Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Cisco’s 2013 story ran from connected-car activity to a year-end push into programmable enterprise networking and data-center infrastructure. Across campus switches, branch routers, security, flash storage, and the Nexus 9000/ACI fabric, the company was positioning its portfolio as a broader, more programmable platform—not just a collection of network devices.
What defined Cisco’s 2013?
The clearest through-line was Cisco’s effort to extend programmability across enterprise networks while expanding into adjacent infrastructure. In June, the company refreshed campus and branch products under its Enterprise Networks Architecture, which it described as an extension of its Open Network Environment strategy. Later in the year, it announced data-center fabric products and pursued acquisitions in security and flash storage.
Network World’s December 17, 2013 retrospective frames the year as beginning with connected-car activity and ending with new data-center switches and fabric products entering the market. The retrospective is the main source for that year-wide timeline; Cisco announcements and its SEC filing substantiate several of the product and transaction details below.
June: Cisco refreshed campus and branch networking
Cisco’s June announcement applied its programmability message to two different enterprise settings: the campus backbone and the branch office. The Catalyst 6800 Series was positioned for campus backbone 10/40/100 Gbps services, while the ISR 4451-AX was designed for large, demanding branches. These were complementary roles, not competing alternatives.
#1 Best Overall
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Features 2 RJ45 10/100/1000 LAN/WAN ports for high-speed network connectivity and flexible deployment options
- Enhanced High-Speed WAN Interface Card Slots: Equipped with 2 EHWIC slots for modular expansion and customization of network services
- Security Feature Set: Includes SEC feature set with embedded hardware encryption acceleration and advanced security services for comprehensive network protection
- Doublewide EWIC Slot: Provides 1 doublewide EWIC slot that occupies both standard EHWIC slots when used, offering flexibility for high-density interface requirements
- USB Connectivity: Includes 1 USB port for external storage, configuration management, and additional connectivity options
Cisco presented the broader strategy as a way to apply network programmability across data-center, WAN, and LAN infrastructure. In the June 24 announcement, Rob Soderbery, then senior vice president and general manager of Cisco’s Enterprise Networking Group, said: “The network is more important than ever before in enabling the user experience in today’s applications. Network intelligence, simplicity and innovation will be the key factor in unlocking new business opportunities and competitive differentiation for our customers.” That was Cisco’s strategic rationale, not independent evidence of product performance.
Cisco said the ISR 4451-AX was available at the time of the announcement and scheduled other named products for later in 2013. Those dates were the company’s stated schedule in June, not independently verified delivery dates. Cisco’s June 24, 2013 enterprise networking announcement describes the products and strategy.
Rank #2
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
Sourcefire brought security capabilities into Cisco
Cisco announced that it had completed its acquisition of Sourcefire and linked the deal to what it called a threat-centric security model. The deal price was reported as $2.7 billion in Network World’s year-end retrospective.
Cisco said customers had access to Sourcefire’s next-generation intrusion prevention system (NGIPS), next-generation firewall (NGFW), and Advanced Malware Protection solutions. It also said it would continue supporting Snort and ClamAV. Cisco executive Chris Young described the rationale in the company’s acquisition announcement: “As one company, we offer an unbeatable combination that will greatly accelerate our mission of delivering a new, threat-centric security model.” This statement explains Cisco’s intent; it does not independently establish security outcomes. Cisco’s Sourcefire announcement gives the company’s description of the integration.
Rank #3
- Aggregate Throughput: 100 Mbps to 300 Mbps
- Total onboard WAN or LAN 10/100/1000 ports: 3
- RJ-45-based ports: 2
- SFP-based ports: 2
- Enhanced service-module (SM-X) slot: 1
September and October: WHIPTAIL and the Network Convergence System
In September, Cisco unveiled its Network Convergence System (NCS), built around the company’s 400G nPower X1 processor, and announced its acquisition of solid-state flash-storage maker WHIPTAIL. Network World reported that Cisco said development of the nPower X1 had cost $200 million. That is a company figure relayed by the publication, not an independently audited development-cost estimate.
The WHIPTAIL deal was intended to add flash storage to Cisco’s data-center portfolio and strengthen its Unified Computing System (UCS). The announcement date and completion date differ: Cisco’s SEC filing records the acquisition as completed on October 28, 2013, for approximately $0.4 billion in cash and retention-based incentives. Network World rounded the value to $415 million; the filing’s formulation is the more precise description of the consideration. Cisco’s 2013 SEC filing records the close date and transaction terms.
Rank #4
November and December: Nexus 9000 and ACI capped the year
Cisco’s year-end data-center announcement centered on the Nexus 9000 family and Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI). Network World describes the Nexus 9000 line as leaf-and-spine switches that combine merchant silicon with custom ASICs. The switches could operate standalone or in ACI mode; the retrospective describes ACI as based on VXLAN.
Cisco announced the product line in November and also announced its intention to acquire the remainder of Insieme, the company behind the technology. Cisco’s SEC filing says Cisco owned approximately 83% of Insieme as of October 26, 2013, and had exercised a call option to purchase the remaining interests. At the time of the filing, a merger closing was expected in fiscal Q2 2014; that was a forecast, not a completed 2013 transaction. Network World’s retrospective covers the Nexus 9000 and ACI announcement, while the SEC filing documents Cisco’s ownership and expected merger timing.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Best Value
- Enjoy the benefits of Wireless-N in your home--ideal for wireless Internet usage and home office productivity
- Connect your computers, wireless printers, smartphones, and other wireless devices at up to 300 Mbps of transfer speed
- Use four Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports to directly connect wired devices
What Cisco’s year-end pipeline figures do—and do not—show
Five weeks after introducing Nexus 9000/ACI, Cisco reported that 305 “serious” customers were in the pipeline, according to Network World. Cisco also said three possible deals could be worth $40 million to $100 million each, and that more than 75% of the pipeline opportunities were in the $100,000 to $1 million range.
These were company-reported prospective opportunities, not signed contracts, completed purchases, or recognized revenue. The figures indicate early sales interest as Cisco presented it; they do not establish how many opportunities ultimately converted. Network World’s 2013 retrospective reports the figures and their timing.
How the major 2013 moves fit together
| Move | Primary role | What Cisco was adding | Timing qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalyst 6800 Series | Campus backbone switching | 10/40/100 Gbps services within Cisco’s enterprise networking refresh | Cisco said in June that named products other than the ISR 4451-AX were scheduled for later 2013 availability; the announcement was a schedule, not independent confirmation of delivery. |
| ISR 4451-AX | Routing for large branch offices | A refreshed branch platform within the same enterprise architecture | Cisco said it was available at the time of its June announcement. |
| Sourcefire integration | Security | NGIPS, NGFW, and Advanced Malware Protection, with continued Snort and ClamAV support stated by Cisco | Cisco said it had completed the acquisition; Network World reported an announced price of $2.7 billion. |
| WHIPTAIL | Flash storage for data centers and UCS | Solid-state storage capabilities | Announced in September; Cisco’s filing records completion on October 28, 2013, for approximately $0.4 billion in cash and retention-based incentives. |
| Network Convergence System | Network infrastructure | A system built around Cisco’s 400G nPower X1 processor | Unveiled in September, according to Network World; the reported $200 million processor development cost was Cisco’s claim. |
| Nexus 9000 with ACI | Data-center switching and fabric | Leaf-and-spine switches with standalone and ACI operating modes | Announced in November; Cisco reported pipeline interest five weeks later, not completed sales. |
The product roles show why Cisco’s 2013 announcements are best understood as a portfolio story. Campus switching and branch routing addressed different parts of an enterprise network; Sourcefire expanded the security portfolio; WHIPTAIL added flash storage; and Nexus 9000/ACI supplied a new data-center fabric approach.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
