GARRETTCOM INTRODUCES MANAGED HARDENED ETHERNET SWITCHES.

The Magnum mP62 Managed Ethernet Hardened Switch from GarrettCom, Inc., has addressed the growing need for network management in LAN switches controlling applications such as data collection at power utility substations, traffic data collection and control, and other implementations in harsh and temperature uncontrolled environments.

Network management is increasingly important as remote, hostile-environment network applications become mission critical. Unmanned power utility substations and other data gathering and management outposts require remote management functionality to control costs and maintain operations with a minimum of service calls. Remote traffic control systems are expected to run 24x7, so early detection and correction of network glitches is vital.

For high availability network topologies with redundant fiber connections, the Magnum mP62 Switches have a new "Link-Loss-Learn" feature. Fault recovery typically means moving the network traffic from the operating up-link fiber port to a back-up port, and this requires the switch to reset and redirect Ethernet packets. When a Link-Loss (indicating a fault occurrence) is detected by the mP62, it immediately resets its switching address table, providing fast fault recovery through immediate restoration of service on the other fiber port.

The managed mP62 product, is a companion product to the company's popular Magnum P62F Ethernet Hardened Switch. The Magnum P62F is being deployed in applications as diverse as rock quarries in Texas, power utility substations in the Northeast, copper mines in Chile, and traffic control systems in Florida.

"The Magnum P62F is highly effective in extending Ethernet capabilities into our substations. The extreme temperature ratings and sealed units give us the reliability and performance we need, and single-mode fiber supports the distances between substations. The new managed mP62s will give us even better visibility. When we suspect trouble in a remote spot we will be able to get management information about devices attached to the network at that location without a site visit," said Kirk Blair, telecom engineer, Northeast Utilities, Berlin, Conn.

The managed mP62 Hardened Switch supports all industry-standard managed edge switch functions. These include SNMP, QoS, CLI, Telnet, password security, port settings control, Spanning Tree Protocol, VLANs, BootP/DHCP, and GUI network management packages. These software modules allow the mP62 to perform the same LAN management functions as enterprise LAN switches widely used in office workplaces. Access to these packages ensures mP62 customers that the mP62 Switch will be fully compatible with other managed Ethernet products in their network, implementation will be rapid and operation will be dependable.

The rugged Magnum mP62 comes with six 10/100 switched RJ-45 ports and two 100 Mb fiber ports. It is temperature rated for -40 degrees C to +75 degrees C ambient and uses patent-pending thermal technology from GarrettCom to extend temperature range while improving operating lifetime and reliability. With no moving parts (convection cooling eliminates the need for a fan), the unit is highly reliable with an MTBF of more than 10 years. Its sealed case eliminates penetration by such hazards as in sects, particulate matter, or smoke. The new Magnum mP62s are UL2043 fire-tested and plenum-rated, and they comply with power industry specifications such as IEEE P1613 (Draft) Environmental Standard for Electric Power Substations (C37.90).

Measuring only 1.7 x 5.75 x 8.8 inches, and weighing only 3.5 pounds, the mP62 is easily mounted in small outdoor enclosures or huts, and in plenums or ceilings in commercial or industrial buildings. Fiber ports operate at 100Mbps, and may be multi-mode for buildings or campuses, or single-mode to support the distances necessary for distributed industrial facilities such as power utility substations, mining facilities and telecommunications metropolitan area networks.

The mP62 Switch is available with a variety of power sources to support installation power availability. Power sources include AC worldwide power, 125 VDC and 250 VDC which are standards in the power utility industry, -48 VDC, which is a standard in the telecommunications industry, and 24 or 5 VDC which are used in heavy machinery and on factory floors.

Pricing and Delivery

GarrettCom products are marketed through a network of resellers, system integrators, and international distributors. List price for an AC-powered multi-mode Magnum mP62 Ethernet Managed Hardened Switch is $1,300, or $1,900 with single-mode fiber. All products are available to OEMs for private labeling. The products are available for delivery two weeks ARO.

About GarrettCom

GarrettCom, Inc., Fremont, Calif., designs, manufactures, and markets Ethernet LAN products for industrial, traffic control, and telecommunications applications. For more information on GarrettCom and its Magnum line of Ethernet products, visit http://www.garrettcom.com/, GarrettCom is located at 213 Hammond Ave., Fremont, CA 94539

GarrettCom can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.garrettcom.com/.

For more information, call 510/-580-2767.