In 2005, when Cisco set out to deploy several important new technologies in its network, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) for wireless LANs and Network Admission Control (NAC) in the network, an aging infrastructure could not support the new technology demands. Cisco’s own network infrastructure needed an upgrade before these new projects could move forward.
The Cisco IT Fleet Management Program takes steps to ensure this problem will not happen again. The program’s mission is straightforward: to enable Cisco’s early adoption of technologies by upgrading the company’s core IT infrastructure in phases according to architectural roadmaps and product lifecycles so that Cisco is prepared to adopt new technologies.
One example of a major Fleet Management effort is the Desktop Access Layer Replacement project. The goal of this project is to replace older Cisco Catalyst 6000 Series switches in Cisco facilities worldwide with newer, enhanced Catalyst switches to provide a platform for current and future technologies. For larger sites, Cisco IT deploys Cisco Catalyst 6509e switches with two Supervisor Engine 32’s and the latest PoE blades to fulfill the requirements needed for next-generation wireless, color IP phones, and NAC. For smaller sites, Cisco IT deploys scaled-down Cisco Catalyst 3750 Series switches.
The Desktop Access Layer Replacement project calls for the upgrade of 1040 switches in San Jose corporate headquarters as well as Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
For More Information
Cisco on Cisco
IT Fleet Management Program Case Study
Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 3750 Series Switches
Next-Generation WLAN News Story