
Technical Breakout Sessions are the foundation of Cisco's annual training program and are updated each year based on feedback and advances in the IT and communications industry. Technology Breakout Sessions are led by Cisco experts, partners and customers and are 100% focused on today's most important and innovative technologies for service provider, enterprise, government, and small and midsized business networks.
At Cisco Networkers 2009 you can choose from over 100 unique breakout sessions, all delivered by senior Cisco engineers, Cisco Technology leads and Cisco Partners.
Breakouts will be organised by technology session groups; all session groups will provide a range of introductory through advanced-level courses covering the design, deployment, and troubleshooting of key network technologies. Sessions will focus on critical topics for both enterprise and service provider networks. Each Technology Breakout Session provides the latest and most relevant information so you can immediately apply it when you return to your workplace.
Technology Tracks
Application Optimisation Technologies
Data Centre
Enterprise Campus and Wireless Networks Evolution
IP & MPLS Infrastructure Evolution
Management and Operations
Video
Security
SP NGN Architectures and Technologies
Unified Communications Technologies
Application Optimisation Technologies
The Application Optimisation Technologies Session Group (APP) is a technical session group offering that provides attendee with detailed information on how applications interact with the network and how intelligent services in the network can significantly improve the performance of applications. It covers basic protocols, architectures how to scale applications and technologies how to improve the delivery of content over real life networks that include bandwidth limitations and latency.
This session group offers this program in technical breakout sessions, Techtorial sessions and even hands-on Lab sessions.
Data Centre
The Data Centre track will explore issues like infrastructure simplification and flexibility through consolidation and virtualization, business continuance and policy-based automation of application provisioning that are enabled though an intelligent network fabric connecting all components of the next generation Data Centre.
A paradigm shift in compute power provisioned through clustered high-density commodity servers, e.g. blade servers, creates unprecedented opportunities for high performance computing applications, utility computing and database clustering in the Data Centre.
The sessions in this track will focus on Cisco's Data Centre architecture and solutions that are built around three interconnected pillars:
- an Intelligent Gigabit Ethernet-based front end IP infrastructure with integrated security and application optimization services
- a virtualized back end Storage Area Network Fabric using director-class Fibre Channel and iSCSI switches
- a very low latency Server interconnect fabric built with InfiniBand switches.
Each of these technology areas will be addressed by long-term subject matter experts from the US and EMEA. All expert speakers will be available for Meet-the-Engineer sessions.
The Data Centre Track is targeted for Enterprise IT managers, Network Architects, System Integrators and Data Centre Storage managers.
Most sessions assume a basic understanding of a combination of routing and switching, storage networking, application environments and server architectures. For those new to these technologies we suggest attending the Data Centre Techtorials or visit the Networkers on-line portal which hosts a number of introductory sessions. Product knowledge is not needed, unless specifically stated in the session abstract or prerequisites.
Enterprise Campus and Wireless Networks Evolution
The Enterprise Campus and Wireless Networks Evolution technology track will explore the most recent network technologies and new applications that are creating opportunities for new Campus Network Services to deploy innovative solutions that help addressing the current business challenges by driving increases in productivity. This track offers breakout sessions tailored for Enterprise Campus and Wireless Network Architects, Systems Integrators and Security Administrators addressing the most critical elements of Campus Networking.
The in depth technical sessions in this track will focus on Cisco's best practices design for Multilayer Campus and Wireless Campus architectures. Key areas covered include how to best design, configure and deploy the most recent networking technologies to increase Network Reliability and Fast Convergence. Dedicated breakout sessions provide details about today’s most relevant topics like Enterprise Network Virtualization, Quality of Service, Wireless Spectrum Management or the newest 802.11n technology. These sessions will explore alternative deployment scenarios with examples, especially around applications of new technology to the services offered in the Enterprise Network. The track will also incorporate a strong focus on Security in different domains such as securing Wireless Networks and Guest Access solutions. New sessions will provide information on topics related to Green IT and Green Operations as well as discuss the impact of recent technologies like 802.3at (PoE+) or LLDP-MED in the access layer configurations.
The Enterprise Campus and Wireless Networks Evolution Track is tailored for Network Architects, Network Engineers and System Integrators with a background in IP routing, switching or wireless technologies and a strong interest in the next generation Enterprise Network.
IP & MPLS Infrastructure Evolution
Sessions within the IP and MPLS Infrastructure Evolution (IPME) track are ideal for anyone who is responsible for the deployment, maintenance or ongoing development of IP and MPLS based networks. The complimentary range of Techtorials and Breakout Sessions cover a broad array of core IP and MPLS networking technologies in both LAN and WAN environments. Among the many subjects covered key topics include; advanced routing techniques, high availability, VPNs, quality of service, multicast and IPv6.The sessions address the latest developments and deployment techniques that are aimed at increasing the performance and efficiency of both Enterprise and Service Provider networks.
The speakers within the IPME track are some of the most talented experts in their respective fields with knowledge drawn from many years of experience designing, developing and deploying the most advanced IP and MPLS infrastructures.
Whether your need is for an update on the latest innovations or detailed information to help you to exploit your existing infrastructure the IP and MPLS Infrastructure Evolution track will have something to offer you.
Management and Operations
The Management and Operations track is focused on getting more value out of your network by using innovations in network management technology. This track includes exciting developments and in-depth sessions on Cisco LMS, Network Performance Mangement and IP SLA, NetFlow, Configuration Technologies, IOS XR Managability together with sessions that cover security compliance management, video management, and data center operations management.
In depth one day Techtorials will take a deep-dive into topics such as Security Management, Enterprise NMS, Ethernet OAM and Designing for Manageability leveraging the network's device manageability instrumentation features.
Learn from the experts! The speakers in this track include Distinguished Engineers, experts from Cisco TAC, Engineering and Consulting Engineering. These speakers will be available for Meet-the-Engineer sessions throughout the event.
Most sessions assume a basic understanding of Network Management technology. For those new to this technology we suggest either attending the relevant Techtorial or visit the Networkers on-line portal which hosts a number of introductory sessions. Product or specific technology knowledge is not needed, unless specifically stated in the session abstract or prerequisites.
This track is for you if you are responsible for planning, designing, operating or troubleshooting your Network as a technical professional, manager or systems integrator.
Video Technologies
Video Changes Everything! It is changing the Internet, streamlining business processes, increasing collaboration, extending communication, and enhancing learning. As data, voice, and IP video converge, video is emerging as a driving force in business transformation.
Video applications including TelePresence, Digital Media Systems, Physical Security, Unified Communications, and WebEx are shifting the dynamics of traditional business operations. Distance is no longer a barrier, real-time communication is truly instantaneous, and network-integrated security is a reality.
The Media Ready Network is vital in the delivery of Business Video applications. Businesses are adapting their networks in order to support the transformation of their organizations.
IP creates a common network infrastructure which will allow SP a seamless integration between linear and non linear video application.
IPTV introduces new business opportunities for SP allowing the integration of multiple sources (broadcaster, internet) that could be seen from multiple devices (TV Set, PC, Handheld).
The Video track covers all these technologies and related applications for Enterprise and Service Providers attendees.
The former will find sessions about TelePresence, Digital Media Systems, Physical Security, Video Conferencing and the Media Ready Network. The latter will find sessions on Video Architecture, Video Quality, Internet TV and more ... Both groups, enterprise and SP attendees will also find Video technology sessions.
Most sessions assume a basic understanding of video technologies. Although a Video introductory session for Enterprise attendees will be available.
Security
The Security track provides an in-depth exploration of network and application security. Breakout sessions and techtorials focus on issues like advanced IPsec (including DMVPN, GET VPN and PKI) and SSL VPN, network infrastructure protection, campus network security, host security, anti-spam and anti-malware and not forgetting how to use management tools to secure the organization.
The Security track is mainly for enterprise; nevertheless, service providers will also find interesting and relevant content, namely how to protect the network infrastructure (including multicast).
This year, there are several brand new sessions with advanced contents (not for beginners) like industrial control system, advanced encryption standards.
Other security related sessions are also available in other tracks such as Data Centre, Application Optimisation Technologies, Unified Communication Technologies, Network Management.
The attendees are expected to have a basic knowledge of security or attend the security techtorials. For some sessions, understanding networks and applications will also help in getting the most of the sessions.
Please note that there is some overlap between the breakout sessions and the security techtorials (the overlaps are clearly indicated in the techtorial abstracts).
SP NGN Architectures and Technologies
The SP NGN Track is covering all key aspects of Service Provider NGN networks, including services, enabling architectures, technologies and standards, with particular focus on the IP network transformation, on Mobility and Convergence.
From an architectural perspective, the evolution of Core and aggregation networks are covered, with particular attention to IP over DWDM and IP MPLS in the Core, to Carrier Ethernet and RAN transformation in the aggregation. The evolution of the SP Edge is also covered as well as the understanding of service and policy control as the enabler of new services and applications for greater revenue, reduced costs and better differentiation.
In the field of broadband access all the hottest new technologies - Fiber to the Home, Cable, Mobile and Wireless, WiMAX are treated in great detail. Specific sessions are dedicated to Video and Mobile architectures as well as to Next Generation SP Voice scenario's.
On the service's side, the understanding of the way NG Networks can be efficiently controlled and managed to enable current and future services for both residential and business customers is provided, with particular focus on IP VPN evolution and Application Performance Management
These sessions are targeted for Service Provider representatives and System Integrators, responsible for network architecture and evolution, focusing on broadband access and aggregation, on convergence and next gen service architectures, for both residential and business services.
Unified Communications Technologies
The Unified Communications technologies track covers everything from standard voice to integrated presence and collaboration designs, interoperability and related applications like contact centres. This track is known in the US as the voice and video technologies (VVT) track but renamed here as Unified Communications Technologies (UCT) as more and more sessions go beyond voice and video. The main focus is on Enterprise technologies: Service Provider related topics are represented in other tracks.
This track is designed for technical professionals who are responsible for the planning, deployment, maintenance or ongoing development of IP based Unified Communications networks. It will give you an up-to-date overview of what current and future possibilities are, provide you with practical advice and offers a great opportunity to interact with our experts. Amongst others, we will address relevant protocol developments, design best practices (e.g. dialplan, QOS, security), interoperability (IBM, Microsoft, SIP) and updates on recent developments (e.g. fixed mobile convergence, presence, dial plan and Cisco Unified Communications Manager 7.0).
Most sessions assume a basic understanding of unified communication. For those new to these technologies we suggest either attending the relevant Techtorial or visit the Cisco Networkers on-line portal which hosts a number of introductory sessions. Product knowledge is not required, unless specifically stated in the session abstract or prerequisites.
Session Level Descriptions
L1: Introductory. These sessions are intended for the most basic, beginner-level audience. No prerequisites are assumed, and no prior knowledge of the subject matter is expected of the audience for a full understanding of the session content.
L2: Intermediate. These sessions are intended for a technical audience who have some knowledge of the subject matter but who need additional information on the technology, architecture, protocol, design, deployment or troubleshooting details. There is an assumption of prerequisites or recommended sessions for Intermediate level sessions (which are defined in the session detail and listed in the session abstract).
L3: Advanced. These sessions are intended for a very technical audience. The session content is focused on fine detail, therefore a thorough understanding of the intermediate level technical detail on a particular subject is assumed and expected for the audience to gain any benefit from an advanced level session. There is an assumption of prerequisites or recommended sessions for Advanced level sessions (which are defined in the session detail and listed in the session abstract).

