PIX/ASA not a Router

[spottedowl]

Several people have told me that a Pix/ASA is "not a router".

What does this mean in practical terms? What features does a real router, such as a 2800 series, have that a Pix/ASA does not with respect to routing?

[ajagadee]

Jerry,

With respect to routing - Pix/ASA does not support EIGRP, BGP, MPLS, GRE, ISIS.

Also, Pix/ASA do not support Caching, WCCP, Server Load balancing, Netflow, Frame-Relay, ATM, etc.

Let me know if it helps.

Regards,

Arul

[spottedowl]

So in a branch office, a Pix/ASA will support the typical routing protocols needed in this environment (RIP, OSFP, static)?

[d.haeni]

Yes it does. See the data sheet:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/ps6120/products_data_sheet0900aecd802c1d00.html

Regards

/David

[dpopli]

PIX/ASA is not a router in the sense that if you have two network behind the firwall you need to use

route inside command to tell the PIX/ASA how the other network is reachable if PIX is not connected to the same network segment

Rate if it helps

[d.haeni]

Arul,

You're right with your comments. Just as a side note: WCCP is supported as of release 7.2

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/multisec/asa_sw/v_7_2/conf_gd/general/dhcp.htm#wp1094445

Regards

/David