The key issues are capacity and streamlining operations while reducing costs. Integration of your business applications across the network including transaction processing, telecommuting, VPN, voice, video and data integration.
HITS can create flexible solutions for your router requirements, supporting a full range of technologies and applications, while providing the right equipment at the right price.

What are Integrated Routing Solutions?

Just as switches no longer just 'switch' (see Intelligent Switching Solutions), routers no longer just 'route'. Historically routers have been used to connect multiple networks, for example networks with differing physical characteristics, or networks using differing protocols.
Today, the router has evolved from a simple connection-orientated device to a device that supports many other functions above and beyond just routing.
Multi-service routers are now deployed offering advanced services such as security, voice, wireless, WAN optimisation, and intrusion prevention (IPS). The ability to deploy multiple services within a single device can lead to reduced capital and operating expenses, especially for Small Medium Businesses (SMB) or Enterprises with, for example, many remote or branch offices.
Through deploying advanced network services on a router platform, instead of disparate and isolated devices as has traditionally been the approach, organisations can realise real benefits through the tight integration of application and network infrastructure. The application therefore becomes just another layer of network service with all the inherent benefits of security, scalability, adaptability, and enhanced management.

Why do I need an Integrated Routing Solution?

Due to evolving business demands, networks today need to support many more applications and network services.
The traditional model of deploying multiple devices to support these services can lead to business pains including...

• Network Complexity.
• More training required on multiple vendor platforms.
• High cost of multiple support and maintenance contracts.
• Complex troubleshooting.

Through deploying Integrated Routing solutions, organisations can mitigate against the above pains through consolidating multiple applications into a single collaborative and adaptable solution, thereby realising the following benefits:

• Standardisation – By standardising on a single platform, network complexity is reduced, service and skills gaps are eliminated, and the utilisation of devices is maximised.
• Integration – Applications work better together when there is a common underlying architecture. By making applications, e.g. IP Telephony, a part of the network infrastructure, security and quality of service become inherent to the application.
• No consistent approach making growth difficult.
• Lack of business agility.
• Utilisation – By deploying new services on existing devices the utilisation of those devices is maximised.
• Productivity – Through having a simpler architecture with fewer devices, service disruption is minimised, support staff can be better utilised and staff productivity increased.

How do I get an Integrated Routing Solution?

Branch / SOHO Routers
Integrated services routers for Small Medium Businesses or enterprise branch offices enable businesses to reduce costs by deploying a WAN access router that also enables multiple mission-critical applications including; data, wireless, voice, and security – all in a single device.
Enterprise WAN Routers
WAN aggregation routers are typically deployed at the network edge and support multiple media interfaces and protocols to provide maximum flexibility and scalability. WAN routers vary in port density and performance depending on the requirements of the organisation. WAN routers maintain the integrated services approach to router deployment by supporting comprehensive security features, IPS modules, and support for voice, video and data integration.
Service Provider Routers
Service Provider routers provide maximum performance and modular interface flexibility, coupled with the highest levels of hardware resilience and redundancy, to provide a multi-service platform designed specifically for Service Provider and Enterprise Data Centre environments