Cisco announced the Cisco 8223, the industry’s most programmable and efficient fixed router for interconnecting AI workloads across multiple data centers. Based on the latest Silicon One P200 chip, the 8223 provides 51.2 terabits per second (Tbps) of bandwidth, addressing the mounting demands of distributed AI compute with unmatched power efficiency, programmability, and security.
“AI compute is outgrowing the capacity of even the largest data center, driving the need for reliable, secure connection of data centers hundreds of miles apart,” said Martin Lund, EVP of Cisco’s Common Hardware Group. “With the Cisco 8223, powered by the new Cisco Silicon One P200, we’re delivering the massive bandwidth, scale and security needed for distributed data center architectures.”
8223 overcomes hyperscalers’ power and space constraints by supporting “scale-across” architectures, securely offloading AI workloads to many locations.
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Key Features of the Cisco 8223:
Power Efficiency: Optimized deep-buffer routing with switch-like energy consumption in a 3RU size.
Intelligence & Adaptability: Programmable P200 silicon enables new protocols and standards, enabling networks to adapt without expensive hardware upgrades.
Security: Line-rate encryption integrated, post-quantum secure algorithms, and constant monitoring protect mission-critical AI traffic.
The P200 chip can also be deployed in modular platforms and disaggregated chassis, ensuring architectural consistency across network sizes, with SONiC initially supported and IOS XR coming soon.
Industry Leaders React:
Dave Maltz, Microsoft: “We’re pleased to see the P200 providing innovation and more options for scalable AI networking.”
Dennis Cai, Alibaba Cloud: “The P200 aligns perfectly with our eCore architecture, enhancing reliability, scalability, and power efficiency.”
Dave Ward, Lumen: “Cisco’s 8223 and Silicon One technologies enable the AI-powered economy through effective multi-cloud connectivity.”
Patrick Moorhead, Moor Insights & Strategy: “Cisco’s 8223 is a watershed moment, offering the first 51.2T fixed Ethernet router designed for secure, scale-across AI networking.”
With 8223, Cisco provides a new benchmark for AI-ready data center interconnects with high bandwidth, energy efficiency, and enterprise-grade security to address the needs of the AI era.