Cisco has fleshed out its next generation network strategy
with the introduction of an eight-slot version of its CRS-1
high-end router, designed to form the basis of a cost-effective
infrastructure for converged network services.
The CRS-1 8-Slot Single-Shelf System extends the Cisco CRS-1 family
launched earlier this year. The eight-slot product provides half
the capacity of the CRS-1 16-slot system, with 640gbps of total
switching capacity.
The release is part of Cisco's IP Next Generation Network (IP NGN)
which aims to power the convergence of networks, services and
applications for service providers.
The router is the first product to use Cisco Service Control, which
is based on technology from the acquisition of P-Cube earlier this
year. This is an addition to Cisco's Service Exchange Framework,
which is designed to help service providers offer more control and
add more intelligence to the network.
The Cisco IP NGN architecture aims to address network convergence,
service convergence and application convergence.
Network convergence concerns how disparate networks are being
converged over a more efficient and cost-effective common
infrastructure.
Service convergence is where increased application and
subscriber-level service control intelligence is needed to
facilitate delivery of voice, video and data services.
Application convergence targets emerging applications, such as
mobile access to enterprise data, that network operators may need
to support.
Cisco is also partnering with Fujitsu to develop IP networks. Under
the collaboration, Fujitsu and Cisco will work together on the
development of high-end routers, plan future co-operation in
routing and switching, and collaborate on quality improvement,
enhanced support and service.
Cisco and Fujitsu said they would collaborate on the development of
Cisco's IOS-XR operating system for multi-terabit routers. Fujitsu
said it would provide users with network infrastructure that
combines network- ing with servers and other computing equipment,
based on a roadmap of the companies' router and switch products.