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 router's processor to deliver even higher levels of throughput. With a compression ratio of up to 4: 1, the Data Compression AIM supports 8Mbps 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. And because the 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 and Microsoft Point-to-Point Compression (MPCC) algorithms and ensures compatibility with all Cisco products supporting hardware or software based compression.