Cisco Unveils AI-Ready Routing System for Next-Gen Data Centers
Source: newsroom.cisco.com
The explosion of AI is pushing data centers to their limits, demanding more power and better security. Cisco's new 8223 router is designed to tackle these challenges head-on, offering a massive boost in bandwidth for AI workloads.
New Router for AI
Cisco has announced the 8223, a 51.2 terabits per second (Tbps) Ethernet router, built for data centers handling demanding AI traffic. It’s powered by the new Cisco Silicon One P200 chip.
This combination aims to remove bottlenecks and prepare infrastructure for the future of AI. Martin Lund, EVP at Cisco, emphasized the need for secure connections between geographically distant data centers.
Addressing Data Center Limitations
Many data centers are struggling with power and space constraints as AI workloads increase. Hyperscalers are finding it difficult to expand capacity within single systems or connect multiple systems in one location.
This situation is driving the need to distribute AI workloads across several data centers. Without efficient connections between these centers, organizations may face performance issues, capacity limits, and inefficient processing.
Scalable and Secure
The Cisco 8223 system provides the necessary flexibility and programmability for building these networks. Deep buffering ensures security and reliability across different sites, which is crucial for sensitive workloads.
Flexibility and Adaptability
AI networking needs are constantly evolving, requiring infrastructure that can adapt to changing business needs. The Cisco 8223 will initially support open-source SONiC deployments, with IOS XR support planned.
The P200 silicon will also be available in modular platforms. Cisco’s Nexus portfolio will soon support systems running NX-OS based on the P200, offering consistent architecture for networks of all sizes.
Industry Perspectives
Dave Maltz from Microsoft Azure Networking noted that the common ASIC architecture of Silicon One has simplified expansion across different environments. Dennis Cai from Alibaba Cloud highlighted the P200's high bandwidth and low power consumption.
Dave Ward from Lumen mentioned that Cisco's innovations align with their goals for scalable multi-cloud connectivity. Patrick Moorhead from Moor Insights & Strategy emphasized the importance of reliable interconnects for remote data centers.
Looking Ahead
Cisco is positioning itself as a key player in the AI era. The company aims to provide solutions that enable customers to innovate, enhance productivity, and strengthen digital resilience.