Cisco Buys Motorola High-Speed MicroprocessorCisco Buys Motorola High-Speed Microprocessor

Cisco Systems is buying Motorola Inc.'s fastest microprocessor for use in new routers. The move is part of an effort by Cisco to strengthen its virtual private networking and security services, both of which depend on brawny routers.

Increasing Internet traffic on both internal and external networks is furthering the need for more robust microprocessors and high-speed routers. Cisco says Motorola's PowerPC 7450 will be used to build scalable products for its large corporate and service-provider customers. Cisco and Motorola are developing a fourth-generation multiple processor chip set for even higher performance and scalability, a Motorola spokesman says.

Motorola's fastest chip, the PowerPC 7450, runs at a maximum of 867 MHz and is priced at $435 each in quantities of 1,000.