High-performance networking systems have historically been divided into routing or switching classes, with distinct hardware and software. Over time, this distinction has become less pronounced. This convergence has occurred with the evolution of feature-rich switching chips and routing chips that balance traditional Service Provider (SP)-class capabilities with many benefits of switching Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).

Cisco^® 8000 Series routers complete this journey. They deliver provider-class routing functionality at unmatched density, performance, and power. This enables Cisco 8000 Series to be deployed into an unprecedented range of routing roles - all supported with a single ASIC architecture and operating system - thus streamlining qualification, deployment, and operations.

The Cisco 8000 Series combines the revolutionary Cisco Silicon One^™, IOS XR^®software, and a set of clean sheet chassis to deliver a breakthrough in high-performance routers. The 8000 Series comprises a full range of feature-rich, highly scalable, deep-buffered, on-chip High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE)-optimized routers ranging from 10.8 to 25.6 Tbps in a 1 RU footprint. It is also available in an industry leading, rack-mountable modular system capable of 518.4 Tbps of full-duplex, line rate forwarding.