Cisco has introduced the 5940 Embedded Services Router (ESR), a high-performance, ruggedized router optimized for mobile and embedded networks requiring IP (Internet Protocol) routing and services, the company announced.

The Cisco 5940 ESR establishes a scalable mobile network in first-responder vehicles, armored vehicles, and passenger and freight rail trains. The network extends organizational resources with a high degree of security to employees in the field within the public safety, transportation, construction, mining and defense markets.

"Defense and first-responder users have been demanding enterprise capabilities in the field for many years," according to Greg Giaquinto, senior aerospace and defense analyst with Forecast International. "With the Cisco 5940 Embedded Services Router and Mobile Ready Net capabilities, these users now have access to functionality, security and flexibility, without centralized network infrastructure."

The 5940 ESR is designed for use in harsh environments ­ and, according to Cisco, offers reliable operation in extreme temperatures and under shock and vibration conditions typical for mobile applications in rugged terrain. The 5900 Series router product line includes Cisco IOS Software and Cisco Mobile Ready Net capabilities to provide highly secure data, voice and video communications to stationary and mobile network nodes across wired and wireless links.

The Cisco 5940 ESR's four Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and Cisco IOS Software feature set enable bandwidth-intensive applications in mobile or embedded networks.

The Cisco 5940 ESR is a 3U (100x160mm) CompactPCI router card that is available in both air- and conduction-cooled models.

Cisco has an ecosystem of partners and systems integrators that embed Cisco 5900 Series Router cards into industry-standard, commercially available enclosures and custom enclosures, tailored to the unique environments in which these routers are deployed.