The Cisco Data Compression Advanced Integration Module (AIM) for the Cisco 2600 and 2600XM series is a cost-effective option for reducing recurring WAN costs and maximizing the benefit of the advanced-bandwidth management features of Cisco IOS software. The Data Compression AIM takes advantage of the Cisco 2600's internal Advanced Integration Module slot ensuring that external slots remain available for components, such as integrated CSU/DSUs, analog modems, or voice and fax modules.Data compression technology maximizes bandwidth and increases WAN link throughput by reducing the frame size and thereby allowing more data to be transmitted over a congested WAN link. This capability enables network managers to increase application performance and service availability for end users without costly infrastructure upgrades. Data compression enables service providers to maximize available bandwidth and deliver more services to customers over their existing infrastructure, enhancing their return on investment.While software-based compression capabilities can support fractional T1/E1 rates, hardware-based compression off-loads the router's processor to deliver even higher levels of throughput. With a compression ratio of up to 4: 1, the Data Compression AIM supports 8 Mbps of compressed data throughput without imposing additional traffic latency - enough to keep two T1 or E1 circuits full of compressed data in both directions simultaneously. Because Data Compression AIM is fully integrated with the Cisco 2600, network managers are not forced to provision and manage a separate external device at the remote site. The Data Compression AIM supports industry standard LZS/STAC and Microsoft Point-to-Point Compression (MPCC) algorithms. By working with Cisco IOS software, Data Compression AIM is fully interoperable with all Cisco products supporting hardware or software-based compression.Multiple automatic and user-configurable compression modes are supported to ease configuration and optimize compression throughput for a specific application.