Cisco bolsters SDN offering with roster of new products

Cisco has launched new products for its software defined networking (SDN) portfolio, including new capabilities for its Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) architecture and additions to its Nexus series data centre switches.

 

The US-based vendor revealed a “major” software update for its Cisco ACI SDN architecture, which brings stronger cloud management capabilities and better support for multi-site deployments.

New SDN capabilities for Cisco’s Nexus Switch portfolio include a higher level of programmability, standards-based automation and new SDKs for third party developers.

Cisco also unveiled a new Virtual Topology System (VTS), the vendor’s open-software management and provisioning overlay for data centres.

VTS now supports the entirety of the vendor’s Nexus Switch portfolio and brings added support for Ethernet virtual private network and Border Gateway Protocol. The latest version is capable of integrating with cloud management systems such as OpenStack, the vendor said.

A statement from the company read: “Cisco’s SDN strategy and solution portfolio enable customers to build flexible and agile networks that support their business needs, while maintaining investment protection and lowering the total cost of ownership with a broad choice of deployment options.”

The latest additions to Cisco’s SDN portfolio will be available in the second half of 2015.

Cisco is one of several vendors currently working with US operator Verizon to create new SDN architecture for the carrier.

In a separate announcement, the vendor revealed that its AnyRes 4K Encoder was used during the first-ever 4K broadcast this week, during which the UEFA Champions League final was broadcast in ultra-high definition via satellite and OTT platforms.