Specifications

Chapter 9 IOS® Software and Network Management
9-4
Cisco IOS® Software
Routing
Cisco IOS Software offers the industry’s widest variety of enterprise and service
provider-class routing protocols. Protocols that provide for integration, and are integrated
with each other, enable the convergence of data, voice and video networking. Routing
Technology’s adaptive behavior enables customer networks to evolve with user needs. It is
critical to scalability and allows networks to expand in size and capability, while preserving
hardware and network investments. The technology includes Optimized Edge Routing
(OER), On Demand Routing (ODR), Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Interior Gateway
Routing Protocol (IGRP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), IP Multicast, Integrated IS-IS,
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), and Border Gateway Protocol
(BGP).
Multicast
Multicast is a bandwidth-conserving technology that reduces traffic by simultaneously
delivering a single stream of information to thousands of corporate recipients and homes.
Applications that take advantage of multicast technologies include video conferencing,
corporate communications, distance learning, and distribution of software, stock quotes,
and news.
Key Features
•
Efficiently deploys and scales distributed group applications across the Internet
• Creates a ubiquitous, enterprise-wide content distribution model
• Solves traffic congestion problems
• Allows service providers to deploy value-added streaming services that leverage their
existing infrastructure.
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
Cisco pioneered Multi protocol Label Switching (MPLS) and has made it available in Cisco
IOS Software for significant advantages in applications like virtual private networks
(VPNs) and traffic engineering. It enables service providers to offer many new services to
customers at lower costs, replaced some Frame Relay, leased line and Asynchronous
Transfer Mode (ATM) services that were not cost-effective, and converged services onto
one network. It fuses intelligent routing capabilities with the performance of switching. It
provides significant benefits to networks with pure IP architectures and those with IP and
ATM or a mix of other Layer 2 technologies.
MPLS technology is key to implementing scalable Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and
end-to-end QoS, enabling efficient utilization of existing networks to meet growth needs
and to rapidly correct link fault and node failure. This technology also helps deliver highly
scalable, differentiated IP services with simpler configuration, management, and
provisioning for both Internet service providers and end-user customers.
For More Information
See the Cisco IOS MPLS Web site: http://www.cisco.com/go/mpls