Cisco has redeveloped its carrier grade router technology
and operating system to power the next generation of IP virtual
private networks (IPVPNs).
To mark its 20th anniversary, Cisco launched the Carrier Routing
System, which it said will provide 200% more capacity and
scalability than today's high-end products. John Doyle, director of
product and technology marketing at Cisco, said the new product
"could replace 1,000 routers".
The Carrier Routing System, when fully configured, will support
1,152 40gbps slots, giving network throughput of 92tbps, Doyle
said. He added that the design should be able to support internet
and network traffic across telco networks for the next 10
years.
Cisco's strategy is to provide a modular architecture that can be
linked through a fabric network to increase bandwidth and simplify
manageability. Doyle said Cisco had rewritten its Internetwork
Operating System for the Carrier Routing System to make it more
resilient. It should never need to be powered down, making it more
like a telephone switch with 99.999% availability.
The technology also promises to improve IPVPNs for users who have
outsourced their networks, said Doyle. The Carrier Routing System
should prevent different businesses which are running on the same
IPVPN from affecting each other's service level.