All other features require 5921 Advanced Enterprise Services software.
© 2015 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. To view a list of Cisco trademarks, go to this URL: www.cisco.com/
go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner
does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. (1110R)
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