Cisco this week is expected to launch a new all-in-one LAN, WAN and VoIP box for small offices with fewer than 50 users.

Slideshow: Take a closer look at Cisco's new package

The line of gear is the Smart Business Communications System, and the bundle includes a box combining a Cisco router, LAN switch, WLAN access point and small-office CallManager IP PBX. The offering includes a desktop switch targeted at small users, small-office IP phones, and products for extending WLAN and teleworking capabilities to small shops.

Unveiled at Cisco’s Partner Summit going on this week in Las Vegas, the gear is aimed at boosting the vendor’s presence in very small offices. Cisco has struggled to gain customers in this market, unlike the large and midmarket enterprise segments which it dominates.

A key element of the bundle is the Unified Communications (UC) 500, which is a combination Cisco IOS router with a built-in version of Cisco's CallManager Express (a small-office IP PBX, which was available previously as a module for Integrated Service Routers). The device supports VoIP for either eight or 16 users and comes preconfigured with readymade dial plans and other templates for easy setup.

The UC500, with a built-in IOS router, firewall and VPN hosting image, is intended to plug into an Ethernet link for cable or DSL modem connectivity. Four LAN ports can connect end users to the system, or the system to a small-office LAN. The device also comes with built-in SIP trunking capabilities, which allow it to connect to an IP telephony service provider's SIP-based VoIP service. ISDN/PSTN ports on the box allow it to link to regular phone service.

Another new product is the CE500-8PC, an eight-port power-over-Ethernet switch for connecting IP phones and desktops to the UC500. A new Cisco 7931 IP phone, too, is being released with preconfigured software meant to emulate features found on key telephone systems traditionally used in small offices. (The ability to ring multiple lines at once, and intercom paging are among these features).

Cisco also is offering the Wireless Express Access Point, an 802.11b/g access point with preconfigured security and user access settings.

For the channel, the UC500 includes software called Smart Assist, which lets installers and network integrators -- the companies likely to sell and set up the systems for small offices -- configure and troubleshoot the device remotely. The Smart Assist package includes Configuration Assistant, which provides a single interface to configure and control all Smart Business Communications gear. The Monitor Manager & Director application is used by technology providers to monitor and produce reports on network performance and incidents.