Cisco Cisco Application Extension Platform for SRE

The Cisco Integrated Services Router (Cisco ISR) is an integrated system within a single chassis. The 
Cisco ISR ties together and runs multiple value-added services such as voice, layer 2 switching, security 
and application acceleration. In addition, integrated services can be hosted within Cisco OS software or 
decoupled and hosted on modular application service modules.

The Cisco ISR allows for blade hardware plug-in network modules. These application service modules 
enhance the functionality, intelligence and flexibility of the router. The Cisco Application eXtension 
Platform (Cisco AXP) provides the tools required by third party developers to integrate their 
applications on Cisco ISRs. 

Cisco AXP allows third parties such as system integrators, managed service providers, and large 
enterprise customers to extend the functionality of Cisco ISRs by providing their own value-added 
integrated services. On the application service module, Cisco AXP hosts applications in a separate 
runtime environment with dedicated resources. In addition, Cisco AXP provides Application 
Programming Interfaces (APIs) so that functions such as packet analysis, event notification, and network 
management can be utilized by hosted applications.

Cisco AXP consists of the facilities and frameworks to host applications, and service APIs for 
integrating applications into the network.

Cisco AXP provides the following features:

Ability to modify the Cisco IOS software configuration and obtain the status of Cisco IOS software 
features via the provided API.

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 application vendor if the vendor uses additional support libraries and interpreters.

Integration of virtual devices. 

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

Predictable and constant set of application resources. 

These resources (including CPU, memory, and disk) 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, this incident does not affect the router or other applications, because of the 
installed application being placed in its own virtual instance.

Protection against running unauthorized software.

Only Cisco certified parties can install software on Cisco AXP.

Robust debugging and troubleshooting facilities.