By Benjamin Pimentel

Technology stocks ended up putting in a mixed trading performance Tuesday as Starent Networks shares soared on news that Cisco Systems Inc. would acquire the wireless infrastructure company.

Additionally, investors awaited the quarterly earnings report from semiconductor giant Intel Corp.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (RIXF) edged up less than 1 point to close at 2,139. The Morgan Stanley High Tech 35 Index (MSH) also posted a small gain, but the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) slipped into the red.

The big news of the morning was Cisco's (CSCO) announcement that it was buying Starent Networks (STAR) for $2.9 billion, making it the networking gear maker's second major purchase in three weeks.

Cisco shares rose 11 cents to close at $23.89, while Starent, which makes mobile infrastructure equipment, soared almost 17% to close at $33.91.

Meanwhile, Intel Corp. (INTC), which is on deck to report third-quarter financials after the market closes, rose 9 cents a share to close at $20.49, even as the debate on where the chip industry is headed continued.

"We believe that increasing concerns regarding double ordering and cancellations will trump generally better results and guidance this earnings period," Jefferies & Company analyst Adam Benjamin said in a note.

Bank of America analyst Sumit Dhanda offered a different take, saying in a note, "While the inclination of late seems to be to view any outsized beats with a dose of strong skepticism, and as a precursor to troubles ahead (double ordering that sets the stage for cancellations, for instance), we think concerns here are overdone."

More data expected this week as the tech earning season kicks off should help clarify some of these concerns. Intel's arch-rival, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), reports on Thursday. The chip maker's shares gave up 6 cents to end the day at $6.08.

Meanwhile, other tech giants also declined, including Dell Inc. (DELL), IBM Corp. (IBM), Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ).

Other tech players closing in positive territory included eBay Inc. (EBAY), Research In Motion Inc. (RIMM), Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) and Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN).