Cisco wheels out new gear for better WAN performance

Cisco is introducing a new load-balancing appliance that accelerates Web applications and provides application-layer security.

The Application Control Engine (ACE) 4710 can handle up to 2Gbps throughput by virtue of its multi-processor, multi-threaded architecture and is meant for small and midsize businesses.

The device supports up to 50 virtual partitions to apply separate policies to applications and servers. (Learn more about Application Acceleration and WAN Traffic Optimization products from our Application Acceleration and WAN Traffic Optimization Buyer's Guide.)

ACE 4710 performs the same functions as the ACE blade for Catalyst 6500 switches that was introduced in 2006, but because it is a stand-alone device, does not require the investment in the switch chassis.

ACE 4710 costs $16,000 for a 1Gbps model and $40,000 for a 2Gbps model that is a software upgrade. The device is available now.

Cisco is also introducing client software for its Wide Area Application Services (WAAS) so individual computers can improve transaction times over WAN links. Previously, WAAS devices had to be deployed in pairs at opposite ends of WAN connections to compress, cache and optimize TCP as means to improving performance.

The client installed on remote computers would connect with software on Cisco VPN gateways to optimize the WAN connection.

Software for the head-end device costs $5,000 and client licenses are sold in bundles, for instance a license for 100 concurrent users costs $34,000. The software is available now.