Microsoft has integrated Cisco Silicon One P200 routing chips into its network infrastructure. The processor, unveiled on October 8, 2025, is designed to manage high-volume data transfers between data centers for AI training and inference workloads.
The P200 features a deep-buffer architecture to prevent packet loss during traffic spikes. According to Cisco, one P200 chip replaces 92 earlier-generation processors. The new system consumes 65% less power than the previous 8804 model while maintaining identical routing capacity.
The chip supports full-duplex traffic at 51.2 Tbps. Cisco is promoting the P200 for scale-across architectures, which could theoretically reach 3 exabits per second in multi-layer configurations. Deployment is currently underway for major cloud providers, including Microsoft Azure and Alibaba.
The P200 currently supports the open-source network operating system SONiC. Cisco plans to add support for its proprietary IOS XR software in the future. Microsoft utilizes the Silicon One architecture across its data center networking, wide area networking, and AI applications.
