Cisco Systems, Inc. is a multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California. Founded in December 1984 by Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner, who were both working at Stanford University, Cisco developed the first router capable of supporting multiple network protocols. This innovation helped Cisco become a major player in the networking industry.

Cisco is primarily known for its networking equipment, including routers, switches, and other devices that facilitate data communication.

It specializes in networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, and other high-technology services and products. Cisco is a leading player in the fields of networking, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing.

Cisco operates in more than 165 countries and serves a diverse range of industries including enterprise, government, and service providers.