In an effort to provide greater security throughout networks, Cisco Systems has integrated multigigabit network security services into its Catalyst 6500 series of modular multilayer switches.

The new services target the campus, wide-area networks (WANs) and metropolitan area networks (MANs) and are designed to let customers adapt and scale security services and capabilities to a wide range of IP services, according to the company.

Specifically, Catalyst 6500 switch users can now deploy network security services through four new modules geared toward firewalls, virtual private networks, secure socket layers and advanced network analysis. The modules are also compatible with Cisco 7600 series routers.

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