Introduction
Cisco Network Processing Engine 400 (NPE-400) is tailored to offer high-powered network processing for Cisco 7200 Series routers. Based on this, it can be called a truly powerful and flexible platform that can efficiently execute several features for clients to enhance their network integration and productivity. This review will include evaluations of usability, performance, and design issues related to the Cisco NPE-400, as well as its merits and demerits, and a final recommendation as to its value.
User Experience
Network processing is done with the Cisco NPE-400, and this is typically used by IT professionals and network administrators. The people who use it interact with the NPE-400 through the CLI or a Web-based GUI to configure and fine-tune network resources. However, the user experiences depend highly on the skills and experience of the user.
In terms of straightforwardness or friendliness, users of the NPE-400 will have a huge set of functions and capabilities at their disposal, both of which can be configured and managed via CLI or GUI. It is just a matter of choice and preference. If a user is unfamiliar with Cisco IOS CLI or the basics of networking, in that case, the learning curve becomes intimidating. The Web GUI, on the other hand, feels more straightforward in terms of configuration and managing the network resources but against the CLI, in terms of flexibility and power, it does not take the lead.
Performance and Functionality
An engine that must execute over-the-top NPE network processing and realization of services to improve network performance and efficiency is the Cisco NPE-400. With a forwarding rate of up to 4 million packets per second (pps) and an aggregate throughput reaching only up to 1 Gbps, the NPE-400 is suitable for very large networks and bandwidth-intensive applications.
A major selling point of the NPE-400 is its flexibility and scalability. The NPE-400 is capable of supporting a whole range of networking protocols and technologies: IPv4, IPv6, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and Quality of Service (QoS), to name a few. The NPE-400 also supports several interfaces: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and ATM.
That said, the device is not without its drawbacks; one of them being that it does not support hardware-based encryption and, hence, does put limitations on how the network traffic can be secured. Also missing in the NPE-400 are certain advanced functions such as packet capture and analysis, which some network administrators would find useful.
Design and Aesthetics
The design of the NPE-400 is functional and utilitarian, a standard card form-factor compatible with Cisco 7200 Series routers. The front panel of the NPE-400 consists of indicator lights to represent various status and activity monitoring parameters, as well as a console port for local management.
Stylistically, however, the NPE-400 is absolutely devoid of any appeal; yet, this factor is hardly a consideration for the majority of network administrators. Rather, the NPE-400 is performance- and function-oriented, and its design mirrors that objective.
Cisco Network Processing Engine 400 – Control Processor (NPE-400): Buy it now
Summary
In summary, Cisco Network Processing Engine 400 belongs to a class of high-performance network processing engines, and it brings with it a varied set of features and capabilities for increased network performance and efficiency. NPE-400 is a platform that can support large networks and high-bandwidth applications with superior reliability, albeit will be less easy-to-use and flexible than other solutions.
Use of Cisco NPE-400 would be wise if, in an organization, a high-performance network processing engine is needed, capable of supporting an assortment of networking protocols and technologies. However, other solutions may suit organizations that require greater features, such as hardware-based encryption or packet capture and analysis.