Cisco’s First Router and Switch: The Launch of a Networking Revolution

Cisco's First Switch and Router: The Origins of a Networking Giant

When it comes to networking technology, Cisco Systems stands as one of the most influential companies in the world. Known for powering the backbone of the internet, enterprise systems, and telecommunications infrastructure, Cisco’s rise began with the development of its first router and switch—pioneering products that changed the way data was transmitted across networks.

The First Cisco Router

Cisco’s first product was a multi-protocol router, released in 1986. This router was originally developed at Stanford University by Len Bosack and Sandy Lerner, two computer scientists who later founded Cisco Systems in 1984. The innovation stemmed from a need to connect different networks on the Stanford campus. Existing solutions couldn’t efficiently handle the job, so they created their own routing device.

This early router, known as the AGS (Advanced Gateway Server), supported multiple network protocols including IP, DECnet, and AppleTalk. It allowed disparate computer systems to communicate effectively—something no other product could do as efficiently at the time.

The AGS router laid the foundation for what would become the Cisco 2500 series—one of the most widely used routers in the 1990s and a major factor in Cisco’s global dominance.

Cisco’s First Network Switch

Cisco entered the switching market later, with its first Ethernet switch, the Cisco Catalyst 5000, released in 1993. Unlike routers, which manage traffic between different networks, switches direct data within a local network, connecting computers, printers, and other devices.

The Catalyst 5000 was designed for high-performance enterprise networking and supported modular components, fast Ethernet (100 Mbps), and advanced VLAN capabilities. It marked Cisco’s move into Layer 2 switching and was a key product that enabled scalable campus networks and data centers.

Eventually, the Catalyst series became Cisco’s flagship switching product line, trusted by businesses around the world for its speed, reliability, and security.

A Legacy of Connectivity

Cisco’s initial router and switch weren’t just products—they were disruptive technologies that redefined the possibilities of network communication. From humble beginnings at a university to becoming a multi-billion-dollar tech leader, Cisco built the foundation for modern internet infrastructure with these two core devices.

Today, Cisco’s routers and switches remain integral to global networking, and the company's early innovations continue to influence how data moves across the world.