Cisco Systems (CSCO.O) on Tuesday launched networking chips for AI supercomputers that would compete with offerings from Broadcom (AVGO.O) and Marvell Technology (MRVL.O). The chipmaker hopes to tap the growth of machine learning applications, which demand exceptional performance, connectivity, and efficiency.
The chips are part of the SiliconOne series and are currently being tested by five major cloud providers, Cisco said without naming them. The firm believes the new chips will help businesses meet the performance requirements of various digital experiences, including virtual and augmented reality, high-speed streaming, 5G, quantum computing, adaptive and predictive cyber security, and the intelligent Internet of Things. The chips are designed to support these advanced applications while reducing cost, latency, and power consumption.
To develop the chip, Cisco’s engineering team used a “clean sheet” design that avoided using older technology. To achieve the desired performance, the chip can analyze data only once rather than multiple times, which reduces power consumption and helps keep latency low. It also uses an architecture that eliminates the need for separate circuitry for several vital functions, such as routing and security. Cisco said this enables the silicon to be more efficient and flexible without any trade-offs.
Iny says the chip’s unique architecture, design, and manufacturing process allow it to deliver significant performance gains with a smaller footprint than existing solutions. It also avoids the need for external components, which add to costs and complexity. It is built for “intent-based” network infrastructure and will be incorporated into Cisco’s portfolio for the enterprise, data center, and service provider markets. The company also announced a deal to acquire Luxtera, which combines silicon photonics with artificial intelligence and machine learning to enable a more integrated, intelligent Internet of Things.
The deal is the latest step in Cisco’s push to expand its business into the cloud and the broader Internet of Things. Its networking gear is a staple in many data centers, and it has forged partnerships with Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud, which dominate the cloud computing market. The company also owns AppDynamics, which provides application and container management services.
For its AI efforts, Cisco has invested in startups developing new technologies and looking to disrupt established industries. Last year, the tech giant bought video conference and collaboration platform Zoom for $8.5 billion. It has also invested in artificial intelligence software companies like Cogito and SenseiAI. In addition, the company recently expanded its partnership with the e-commerce company Shopify. The companies are collaborating to provide a new customer collaboration experience that leverages the company’s voice and video platforms. The partnership will allow users to access a complete e-commerce shopping and shipping experience. The two firms plan to integrate the technology with existing Cisco collaboration and security solutions. The integrations are expected to be available early next year.
