Cisco Unveils Comprehensive Strategy and Product Set for Managing Multi-Layer Switched Internetworks

Strategic Insights -

As the rapid adoption of switches continues to reshape the network landscape, Cisco Systems, Inc. has announced a comprehensive strategy and product set to address the growing need for extended network management beyond shared hubs. The new offerings include an integrated suite of switch management applications, embedded network agents, and topology management capabilities, aiming to provide a more detailed and accurate view of the network.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cisco's integrated suite of switch management applications, CiscoWorks for Switched Internetworks, addresses the need for a new generation of management applications, providing configuration, fault, and performance management services.
  • The suite includes embedded network agents, such as the Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP), which dynamically discovers adjacent devices and operates independently within the network.
  • Cisco's multi-layer topology management application enables network managers to fully understand the physical configuration of links between switches and quickly determine the type of link that connects a series of switches.
  • The application also includes virtual LAN communication agents, fully compliant SNMP MIB II agents, and other intelligent agents that substantially reduce the amount of traffic generated by management applications.
  • The CiscoWorks Switched Internetworks integrated application delivers essential applications for managing multi-layer switched internetworks, including graphical device management, virtual LAN management, traffic management, and ATM virtual circuit management tools.
  • The application includes CiscoView, VlanDirector, and TrafficDirector, as well as options for ATM and design management tools, which provide a complete view of the topology and enable network administrators to launch graphical views of switches and change configurations using intuitive field menus.
  • The real-time status of each device, including port, traffic, and chassis variables, can be easily measured and monitored using CiscoView.
  • VlanDirector dynamically assigns links between switches that reside within the same VLAN, substantially reducing the amount of administration required by the network manager.
  • VlanDirector and TrafficDirector leverage the graphical capabilities of CiscoView, reducing complexity and enabling network managers to quickly configure and monitor RMON agents and traffic management applications.
  • AtmDirector offers an intuitive interface for creating Permanent Virtual Connections (PVCs) and Permanent Virtual Paths (PVPs) across the ATM network.
  • The integrated management package, CiscoWorks for Switched Internetworks, will be available on CD-ROM with on-line documentation and help systems in the first quarter of 1996, with a U.S. list price of $7,995.

Statistics:

  • $7,995: U.S. list price for the integrated management package, CiscoWorks for Switched Internetworks
  • Q1 1996: Availability date for the integrated management package, CiscoWorks for Switched Internetworks
  • 1st quarter 1996: Availability date for TrafficDirector
  • 2nd quarter 1996: Availability date for AtmDirector
  • $: U.S. list price for individual applications such as CiscoView and VlanDirector (not specified)

Sources:

  • "Cisco is addressing the need for a new generation of management applications, brought on by the rapid adoption of switches at all levels within the organization," states John Morency, principal at the Registry.
  • ENTERPRISE-WIRE, [no date]
  • Jayshree Ullal, director of marketing for Cisco's Workgroup Business Unit, "While the switch market is growing at a rapid pace, so is the need for control over network resources, particularly as more customers adopt switches within the core of their wiring closets and backbones."