Introducing Cisco Application and Content Networking Software

This chapter introduces Cisco Application and Content Networking Software (ACNS) and contains the following sections:

ACNS Software Overview

ACNS is a software platform that unifies the Cisco Cache software and Cisco Enterprise Content Delivery Network (E-CDN) software into a single software platform. ACNS software allows you to access caching application features and E-CDN application features from a single software base. ACNS software is supported on Content Engines, Content Distribution Managers, and Content Routers. (See the "Hardware Supported" section.)

E-CDN Application Overview

The E-CDN application offers accelerated content delivery, hosting, and other content-based services. It addresses the need to distribute and receive high-bandwidth, media-rich content across the Internet or an intranet without performance losses or content delivery delays.

When the ACNS E-CDN application is enabled, Content Engines, Content Routers, Content Services Switches, and Content Distribution Managers can be deployed to create a complete Content Delivery Network system that includes content routing, content switching, content distribution and management, and content services, as well as content delivery. Figure 1-1 shows a typical Enterprise Content Delivery Network topology.

Figure 1-1: Cisco Enterprise Content Delivery Network Topology

For more information on how the E-CDN application software operates within a Content Delivery Network, refer to the Cisco Enterprise CDN Software User Guide Version 3.0.

Cache Application Overview

ACNS software provides content caching capabilities that accelerate content delivery and optimize bandwidth usage by caching frequently accessed content and fulfilling content requests locally rather than traversing the Internet or intranet to a distant server each time a request is made. The ACNS software Cache application can work in tandem with Cisco IOS routing software to handle web traffic, including user requests to view pages and graphics (objects) on World Wide Web servers—whether internal or external to your network.

For more information on how objects are cached and redirected across your network, refer to the Cisco Cache Software Configuration Guide, Release 3.1.

ACNS Software Features

The following features are implemented in ACNS software:

Concurrency—The ability to configure the system to run cache and E-CDN applications at the same time
Upgrade and downgrade—The ability to upgrade your existing Content Engine to ACNS software or downgrade to your previously installed software release
Disk provisioning—The ability to provision the amount of disk space used for HTTP caching and for pre-positioned content

Hardware Supported

ACNS software is supported on the following Content Networking products:

CE-590
CE-590-DC
CE-560
CE-560-CDN
CE-560AV-CDN
CE-507
CE-507-CDN
CE-507AV-CDN
CE-7320
CE-7320-DC
CR-4430
CDM-4630
CDM-4650

Unsupported Hardware

The following products do not support ACNS software:

CE-505
CE-550
CE-570
CE-590-CDN
CE-7320-CDN
CR-4450
CR-4430-B
CDM-4670

Where to Go Next

If you have a new system with ACNS software installed, go to "Initializing Cisco Application and Content Networking Software and Setting Up the E-CDN Application," to configure network settings.

If you have an existing system with Cache 2.x software, Cache 3.x software, or E-CDN 3.x software installed, you can install ACNS software by performing a software upgrade. If you need to upgrade your system to ACNS software, proceed first to "Upgrading and Downgrading Your System Software," which explains how to install ACNS software.

After you have installed the ACNS software upgrade, go to "Initializing Cisco Application and Content Networking Software and Setting Up the E-CDN Application."

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