Table Of Contents

Cisco Application eXtension Platform Overview

Overview

Additional References

Cisco Application eXtension Platform Overview

---

This chapter consists of the following sections:

•Overview

•Additional References

Overview

The Cisco Integrated Services Router (Cisco ISR) ties together and runs multiple value-added services such as voice, layer 2 switching, security, and application acceleration. Integrated services can be hosted within the router's Cisco IOS software or services can be decoupled and hosted on modular application service modules.

Service module hardware plug-in modules can be plugged into hardware such as the Cisco ISR, to enhance functionality, intelligence and flexibility. The functionality of the router is extended by adding your own value-added integrated services.

On the service module, Cisco Application Extension Platform (AXP) hosts applications in a separate runtime environment with dedicated resources. Cisco AXP provides Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that enable functions such as packet analysis, event notification, and network management to be utilized by host applications.

Cisco AXP has facilities and frameworks for host applications, and APIs for integrating applications into the network.

Cisco AXP provides:

•A predictable and constant set of application resources.

These resources (including CPU, memory, disk and network IO) are segmented, which ensures that the application and router features work independently, and without interference.

•Protection of the router and applications from rogue applications.

If an application crashes, other applications are not affected and the router continues running normally. This is achieved by having each installed application in its own virtual instance.

•An embedded Linux environment supporting the execution of applications written in the following programming languages: Java, C (native), Perl (interpreted), Python (interpreted), and Bash (interpreted).

Native and interpreted applications written in other programming languages can be integrated by the third party application if the third party application uses additional support libraries and interpreters.

•Protection against running unauthorized software.

Only third parties certified by us can install software onto Cisco AXP.

•Robust debugging and troubleshooting facilities.

•Modification of the Cisco IOS configuration and obtaining the status of Cisco IOS features using APIs.

•Support for event notification.

An application can receive the status of a Cisco ISR and take the appropriate action.

•Integration of virtual devices.

The Cisco IOS auxiliary serial port can be virtualized and appear in Cisco AXP OS as a local device. The application controls external peripherals attached to the router auxiliary serial port without special knowledge of the where the device is located.

•Firewall support.

The Cisco AXP network interfaces are protected by a firewall for security. Ports can be opened using the "AXP CLI API" section on page 53.

Figure 1 shows the relationship between applications running on the Cisco AXP host OS of the Application Service Module and Cisco IOS software of the Cisco ISR.

Figure 1 Cisco ISR and Cisco AXP Service Module Interface

Additional References

The following sections describe the documentation available for the Cisco AXP, and Cisco ISRs. Typically, these documents consist of hardware and software installation guides, Cisco IOS configuration and command references, system error messages, feature modules, and other documents for Cisco IOS Release.

Refer to the Software Documents and Platform-Specific Documents listed in the Release Notes for Cisco AXP.

Also, refer to resources at: Cisco Developer Services.