Application Virtual Switch Retirement: Why It’s Time to Upgrade to Virtual Edge

For years, the Cisco Application Virtual Switch (AVS) has been the foundation of enterprise data centre virtualisation. AVS was deployed in thousands of enterprises worldwide to deliver a unified networking policy layer at the hypervisor level, enabling security and operations teams to manage virtual workloads with the same instrumentation they use for the physical infrastructure. But times change, and technology evolves.

With the release of the end-of-life (EOL) schedule for the Cisco Application Virtual Switch (AVS), enterprises now face a critical decision. The question is no longer whether you should migrate, but when and to what solution. This blog breaks down everything you need to know: what Cisco Application Virtual Switch is, why it is being retired, and why Virtual Edge represents the best path forward.

Understanding Application Virtual Switch (AVS)

An Application Virtual Switch operates as a network switch in a virtualized environment, and administrators typically deploy it within hypervisors such as VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V. In particular, Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) combines with the Application Virtual Switch (AVS) to deliver networking and security services to virtual machines (VMs) in a data center. AVS essentially connects VMs to the physical network, ensuring smooth communication, security, and the enforcement of traffic management policies.

Over the years, the Cisco Application Virtual Switch has been an indispensable device in virtual networking in the business world, and it offers the following features:

• Traffic isolation and segmentation for virtual machines.
• Integration with Cisco ACI to bring centralized policy management into the virtual environment.
• High availability and redundancy for virtualized network services.

But with the evolution of cloud computing, hybrid environments, and software-defined networking (SDN), it is clear that AVS has its limits. 

The Evolution of Cisco’s Application Virtual Switch

Cisco’s AVS has evolved with the growing demand for network virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN). Cisco uses the Cisco Application Virtual Switch (AVS) together with Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) to deliver networking and security services to virtual machines (VMs) in a data center. AVS is basically a VM that connects to the physical network, enabling smooth communication and allowing you to apply security and traffic management policies.

Moreover, Cisco has added capabilities such as deeper security integration, granular traffic policies, and support for hybrid environments to fortify AVS in recent years. However, as the cloud-native, multi-cloud methodology continues to gain momentum, newer technologies such as Virtual Edge are superseding AVS.

Despite these improvements, Cisco also disclosed that Virtual Edge support will end with the release of ACI 6.0 on August 30, 2026. This signifies the end of both AVS and Virtual Edge and indicates that Cisco is moving away from those two legacy solutions in favour of more contemporary, agile offerings better suited to today’s distributed, cloud-centric infrastructures.

Why It’s Time to Retire the Old Application Virtual Switches

The increasing complexity of today’s networks has revealed the limitations of AVS, including challenges with scaling, security, and support for cloud-first models. As organizations begin to implement more sophisticated networking paradigms, AVS is no longer sufficient for today’s data centers. In contrast, Virtual Edge is entirely virtualized and software-defined, enabling greater scalability, security, and cloud-native capabilities.

 Key benefits include:

• Scalability: Virtual Edge is easy to scale across multiple sites and can be used in large and complicated environments.
• Improved Security: Zero-trust architecture support, micro-segmentation, and enhanced threat detection.
• Cloud-Native Support: Ideal when it comes to hybrid cloud and cloud native systems.
• Facilities in Management: Easy management due to centralized maintenance, so as to enable deployment and management.

Virtual Edge provides enterprises with the flexibility, performance, and security to run next-gen applications and workloads, making it the best choice to replace traditional AVS in evolving networking environments.

Application of Virtual Circuit Switching in Modern Networks

Virtual circuit switching plays a significant role in managing communications among nodes in a network virtualisation system. Unlike circuit-switching, which creates physical paths, virtual circuits create logical paths and avoid congestion, improving application and data performance.

Virtual circuit switching is applied in several areas of modern networking:

• Cloud networking: Cloud-based systems use virtual circuits to provide reliable, high-performance data networking within the cloud environment, which is critical to the cloud platform.
• SD-WAN: Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) technologies use virtual circuit switching to improve traffic flow between remote locations and data centers.
• Virtualized Data Centers: VM-to-VM communications in virtualized data centers. Virtual circuits allow applications to run between virtual machines without physical connections.

By combining virtual circuit switching with Virtual Edge, companies can achieve dramatic increases in network efficiency, application performance, and traffic management.

What is the Best Application Virtual Switch for Enterprises in 2026

When choosing the best application virtual switch for enterprise 2026, there are several features to consider, including scalability, security, and performance, as well as how well the app virtual switch integrates with other enterprise tools. Although there are many virtual switches, Cisco’s AVS is the best for enterprises, with the tightest integration with Cisco ACI and the widest feature set.

Other contenders in the market include:

• Brocade Virtual ADX Application Delivery Switch: The Brocade Virtual ADX is the best application virtual switch for enterprises in 2026. It boasts excellent application delivery and can be a sound option for application-centric enterprises.
• Nexus 1000V Application Virtual Switch: As part of the larger Cisco offering, the Nexus 1000v is an enabler for the virtualized infrastructure, providing the virtual switch with power andextensibility

Here’s a comparison of the best enterprise options for 2026:

Feature	Cisco AVS	Brocade Virtual ADX	Nexus 1000V
Application Delivery	Yes (integrated with ACI)	Yes (advanced traffic management)	Yes (optimized for virtualized apps)
Security	Micro-segmentation, Policy-based	Firewalling, VPN, DDoS protection	Policy enforcement, segmentation
Cloud Readiness	Hybrid cloud integration	Multi-cloud environments supported	Cloud integration support
Hypervisor Support	VMware, Hyper-V, others	Hyper-V, VMware,	VMware
High Availability	Yes (automated failover)	Yes (fault-tolerant)	Yes (redundant configurations)
Cost (2026)	Subscription-based pricing	Premium (enterprise-grade pricing)	Licensing-based pricing

Each of these AVS options has its own pros and cons. For example, Cisco AVS works well for enterprises deeply invested in Cisco ACI but lacks scalability across large, distributed networks. Brocade Virtual ADX is among the best virtual switches for enterprise applications in 2026. It suits organizations focused on application delivery and traffic management, but it may offer fewer integration options than Cisco.

Application Virtual Switch (AVS) Installation Guide

For organizations that continue to use Cisco Application Virtual Switch, it is critical to understand how to configure and deploy it.

Here’s how to install and configure the application virtual switch AVS:

1. Download and Install: First, download the appropriate version to your environment to begin installing Cisco Application Virtual Switch. AVS installation guides and links are found on the Cisco official site.
   • Go to the Cisco Application Virtual Switch Downloads page.
   • Select the right Cisco AVS version for your Operating System and Cisco ACI fabric configuration.
2. Configuration: After installation is complete, configure AVS by following the Cisco Application Virtual Switch configuration guide. This includes creating the required VLANs, integrating the virtual switch with the ACI fabric, and configuring the interfaces.
   • Verify that your sco application virtual switch in an aci fabric is properly mapped.
   • Make sure the virtual switch is linked to the physical switches below to route traffic as well.
3. Testing: After you’ve configured it, you can run diagnostics to check the connectivity and performance of the Cisco Application Virtual Switch. Run the Cisco diagnostic tools to troubleshoot potential configuration issues.
4. Ongoing Management: Periodically monitor the AVS performance using Cisco management tools and read the Cisco Application Virtual Switch release notes for potential version-specific fixes or enhancements.

For step-by-step instructions, check out the Cisco Application Virtual Switch Installation Guide and Configuration Guide. They offer comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for implementing AVS in an ACI environment.

Why Cisco AVS Is the Best Application Virtual Switch for Enterprise Security 2026

Cisco AVS integrates with Cisco ACI to deliver robust security, protecting both physical and virtual environments. The Cisco AVS will facilitate microsegmentation and network isolation, two key security features in a multi-tenant setup.

• Micro-segmentation: Cisco AVS leverages ACI’s micro-segmentation capabilities to isolate application workloads at a granular level, reducing the attack surface. Each application or VM has its own security policy, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.
• Policy-based Security: AVS would enable enterprises to implement network policies determined by application requirements, thereby aligning security policies with business demands. This simplifies network security management.
• Traffic Encryption: Cisco AVS will encrypt data in transit, adding an extra layer of protection to sensitive data as it travels across the network.
• Zero-Trust Architecture: Cisco AVS is a key to implementing the principles of zero-trust security, in which every network request is verified and approved, and access to resources is granted.

For enterprises prioritizing security in 2026, Cisco AVS is one of the best options due to its combination of scalability, policy enforcement, and security capabilities.

How to Transition from AVS to Virtual Edge

Migration of old AVS solutions to newer Virtual Edge technologies does not have to be challenging. Here are some steps to help enterprises through this process easily:

• Review Existing Network Advantages. Evaluate the performance, scalability, and security requirements of your current network before migration. Identify gaps in the AVS and outline your future organizational requirements, particularly regarding cloud adoption and security upgrades.
• Choose a Virtual Edge Solution. Select a Virtual Edge solution that fits your organization. Choose sites that integrate easily into your current infrastructure, provide strong security, and support cloud-native architecture.
• Plan the Migration. Collaborate with your IT department to design the migration process, including identifying potential risks and developing a schedule. Communicating with stakeholders to facilitate a smooth execution is also important.
• Implement and Monitor. Closely measure performance after implementing the Virtual Edge solution to ensure a smooth transition. To check important measurements, use network monitoring tools to monitor throughput, latency, and security events.
• Optimize and Scale. Once you complete the migration, focus on optimizing network performance. Use the scalability capabilities of your new Virtual Edge platform to expand your network when required.

In this way, companies will be able to easily and clearly transfer the AVS to the Virtual Edge, increasing scalability, security, and cloud-native capabilities, and minimizing disruption.

Pricing and Licensing: What to Expect in 2026

As with most Cisco solutions, the Virtual Edge and Cisco application virtual switch price depends on several factors:

• Per Node or Capacity-Based Licensing: Typically, licensing is based on the number of devices or workloads the switch manages.
• Feature-Based Licensing: Higher tiers offer additional features, such as enhanced security and SDN integration.
• Support & Maintenance: Cisco’s SMARTnet support is typically offered at an additional cost for ongoing updates and troubleshooting.

Cisco has never published standalone pricing for AVS. Licensing was bundled within Cisco ACI fabric contracts. For accurate pricing based on your deployment size and requirements, contact your Cisco account team or an authorized reseller for a customized quote.

Cisco Application Virtual Switch Release Notes

The Cisco Application Virtual Switch (AVS) is continually evolving with new capabilities, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. As of 26 February 2026, the release notes primarily cover ACI improvements and bug fixes, and developers have not announced any new AVS-specific enhancements since 2019.  Users still relying on AVS must refer to ACI updates for support.

Key features in the latest ACI release (6.2(1), January 12, 2026) include:

• New Features: AI-powered network insights, improved management.
• Fixes: Security fixes and additional compatibility fixes for upgrades or downgrades.

You can find the release notes for Cisco AVS and ACI on Cisco’s official website under the support or download sections.

Conclusion

As enterprises transform their infrastructure and drive growth, Virtual Edge solutions are poised to dominate the next generation of networking. More agile, secure, and scalable solutions are replacing traditional Application Virtual Switches (AVS), such as the one provided by Cisco, even though they remain reliable in many cases. The transition to Virtual Edge enables enterprises to enhance performance, cut costs, and better secure their networks in a hybrid world.

Embracing these next-gen technologies will position companies to meet tomorrow’s needs, ensuring a smooth and effective network infrastructure for enterprise applications. With cutting-edge capabilities and enterprise-grade security, Virtual Edge is certainly the future of Virtual Edge.

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