The Data Compression Advanced Integration Modules (AIMs) deliver cost-effective options for reducing recurring wide-area network (WAN) costs and maximizing the benefit of the advanced bandwidth management features of Cisco IOS Software. The Data Compression AIM takes advantage of the internal AIM slots of the Multi-service Access Routers and Integrated Services Routers, ensuring that external slots remain available for other interfaces.Data compression technology maximizes bandwidth and increases WAN link throughput by reducing frame size and thereby allowing more data to be transmitted over a link. This feature 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 platform's main processor to deliver even higher levels of throughput. With a compression ratio of up to 4:1, the Data Compression AIMs support 8 Mbps or 16 Mbps of compressed data throughput without imposing additional traffic latency-enough to keep two or four T1 or E1 circuits full of compressed data in both directions simultaneously. Because the Data Compression AIM is fully integrated with the router, network managers are not forced to provision and manage a separate external device at a remote site. The Data Compression AIM supports industry standard LZS and Microsoft Point-to-Point Compression (MPCC) algorithms and ensures compatibility with all Cisco products supporting hardware or software based compression