New intelligence inside the latest Cisco gear will bring it all together, from video-ready Internet phones to security-hardened switches and a speedy new router that can, in a single second, move 11 trillion bytes of data, or roughly 11 million novels.

FORBES: What Makes Cisco Run

Early work is now under way on software for wireless security and for making optical switches smarter and faster.

FORBES: Mr. and Mrs. Network

The trick is in writing complicated software that directs the hardware to instantly handle the needs of different databases, console switches, networks or security.

FORBES: Magazine Article

One man combined WeMo switches and motion detectors into a home security system.

FORBES: IFTTT: San Francisco Startup Lets Anyone Control The Internet of Things

Behind security and a roaring air conditioner, 150 computer network switches go through their mock paces with thousands of computers: Each switch moves 2.5 trillion bits a second.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Network World adds that the switches will include new features for energy management, video and security.

FORBES: Cisco Revving Up New Network Switches

Up to 40% of Cisco's switches and routers now come with built-in computing and security functions, she said, up from zero two years ago.

FORBES: Cisco Tightens The Net