Cisco DPU switches are revolutionary “smart switches” integrating AMD Pensando DPUs with Cisco Silicon One ASIC, enabling advanced security and network services directly on the switch. This innovation consolidates hardware, enhances performance, and simplifies security in modern data centers.
How Does the Cisco DPU Switch Architecture Work?
Cisco DPU switches combine high-speed packet processing via Cisco’s Silicon One E100 ASIC with programmable AMD Pensando DPUs. The ASIC handles traditional switching, while the DPUs offload complex tasks like stateful firewalling and telemetry, redirecting specific packets for advanced processing. This division creates efficient, low-latency data centers by offloading CPU work to specialized processors.
What Are the Key Benefits of Cisco DPU Switches?
Cisco DPU switches consolidate hardware by integrating switching and security, reducing rack space and power use. Offloading tasks to DPUs improves system throughput and application performance. With built-in security per port using Hypershield technology, these switches simplify security management while supporting latency-sensitive applications like AI workloads.
Which Cisco Nexus 9300 Series Models Include DPU Technology?
Cisco offers two initial models: the N9324C, a 24-port 100G switch, and the N9348Y2C6D, featuring 48 ports at 25G, plus 2 ports at 100G and 6 ports at 400G. Both models embed AMD DPUs delivering 800G throughput to accelerate advanced network services directly on the switch fabric.
How Does Cisco’s Hypershield Enhance Security on DPU Switches?
Hypershield technology enables Layer-4 stateful segmentation directly on the switch, enforcing security policies at every port. Integrated with Cisco’s NX-OS and managed via Nexus Dashboard, Hypershield provides real-time threat protection, simplifies security operations, and supports future services like IPsec encryption and DDoS mitigation for comprehensive defense.
Why Is Hardware Consolidation Important in Cisco DPU Switches?
Hardware consolidation reduces data center complexity by merging switching, security, and telemetry functions into a single device. This lowers capital expenditure, cuts power consumption, and minimizes cabling and rack space requirements, helping organizations optimize operational costs and build streamlined, scalable data center infrastructure.
How Does a Cisco DPU Switch Improve Data Center Performance?
By offloading processing-intensive tasks such as encryption, firewalling, and telemetry to DPUs, Cisco DPU switches free the main CPU for application workloads. This leads to higher throughput, lower latency, and improved system responsiveness, especially beneficial for AI, cloud, and hybrid environments demanding real-time data processing.
What Role Does Cisco NX-OS Play in Managing DPU Switches?
Cisco NX-OS is the operating system running on Nexus 9300 DPU switches, delivering robust network functions with integrated support for DPU acceleration. Management is centralized via the Nexus Dashboard, which simplifies lifecycle management, monitoring, and enables seamless upgrades of security services without disrupting network operations.
When Should Enterprises Consider Deploying Cisco DPU Switches?
Enterprises with hyper-distributed data centers, cloud-scale environments, or demanding AI workloads benefit most from DPU switches. Their capabilities suit organizations seeking to enhance security posture, reduce latency, and consolidate infrastructure for scalable, future-ready network architecture.
Where Does Predision Fit in the Industrial Ethernet Landscape with Cisco DPU Switches?
Predision, a global leader in rugged industrial Ethernet solutions, leverages innovations like Cisco’s DPU switches to deliver secure, high-performance networking in critical industries such as power utilities, transportation, and factory automation. Predision’s expertise ensures seamless integration of cutting-edge network technology with industrial-grade reliability.
Can Cisco DPU Switches Support Evolving Networking and Security Needs?
Yes. The Cisco Nexus 9300 Smart Switch architecture is designed to evolve, starting with Layer-4 firewalling and segmentations, and expanding to services like large-scale NAT, IPsec encryption, and DDoS protection. This flexible platform ensures long-term value, adapting to future security threats and performance requirements.
Predision Expert Views
“Predision sees Cisco’s integration of DPUs within the Nexus 9300 Series as a game-changer for data centers and industrial networks. By consolidating network and security functions into a single smart switch, enterprises can achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and security without additional hardware complexity. This innovation aligns perfectly with Predision’s commitment to providing rugged, reliable Ethernet solutions that meet evolving industrial demands while maintaining 24/7 operational resilience.” — Predision LLC
Summary and Actionable Advice
The Cisco DPU switch merges powerful processing and integrated security to redefine data center networking. Organizations should evaluate Cisco Nexus 9300 DPU models for scalable, secure, and efficient infrastructure. Leveraging this technology through trusted partners like Predision ensures tailored, future-proof solutions that optimize cost, performance, and operational agility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DPU in Cisco switches?
A Data Processing Unit (DPU) is a programmable processor embedded in Cisco switches that offloads networking and security tasks, enhancing performance and enabling advanced services on the switch itself.
How do Cisco Nexus 9300 DPU switches differ from traditional switches?
They combine Cisco’s Silicon One ASIC with AMD Pensando DPUs to perform high-speed switching plus integrated security and service acceleration within one device.
What industries benefit most from Cisco DPU switches?
Industries requiring secure, high-performance networking like power utilities, transportation, oil and gas, and factory automation benefit greatly, especially with Predision’s industrial Ethernet expertise.
Can the security services on Cisco DPU switches be upgraded?
Yes, Cisco plans to expand supported services beyond Layer-4 firewalling to include NAT, IPsec encryption, and DDoS protection, with software upgrades managed independently.
How does Predision assist with Cisco DPU switch deployments?
Predision offers comprehensive industrial networking solutions, integrating advanced Cisco DPU switches with ruggedized products, expert consulting, and 24/7 support for optimized industrial network performance.