Blog: What is an Embedded Services Router?

Posted by Laura B
November 02, 2023

We support a lot of pretty cool technology here at Sarsen, and one of the most cutting edge products in our portfolio is a small but mighty embedded services router (ESR) from Extreme Engineering (X-ES).

An Embedded Services Router (ESR) is a specific type of network router designed for a wide range of applications, especially in enterprise and service provider environments. We've put together a quick overview of the technology - 5 key aspects of ESRs.

Integrated Services: ESRs combine routing, switching, security, and various networking services into a single, compact device. They often integrate features such as firewall, VPN (Virtual Private Network), Quality of Service (QoS), and application services directly into the router, offering a comprehensive solution in a single platform.

Scalability and Performance: These routers are built to handle a high volume of traffic and are designed to scale as network demands grow. They often have modular hardware that allows for upgrades to accommodate increased performance needs, making them suitable for various network sizes and bandwidth requirements.

Reliability and Redundancy: ESRs are designed for high availability and redundancy. They typically feature built-in redundancy mechanisms, such as redundant power supplies, hot-swappable components, and failover capabilities, ensuring minimal downtime in case of hardware failures.

Security Features: Security is a paramount concern in network infrastructure. Embedded Services Routers often come equipped with robust security features like intrusion prevention systems, encryption protocols, access control lists, and deep packet inspection, offering a layered defense against various threats.

Management and Control: These routers provide centralized management and control mechanisms. They offer user-friendly interfaces for configuration and monitoring, and they often support various management protocols that enable administrators to efficiently manage and troubleshoot the network.

Embedded Services Routers are powerful, all-in-one devices that offer a combination of routing, switching, and extensive services, providing a comprehensive solution for networking needs in various enterprise and service provider environments. If you think an ESR might be just what you’re looking for then take a look at the XChange6300 XMC/PMC-based Embedded Services Router (ESR) router from X-ES.

The XChange6300 runs Cisco IOS-XE® Software with Cisco Mobile Ready Net capabilities, providing highly secure data, voice, and video communications to stationary and mobile network nodes across wired and wireless links.

When combined with UHF, VHF, Wi-Fi, and other radio platforms, the combination can create mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), without requiring a connection to central infrastructure for military and emergency response. It extends the Cisco enterprise infrastructure beyond the reach of traditional fixed-network infrastructure for oil and gas, mining, smart grid, heavy construction, transportation, homeland security, and public safety applications.

For more information about the XChange6300 please get in touch via the website, by phone or drop us an email.