The Cisco 870 Series is ideal for small remote offices and teleworkers that need to be connected to larger enterprise networks. When extending corporate networks to numerous remote sites, network resources must remain secure while giving users access to the same applications found in a corporate office. This applies to both data and voice applications, where IP phones can be used to extend a corporate voice extension to the remote office. When users require WLAN access, visibility and control of network security is even more critical at the remote site. The Cisco 870 Series meets this need with a single device that combines integrated 802.11b/g capabilities with security features such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), including authentication with IEEE 802.1X with Cisco Extensible Authentication Protocol (LEAP) and Protected EAP (PEAP), and encryption with WPA Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). (See Wireless Solution overview and Security Data Sheet for more information).

Service providers and value-added resellers can take advantage of the Cisco 870 Series to provide a true business-class broadband service. Business customers are using broadband access to connect to the Internet or to connect offices together, and require a platform that incorporates security without sacrificing performance. Many of these customers are connecting computers in offices through WLANs; having a single device for both WAN and WLAN access provides a new option for managed services. These customers also require a higher level of support to keep their networks up and running. Services with these customers should be simple to set up, while allowing a level of remote management and troubleshooting to quickly address support inquiries. The Cisco 870 Series meets the requirements of small offices and managed services providers.