Alternatives to Cisco Enterprise Network Functions

MidoNet is a robust network virtualization solution licensed under Apache that is designed specifically for Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) environments. By effectively separating the IaaS cloud from the underlying network hardware, MidoNet introduces an advanced software abstraction layer that connects end hosts to the physical network seamlessly. This innovative layer empowers cloud operators to transition traditional hardware-based network appliances into a flexible software-centric multi-tenant ecosystem. Additionally, MidoNet enhances OpenStack by providing production-grade distributed overlay networking capabilities. Key advantages include a simplified physical network structure, superior availability across any server and service at any time, hierarchical scalability, minimized protocol usage, optimized network traffic with low overhead, and significantly enhanced fault tolerance, which collectively contribute to more efficient cloud operations. Overall, MidoNet represents a significant advancement in the evolution of cloud networking solutions.

The Cisco Elastic Services Controller (ESC) functions as a Virtual Network Functions Manager (VNFM), managing the entire lifecycle of Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) from the initial onboarding and deployment phases to ongoing monitoring, scaling, healing, and eventual decommissioning. With its flexible and modular design, ESC accommodates both Cisco's VNFs and those from third-party providers, making it suitable for a variety of network settings. It integrates effortlessly into any ETSI-compliant Management and Orchestration (MANO) framework, ensuring that architectural integrity and compliance are upheld. The platform delivers in-depth visibility into service creation, allowing for effective management from the instantiation stage through critical maintenance activities like auto-scaling and healing, all the way to the final teardown of both simple and intricate multi-VNF services. By adeptly managing multi-VNF services, it offers essential tools for creating service definitions, enforcing policies, and controlling VNF placements, thus enhancing operational efficiency. Furthermore, ESC is equipped with advanced analytics capabilities and service health monitoring, which are supported by its integrated instrumentation, ensuring that network performance is continuously optimized. This comprehensive approach not only simplifies network management but also enhances the overall reliability of services deployed across diverse environments.

Cisco Prime Network serves as an economical solution for device operation, administration, and management of network faults. This all-in-one platform enables service providers to streamline management processes while delivering services on a carrier-class level. It accommodates not only physical network components but also the computational infrastructure and virtual elements present in data centers. By facilitating automated network discovery, configuration, and change management, it enhances operational efficiency significantly. Furthermore, it boosts customer satisfaction through proactive service assurance, utilizing post-event fault management and trend analysis. The integration costs are minimized due to its pre-integration with the Cisco Prime Carrier Management suite and compatibility with third-party applications through northbound interfaces. Users benefit from comprehensive end-to-end visibility of both physical and virtual network topologies, along with detailed inventory management. A graphical user interface allows for device configuration through prebuilt and downloadable scripts, providing an intuitive user experience. Additionally, the platform offers real-time updates on network events, states, and configuration modifications, ensuring that users remain informed of any changes within their networks.

Achieve flexible resource management through the implementation of automation guided by standardized policies for data center operations. By ensuring consistent policy administration across various on-premises and cloud environments, you can enhance security, governance, and compliance. This approach guarantees business continuity, effective disaster recovery, and secure networking under a zero-trust security framework. Moreover, it transforms Day 2 operations into a proactive model that automates troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and remediation tasks. This not only optimizes performance but also allows for single-click access to facilitate automation and centralized control. Extend your on-premises ACI networks seamlessly to remote sites, bare-metal clouds, and colocation facilities without the need for additional hardware. Cisco's Multi-Site Orchestrator plays a crucial role by offering provisioning, health monitoring, and management of Cisco ACI networking policies, among other functionalities. This comprehensive solution streamlines network connectivity, maintains uniform policy management, and simplifies operations across various multicloud settings, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and scalability for enterprises.

Experience comprehensive Full-Stack Network and Security Virtualization through VMware NSX, enabling your virtual cloud network to safeguard and connect applications across diverse environments such as data centers, multi-cloud setups, bare metal, and container infrastructures. VMware NSX Data Center presents a robust L2-L7 networking and security virtualization solution that allows for centralized management of the entire network from a unified interface. Streamline your networking and security services with one-click provisioning, which offers remarkable flexibility, agility, and scalability by executing a complete L2-L7 stack in software, independent of physical hardware constraints. Achieve consistent networking and security policies across both private and public clouds from a singular vantage point, irrespective of whether your applications are running on virtual machines, containers, or bare metal servers. Furthermore, enhance the security of your applications with granular micro-segmentation, providing tailored protection down to the individual workload level, ensuring optimal security across your infrastructure. This holistic approach not only simplifies management but also significantly improves operational efficiency.

DX Virtual Network Assurance enhances the visibility and dependability of SDN/NFV networks through network monitoring solutions provided by CA Technologies, a subsidiary of Broadcom. To effectively implement modern network architectures, a unified NetOps portal is essential. These monitoring tools facilitate the smooth management of both conventional and advanced technologies, including SDN, NFV, SDDC, SD-WAN, and cloud services, all within a single dashboard interface. They offer sophisticated visual representations of intricate Cisco ACI environments, ensuring deployment reliability and continuous health monitoring. Our network monitoring solutions allow you to map and discover your Cisco ACI setups alongside traditional infrastructure, thereby visualizing the new network abstraction. This integration simplifies the relationship between conventional physical networks and emerging virtualized technologies, ultimately streamlining network visibility and strategic planning, while also enabling proactive management of potential issues.

Achieve secure and adaptable SD-Branch virtualization using Cisco's hypervisor network function virtualization (NFVIS) alongside routing virtual network functions (VNFs). Effectively oversee your infrastructure through Cisco vManage, which provides streamlined management capabilities. Gain actionable insights across various domains such as the internet, cloud, and applications through integrated solutions like Cisco vAnalytics and Cisco ThousandEyes. Experience enhanced automation and transformation, enabling the integration of cutting-edge digital services and chaining techniques. Construct a quicker, more dependable network fabric that accommodates the newest link types. The Cisco SD-WAN modular router is designed specifically for small and efficient virtualized branches, ensuring optimal performance and flexibility. This approach allows organizations to navigate the complexities of modern networking with greater ease and efficiency.

Check Point Virtual Systems utilize virtualization technology to streamline and enhance security in private cloud environments, ultimately resulting in a reduced overall cost of ownership. By enabling the deployment of multiple virtualized security gateways on a single hardware unit, organizations can customize security measures for each virtual system. This level of customization aids in transforming extensive and intricate network security policies into more digestible components, thereby improving security protocols to align with stringent business requirements. Virtual Systems prove particularly beneficial in expansive settings such as large enterprises, data centers, and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Within MSP frameworks, they consolidate hardware resources and maintain user privacy by isolating applications and services into distinct virtual environments. Additionally, this system supports both layer-2 bridge mode and layer-3 Virtual Systems operating on the same gateway, which allows for seamless integration into pre-existing network structures without necessitating a complete overhaul of IP routing configurations. Consequently, organizations can operate more efficiently while maintaining robust security measures tailored to their specific needs.

Azure Route Server facilitates the dynamic exchange of routing information between network appliances and Azure virtual networks. By setting up your network appliances along with Azure ExpressRoute and VPN gateways, you can automatically receive the most current route information from Azure Route Server, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each connection. This tool allows for dynamic routing between your network appliances and Azure gateways, replacing the traditional static routing method. Azure Route Server operates using Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) endpoints, which utilize standard routing protocols for effective route exchanges. Furthermore, it seamlessly integrates with both existing and new deployments, accommodating various network architectures like hub and spoke, full mesh, or flat virtual networks, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in network management. This capability enhances the overall performance and reliability of your network infrastructure.

Contrail Networking delivers a flexible and comprehensive approach to networking policy and control, applicable across various clouds, workloads, and deployment scenarios, all managed from a singular user interface. It converts high-level workflows into detailed policies, making it easier to orchestrate virtual overlay connectivity in diverse environments. Users can implement and manage end-to-end policies effectively across both physical and virtual settings. Built on the open-source network virtualization initiative Tungsten Fabric, Contrail Networking's software-defined networking (SDN) functionality allows for secure workload deployment in any given environment. It ensures seamless overlay connectivity for any workload, regardless of the underlying compute technology, whether it be traditional bare-metal servers, virtual machines, or containers. Additionally, Contrail Command serves as an intuitive operational and management tool, streamlining user interactions and enhancing overall efficiency. This combination of features empowers organizations to maintain robust network performance while adapting to evolving demands.

The Cisco ENCS serves as a hybrid solution that integrates the capabilities of both a conventional router and a server while maintaining a compact infrastructure footprint. You can launch network services in just a matter of minutes. With the Cisco Enterprise Network Compute System, it is possible to virtualize all branch services, including routers. The ENCS 5000 offers the necessary agility and service density required for branches with limited IT resources. Designed specifically for this purpose, the 5000 Series is an optimized compute platform for running Virtual Network Functions (VNFs). Implementing VNFs streamlines operations and saves valuable time. Additionally, zero-touch automation facilitates swift and error-free deployments and management at branch locations. Cisco's commitment to an open-ecosystem strategy for Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) in the 5000 Series allows for certification of VNFs from other vendors, thus ensuring both compatibility and interoperability across the network. This flexibility enhances the overall efficiency and performance of network services in diverse environments.

Revolutionize your network and extend beyond traditional physical limits by implementing the Cisco Cloud Native Broadband Router, which virtualizes your CCAP. This innovative solution is crafted as a cloud-native application featuring containerized microservices built with open-source technologies, providing unmatched scalability, flexibility, and durability. It is meticulously designed from the ground up, integrating various services to enhance elasticity, resilience, and composability. Leveraging open, modular, and standards-compliant software such as Kubernetes and Docker, it facilitates rapid and agile development and deployment processes. Transform your network operations through real-time monitoring, analysis, and proactive remediation strategies. Benefit from web-scale functionality that includes auto-provisioning, auto-scaling, and auto-redundancy capabilities. Developed as cloud software that is hardware-independent, it ensures compatibility with bare metal setups and is engineered for seamless portability across diverse multi-cloud environments. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also positions your network for future growth and innovation.

Cisco NX-OS is a powerful operating system designed for data centers, focusing on improving network agility, scalability, and security. Its adaptable architecture accommodates advanced technologies like Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) paired with Ethernet VPN (EVPN), which facilitates effortless scalability and effective traffic handling. The platform streamlines network management and operations through rapid provisioning and comprehensive oversight, supported by the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) and open APIs that promote automation. Enhanced security measures include end-to-end network segmentation and robust encryption protocols such as MACsec and RADsec, which safeguard data integrity and privacy. Furthermore, Cisco NX-OS is fine-tuned for high-performance applications, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, boasting non-blocking networks and ultra-low latency switches designed to manage intensive workloads efficiently. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to optimize their data center operations while maintaining top-tier security and performance.

NEC's ProgrammableFlow® networking suite enhances agility within contemporary IT environments. As the originator of the first commercially available Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solution utilizing the OpenFlow protocol, our technology facilitates complete network virtualization, empowering enterprises, data centers, and service providers to effortlessly deploy, control, monitor, and manage secure multi-tenant network infrastructures. Network professionals today face numerous challenges, often dealing with routine and error-prone tasks that consume valuable time and detract from more critical activities. The manual nature of these tasks can hinder productivity, making automation essential. NEC’s SDN solution, the ProgrammableFlow Networking Suite, not only streamlines security but also lowers operational expenses and enhances network management capabilities. It enables the rapid and straightforward deployment and management of Unified Communications (UC) networks, while also offering simplified provisioning and the dynamic, on-demand allocation of essential network resources. This innovative approach ensures that organizations can adapt more swiftly to evolving demands and maximize their operational efficiency.

The AWS Nitro System serves as the backbone for the newest generation of Amazon EC2 instances, enabling quicker innovation, cost reductions for users, and improved security along with the introduction of new instance types. By rethinking virtualization infrastructure, AWS has transferred essential functions like CPU, storage, and networking virtualization to specialized hardware and software, thus freeing up nearly all server resources for use by instances. This innovative architecture includes several essential components: Nitro Cards, which accelerate and offload I/O tasks for services such as VPC, EBS, and instance storage; the Nitro Security Chip, which minimizes the attack surface and restricts administrative access to prevent human error and tampering; and the Nitro Hypervisor, a streamlined hypervisor that efficiently manages memory and CPU allocation, providing performance that closely resembles that of bare metal systems. Furthermore, the modular nature of the Nitro System facilitates the swift introduction of new EC2 instance types, enhancing the overall agility of AWS services. Overall, this comprehensive approach positions AWS to continue leading in cloud innovation and resource optimization.

Cisco Network Assistant offers a user-friendly interface and task-oriented menu that streamlines the management of both wired and wireless networks for up to 80 devices. This complimentary tool is designed to facilitate the implementation of standard services across various Cisco devices, including switches, routers, wireless controllers, and access points. Users can access vital product information, such as warranty details, contract statuses, advisories, and end-of-life notifications, through a direct integration with Cisco Active Advisor, which automatically collects data from devices managed by the Network Assistant. The software provides network administrators with a comprehensive overview of their network, allowing them to effectively utilize its functionalities for small to midsize businesses or branch locations. Additionally, it supports network discovery and visually represents the topology, while also enabling configuration management of Cisco products tailored for small and medium enterprises. This ensures that administrators can easily monitor and maintain their network infrastructures with greater efficiency and control.

Cisco's Evolved Programmable Network Manager (EPNM) offers a streamlined approach to multilayer management and combines various functions into one cohesive system. This innovative manager is specifically crafted for both element and network management solutions, enabling comprehensive lifecycle management that caters to carrier-grade networks, regardless of their size. Organizations can enhance their operational agility and efficiency through features like automated device handling, rapid service provisioning, and proactive network assurance. By shortening the time required to launch network services, as well as accelerating the deployment of new devices or feature updates, businesses can stay ahead of the competition. The platform also facilitates the delivery of timely, domain-specific information independently from the management system. Furthermore, it allows for quicker resolution of network problems and rapid identification of impacted circuits and virtual connections through the automation of service provisioning. Users gain the advantage of a unified information model, consistent workflows, a user-friendly interface, and simplified deployment processes. With integrated management capabilities that cover the entire carrier network and support various domains, the solution is ready for immediate implementation, setting the stage for enhanced productivity and operational success. Additionally, the focus on seamless integration ensures that businesses can adapt swiftly to evolving network demands.

Designed for vertical integration and ready to scale, this solution introduces hyper-scaler agility to mainstream enterprises. It provides software that benefits both developers and operators equally, enabling project launches within minutes of system activation. With per-tenant isolation, you maintain complete control over networking, routing, and firewalls via VPC and advanced network virtualization features. As your deployment grows, network services seamlessly scale, removing the usual bottlenecks that hinder performance. Elastic compute resources can be allocated from a unified infrastructure pool, ensuring compatibility with the development tools you are already familiar with. Moreover, it offers a high-performance, persistent block storage service that allows for adjustable capacity and IOPS for each volume. Transitioning from rack installation to developer readiness can be achieved in just hours, a significant reduction compared to the weeks or months typically required. This solution occupies only two-thirds of the space needed for conventional on-premises infrastructure, making it an efficient choice. Additionally, you can utilize familiar management tools through our integrations with Kubernetes and Terraform, streamlining operations and enhancing productivity even further.

The Cisco® Cloud Services Router 1000v (CSR 1000v) is a virtual router that integrates extensive WAN gateway and network services capabilities into both virtual and cloud-based environments. Leveraging the well-known Cisco IOS® XE Software, the CSR 1000v allows businesses to seamlessly extend their wide area networks into external cloud infrastructures. Cloud service providers can also utilize this technology to deliver high-quality networking services to their clients. As organizations of all sizes strive for cost efficiency and increased agility, there is a growing trend to virtualize data center operations and applications. Numerous companies are turning to third-party service providers for managing their virtualized data centers, which are referred to as provider-hosted clouds. These external solutions empower enterprises to access infrastructure and resources as needed, significantly enhancing their operational efficiency. This evolution in data center management represents a crucial shift toward more scalable and flexible business operations.

Enhance your automation efforts with Anuta ATOM, which provides monitoring and closed-loop automation tailored for multi-vendor networks. This integrated solution allows you to automate and monitor your diverse network infrastructure seamlessly. Anuta ATOM is compatible with all leading vendors, such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and F5, among others. If you don’t see the specific network vendor you need, Anuta ATOM features a highly extensible framework that can incorporate new vendors in just 2-6 weeks. It accommodates various tools, including IPAM, ITSM systems, and public cloud integrations, ensuring comprehensive support. ATOM’s strong integration with ecosystem vendors further streamlines your network automation processes. With its remediation capabilities, ATOM helps maintain network compliance by providing precise configurations for any non-compliant policies, which can be deployed either on-demand or on a set schedule to guarantee your network remains fully compliant. You can conduct both on-demand and scheduled compliance checks across multiple vendors to assess your configuration consistency. Additionally, ATOM allows you to perform compliance evaluations on specific groups of devices or entire regions, making it easier to manage your network effectively.

Enterprise campus networks, remote sites, and data center infrastructures are transitioning from numerous Cisco Catalyst switches to PicOS Software Switches, utilizing hardware from Dell and Edgecore. Pica8’s AmpCon™ Network Controller streamlines and automates switch deployments via a unified graphical user interface, serving as an alternative to Cisco DNA Center. This transition not only enhances operational freedom but also reduces costs, a benefit that resonates with every executive at the C-level. As a sophisticated network controller, AmpCon oversees the lifecycle of countless open network switches within enterprise campuses and branch or retail office access networks. The platform consists of a suite of server-based tools that empower organizations to remotely install, configure, and provision hundreds or even thousands of PicOS Software Switches on white box hardware. Furthermore, AmpCon stands out as the first solution to integrate both advanced proprietary and open technologies, granting network operators unprecedented visibility and control over their networking software. This innovative approach ensures enterprises can adapt to changing technological needs more efficiently than ever before.

Azure Network Function Manager delivers a standardized management interface for pre-validated mobile network functions, facilitating the implementation of private LTE and 5G solutions. This service also supports a smooth cloud-to-edge integration for Azure Marketplace network functions, including SD-WAN. You can deploy secure private 5G and LTE mobile networks on-site, with the ability to quickly set them up from various mobile packet core network function partners directly through the Azure portal. These networks are designed to provide extremely low latency, making them ideal for real-time edge applications, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and industrial robotics. Managing and deploying SD-WAN and VPN solutions at the edge is made simple, thanks to a diverse ecosystem of partners. Additionally, for a comprehensive hybrid experience, Azure Marketplace allows you to select from a list of pre-validated network functions, ensuring compatibility with the network functions utilized in Azure and Azure Virtual WAN, which further enhances the operational reliability with Azure Stack Edge. This integration not only streamlines deployment but also enhances the performance of critical applications in various industries.

Hyper-V is a virtualization solution from Microsoft that allows users to create and operate virtual machines, which are essentially software representations of physical computers. Each virtual machine functions independently, complete with its own operating system and applications. This technology provides enhanced flexibility in resource allocation, making it a cost-effective and efficient alternative to running a single operating system directly on physical hardware. Furthermore, virtual machines can be tailored with integration services that provide essential drivers and tools for optimized performance of various guest operating systems within the Hyper-V environment. Notably, Hyper-V also features Virtual Machine Connection, a remote access tool compatible with both Windows and Linux, allowing users to access the console of a virtual machine. This capability is particularly beneficial as it enables users to monitor the virtual machine's status, including before the guest operating system has fully loaded. Overall, Hyper-V enhances computing efficiency and versatility for diverse workloads.

The Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software serves as the primary operating system for the Cisco ASA Family, providing robust enterprise-level firewall functionalities across various formats, including standalone units, blades, and virtual appliances, suitable for diverse network ecosystems. Additionally, ASA Software works in conjunction with other essential security technologies, ensuring it offers extensive solutions that can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of security requirements. This integration allows organizations to maintain a high level of protection against emerging threats while optimizing their network performance.

Enhance the management of your data center through our user-friendly interface designed for both operators and administrators, requiring just a single screen for comprehensive oversight. The Cisco Nexus Dashboard offers extensive observability across a global network of fabrics by seamlessly integrating essential data center networking services. Identify problems and gather network insights with a self-sustaining system that simplifies operations. Extend connectivity and enforce policies throughout end-to-end fabrics while continuously monitoring their health. Obtain clarity on high-volume and mission-critical traffic with ease. The Cisco Nexus Dashboard serves as a unified console that simplifies the operations and management of data center networks. Additionally, the Cisco Application Service Engine (SE) is now part of the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Platform, ensuring our SE customers experience continuity and protection for their investments while transitioning to a modern automation framework. This integration further enhances operational efficiency and fosters a more powerful management environment for users.

Enhance your network visibility to swiftly identify problems, achieve quicker resolutions, and proactively oversee the performance of critical components. Broaden your visibility throughout the internet, cloud, and Software as a Service (SaaS) environments. With the integration of Cisco ThousandEyes on specific ISR 4000 Series models, you can detect application-related issues and access valuable insights. Utilize Cisco DNA Center and Cisco SD-WAN to configure, monitor your network, and implement business policies effectively. Streamline network automation to reduce hours of work to mere minutes. Safeguard your branch site over LAN, WAN, and cloud networks with embedded security measures within the router, eliminating the necessity for a separate security appliance. Additionally, deploy essential integrated network services for your branch quickly, whether virtually or on-premises, ensuring that performance remains uncompromised. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also fortifies your network's resilience against potential threats.

Address the complexities of overseeing IoT field area networks that encompass thousands or even millions of interconnected devices. The Cisco IoT Field Network Director (FND) serves as the comprehensive network management platform tailored for extensive FAN deployments. Factors such as environmental fluctuations and variations in cellular network coverage can significantly impact the connectivity and bandwidth of IoT gateways and devices. Cisco FND is specifically built to assist operations teams in navigating the lifecycle management of large-scale FANs, adapting to dynamic conditions and network limitations to maintain continuous functionality. It offers zero-touch deployment alongside secure enrollment for vast numbers of IoT gateways and endpoints. Additionally, it features role-based access controls, user audit trails, and secure communication methods for transporting IoT data via networks and VPN tunnels. Furthermore, it ensures dependable communication over both cellular and low-power networks for effective lifecycle management, alongside 24/7 real-time monitoring and alert systems. With automated enrollment and provisioning processes for gateways and endpoints, operational efficiency is greatly enhanced. This comprehensive suite of features positions Cisco FND as a vital tool in managing the evolving landscape of IoT networks.

Revolutionize your networking capabilities and get ready for a new age of comprehensive network automation with the Nuage Networks Virtualized Services Platform (VSP). This innovative platform allows you to implement SDN and SD-WAN automation seamlessly across diverse networks and clouds, accommodating everything from private data center clouds to expansive enterprise WANs and even the largest public cloud infrastructures. Available through an extensive network of over 70 Managed Service Provider Partners globally, our open, secure, and multi-cloud-compatible wide area networking solution empowers your business with the advantages of SD-WAN while also offering the adaptability to select the strategy that aligns best with your digital transformation objectives. The Nuage Networks Virtualized Services Platform stands as the foremost network automation solution in the industry, supporting a comprehensive suite of SDN, SD-WAN, and cloud functionalities. VSP not only enhances network automation but also caters to a wide range of architectures and sizes, ensuring that organizations can thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Cisco IOS XE stands as a flexible, contemporary, and modular operating system that powers a variety of Cisco's enterprise networking equipment, such as routers, switches, and wireless controllers. With a foundation rooted in Linux architecture, IOS XE is equipped with advanced capabilities in programmability, scalability, and security to cater to the needs of dynamic network settings. It boasts an array of features that include automation via APIs, the ability to host applications, and compatibility with software-defined networking (SDN), allowing businesses to swiftly adjust to changing technological landscapes. Additionally, IOS XE supports virtualization and multi-core processing, which guarantees high performance and reliability while also streamlining management through user-friendly tools and centralized oversight. This combination of features not only enhances operational efficiency but also positions it as an optimal solution for enterprises that aim for strong, future-proof networking infrastructures. Ultimately, organizations can leverage IOS XE to stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Streamline the deployment of your SD-WAN and accelerate the integration of new SaaS, IaaS, and security solutions using a unified management dashboard. Experience comprehensive visibility throughout your network with the help of integrated Cisco ThousandEyes technology. This enables you to obtain more profound insights, address problems swiftly, and enhance application performance. Optimize the functionality of your applications, safeguard your data and organization, and seamlessly connect to the cloud through Cisco SD-WAN Cloud OnRamp. Transition your operations from a reactive stance to a proactive approach, allowing for improved visibility across both your network and the cloud. Accelerate your journey towards a SASE architecture by utilizing Cisco vManage for centralized security and network policies. Moreover, enhance your capabilities with an upgrade to Cisco IOS XE for superior SD-WAN functions, and take advantage of discounts of up to 30% on software subscriptions and select routers. This comprehensive approach not only boosts performance but also supports the long-term growth of your enterprise.

Donglify addresses the challenge of dongle sharing effectively. With this application, users can access their USB dongles remotely, even when they are not physically available. It enables the redirection of licensed USB dongles across the network to any chosen location. Often, users find themselves needing to utilize their licensed USB keys when a direct physical connection is impractical. Donglify provides a comprehensive solution to this issue. Leveraging sophisticated port redirection technology, it allows the transmission of USB security dongles across vast distances and into various environments. In cases where a USB dongle connected to your computer is not detected by the virtual machine in use, there's no need to fret. Simply install Donglify on both the host and the virtual guest systems to redirect your device seamlessly into a virtual setup. Additionally, you can generate login tokens to share with other Donglify users, enhancing collaboration and accessibility further. This innovative approach streamlines the process of utilizing USB devices in diverse computing scenarios.

The Cisco Unified Border Element (CUBE) serves as a robust Session Border Controller (SBC) designed for enterprises, enabling secure, scalable, and adaptable voice and video communications between corporate networks and provider SIP trunks. It encapsulates four essential roles: session management, security enforcement, protocol interworking, and boundary definition. CUBE effectively facilitates signaling compatibility between SIP and H.323 protocols and manages media interworking, which includes DTMF, fax, modem support, and codec transcoding, while also executing address and port translations to ensure privacy and conceal network topology. Additionally, it offers features such as billing and call detail record (CDR) normalization, quality-of-service (QoS) optimization, bandwidth management, as well as media services that include forking and proxying capabilities. Moreover, CUBE can be implemented either on Cisco routers or as a virtual solution on Cisco UCS servers, accommodating centralized, distributed, or hybrid deployment strategies, which makes it versatile for various organizational needs. This adaptability allows businesses to tailor their communication infrastructure to meet evolving demands effectively.

Effortlessly integrate your cloud infrastructures. Transition to cloud solutions with Lumen Cloud Connect, which offers secure and high-performance virtualized networking for major public and private clouds. With dynamic software-defined networking (SDN) controls, you can achieve a network experience that aligns perfectly with your cloud services. Establish a connection between your network and the cloud, ensuring high-performance, secure, and adaptable capacity and connectivity. Gain enhanced visibility and manage the traffic flowing through your Ethernet virtual circuit effectively, enabling you to deliver mission-critical applications from the cloud with outstanding reliability and speed. Enjoy the advantages of cloud services while benefiting from the robust security of a private network when connecting to platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, and Oracle, among others. Additionally, access self-service capabilities that allow for the immediate addition or removal of Ethernet services to cloud and data center environments through a user-friendly portal or API integration, streamlining your operations further. This comprehensive solution not only enhances flexibility but also optimizes performance across your cloud engagements.

ZeroTier transforms networking by creating a secure overlay that treats all your devices as though they’re on the same local network. With a setup that takes just minutes, our software-defined solution makes managing even the most complex networks effortless, no matter where your devices are located. Key benefits of ZeroTier include: Enabling private global networks tailored for IoT applications. Streamlining connections across multiple sites using software-defined networking. Replacing traditional VPNs to securely connect employees to essential systems. Choose ZeroTier for fast, flexible, and secure networking that meets the demands of today’s global businesses.

The Leanides lab station was originally designed to allow you to transfer virtual GNS3 lab configurations to real Cisco devices. It has evolved to a complete Lab system that can store all your Cisco lab configurations for easy retrieval, deployment, and storage. It can be used to quickly and easily transfer a text file configuration to a Cisco device. This can make it possible to change the way people prepare Cisco devices for use in a lab environment. After conducting many Cisco Labs and setting up numerous Cisco devices in the workplace, I realized the need for a tool to quickly deploy network configurations to Cisco devices. With time, the idea of a multi-purpose tool that could serve all levels of Cisco study evolved. The goal was to create something that was both useful and simple to use.

Cisco Unity Connection serves as a comprehensive solution for unified messaging and voicemail, offering users a range of flexible options for accessing their messages while simplifying management for IT departments. Users can retrieve and control their messages through various platforms such as their email inbox, web browsers, Cisco Jabber, Cisco Unified IP Phones, smartphones, or tablets. Additionally, Unity Connection enhances user experience with diverse message access and delivery formats, incorporating features like voice commands, speech-to-text transcription, and video greetings. The system prioritizes security and is built to accommodate complex global distributions with features like high availability, redundancy, and support for branch office resilience. Fully virtualized, Unity Connection can operate on hardware tailored to specific requirements. Moreover, Cisco Prime Collaboration facilitates easy deployment, provisioning, monitoring, and management of the entire voice and video infrastructure, making it an efficient choice for organizations. Its versatile design and user-friendly interface contribute to a seamless communication experience in today's fast-paced environments.

The Network Convergence System (NCS) 6000 is designed to provide exceptional network flexibility, facilitate packet optical integration, and achieve system capabilities of petabits per second. It plays a crucial role in the Cisco Evolved Programmable Network, enabling virtualization and programmability while maintaining a low total cost of ownership, which in turn supports high-bandwidth services such as mobile, video, and cloud applications for end users. Key advancements include the introduction of Cisco nPower X1 NPUs, the ability to perform true zero-packet and zero-topology loss ISSU through hardware enhancements, and the potential to scale beyond 1 petabit using a multi-chassis configuration. Furthermore, the system features improved operational support and seamless packet-optical integration. A notable aspect is its adaptable power consumption model that utilizes both ASIC and CMOS photonics technology, ensuring minimal carbon emissions in service provider routing today. Additionally, users can easily modify the power consumption of each line card based on the number of ports actively in use, contributing to overall efficiency.

Customers create Virtual Cloud Networks (VCNs) that cater to their unique IP address requirements for workloads and can segment a VCN into smaller ranges through private or public subnets or allocate numerous IP addresses to a single VCN. They can also extend their existing on-premises networks and interconnections by utilizing virtual routers and gateways. Through peering gateways, customers can establish connections between different VCNs within the same tenancy or securely link to other tenancies. FastConnect offers customers the opportunity to establish direct, private, high-bandwidth connections to their Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) virtual cloud network, allowing them to choose their desired port speed based on data volume and pay a stable, low monthly fee, unlike other providers who charge based on data transferred, leading to unpredictable costs. Additionally, OCI incorporates a security-first architecture that safeguards customer tenancies by employing isolated network virtualization, which is a vital component designed to thwart malware using a custom-built SmartNIC for network isolation and virtualization. This innovative approach not only enhances security but also optimizes network performance and reliability for customers.

Achieve complete automation, enhanced visibility, and uniform operations within your hybrid cloud setup. The Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) serves as the central network management solution for all NX-OS-enabled installations, covering new fabric architectures, storage networks, and IP Fabric for Media. Streamline provisioning processes from several days down to mere minutes while simplifying the deployment experience. Minimize troubleshooting durations through visual operational insights related to topology, network fabric, and infrastructure. Avoid configuration mistakes by utilizing templated deployment strategies and automatic compliance adjustments. Experience seamless network connectivity, reliable network management, and easier operations across hybrid cloud systems. Additionally, benefit from thorough management, oversight, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of your LAN, integrated with automated multicloud connectivity and IP Fabric for Media (IPFM), which ensures consistency and reliability in your network operations. With these advancements, organizations can effectively optimize their network management processes and focus on innovation.

Agilio OVS Firewall empowers users to establish more sophisticated filtering rules, security groups, access control lists, and stateful firewall applications. This solution serves as a seamless accelerator for Open vSwitch (OVS), ensuring compatibility with pre-existing network tools, controllers, and orchestration software. With the integration of Netronome Agilio SmartNICs and Agilio software, the solution keeps pace with the continuously evolving features of standard OVS, which now include server-oriented networking capabilities like flexible match-action forwarding, connection tracking (Conntrack), network overlay management utilizing tunneling protocols such as VXLAN and NVGRE, as well as detailed statistics and metering. These advanced functionalities facilitate essential operations like L2/L3 forwarding, network virtualization, enhanced security measures, load balancing, and analytics. Furthermore, when Agilio Firewall Software is paired with Agilio SmartNICs, it not only enhances the Agilio OVS Software product but also provides robust zero-trust stateful security, thereby significantly elevating the performance of server-based networking in various environments. This combination allows organizations to maintain a high level of security while optimizing their network infrastructure.

Cisco Prime Infrastructure streamlines the oversight of both wired and wireless networks. It facilitates provisioning on Day 0 and Day 1, alongside ongoing assurance from the branch locations to the data centers, encapsulated in the concept of One Management. This cohesive approach allows for a centralized view and control, enabling users to leverage the advantages of One Management throughout network and compute environments. Cisco Prime Infrastructure equips you with the necessary tools to simplify and automate administrative tasks while harnessing the intelligence inherent in your Cisco networks. This all-encompassing solution delivers lifecycle management for both wired and wireless connections, along with visibility and control over applications. It also incorporates policy monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities through the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and enables location tracking of mobile devices via the Cisco Mobility Services Engine (MSE). By utilizing this platform, you can oversee the entire network ecosystem, including devices, applications, and users, all from a single interface. This comprehensive management system ultimately enhances operational efficiency and network performance.

Experience the advantages of Cisco now available in an as-a-service model. Enhance your operational speed, flexibility, and scalability through on-demand solutions that seamlessly adjust to suit your organizational requirements. Cisco Plus provides a comprehensive suite of cross-portfolio technologies designed to tackle your most pressing challenges while delivering quicker returns on investment. Initially focusing on hybrid cloud technologies, the offerings will soon diversify into a wider range of services developed alongside our partner ecosystem. The shift towards as-a-service frameworks accelerates the transition from traditional infrastructure management to achieving tangible business results. Cisco Plus simplifies the process for customers to obtain and oversee Cisco solutions effectively. Among its offerings are data center networking, bare metal computing, Edge computing, virtualization services, and VDI, ensuring a robust foundation for your IT needs. This innovative approach not only streamlines operations but also empowers businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

AgenticOps represents a revolutionary approach that is reshaping enterprise IT operations to align with the requirements of an AI-centric future, utilizing AI agents to convert real-time telemetry, automation, and extensive domain expertise into smart, comprehensive actions that manage workflows across networking, security, and applications within a cohesive platform. Central to this innovation is Cisco’s Deep Network Model, a specialized large language model developed from over four decades of Cisco knowledge, which includes CCIE-level insights, CiscoU educational materials, and practical operational experiences, and has been enhanced through reinforcement learning, chain-of-thought reasoning, and test-time scaling to ensure both accuracy and speed. This sophisticated engine drives AI Canvas, the first generative user interface designed specifically for cross-domain IT operations, which synthesizes live telemetry data into a smart workspace. Users benefit from the integrated Cisco AI Assistant, enabling them to engage in natural language conversations to troubleshoot problems, investigate alternatives, identify root causes, and take corrective measures. This seamless integration of various functionalities enhances operational efficiency, allowing teams to respond swiftly and effectively to evolving challenges. Ultimately, the combination of these advanced technologies paves the way for a more agile and responsive IT environment.

Enhance the security and flexibility of your contemporary business network. With our cutting-edge solution for automating user policies and network access, your IT operations can achieve greater efficiency, your network can become more secure, and the user experience can remain consistent across wired, wireless, and VPN connections. Cisco SD-Access, part of Cisco DNA, creates a cohesive policy-driven network framework that aligns with business objectives through security, automation, and assurance. This solution enhances the automation and assurance features of Cisco DNA Center, offering a software-defined method for network segmentation, which is essential for implementing a zero-trust architecture. Leverage AI and machine learning-driven advanced analytics to identify and categorize endpoints effectively. Examine traffic patterns between various groups and establish robust access policies. By employing group-based access policies, you can achieve efficient multilevel segmentation, ultimately facilitating a zero-trust security model. Implementing these strategies not only boosts security but also fosters a more resilient and responsive network environment overall.

Open vSwitch is a high-quality, multilayer virtual switch that operates under the open-source Apache 2.0 license. It is specifically engineered to facilitate extensive network automation through programming extensions, while still accommodating standard management interfaces and protocols such as NetFlow, sFlow, IPFIX, RSPAN, CLI, LACP, and 802.1ag. Additionally, it is built to allow distribution across various physical servers, akin to VMware's vNetwork distributed vSwitch or Cisco's Nexus 1000V. Open vSwitch is implemented in numerous products and is utilized in many substantial production environments, some of which are extraordinarily large. Each stable version undergoes rigorous testing, including a regression suite that consists of hundreds of system-level tests and thousands of unit tests. Furthermore, alongside OVS, the Open vSwitch community actively develops the OVN project, which enhances OVS by providing native support for virtual network abstractions, such as virtual L2 and L3 overlays and security groups. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that Open vSwitch remains a robust solution for network virtualization in diverse settings.