Make the switch: traffic across a LAN is directed by a network switch, which enables computers to communicate and share resources. This month, Communications News looks at a representative sampling of the latest switches from leading vendors.

3Com

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The 3Com Baseline Switch 2900 Plus series delivers voice-ready Layer 2 enterprise-class gigabit switching with advanced features for network control and security. Key benefits include: out-of-the-box operation for organizations with limited or no IT support; auto-voice VLAN to automatically detect and connect any standards-based Internet protocol phone; QoS prioritization, so voice calls always have sufficient bandwidth to ensure clarity; and Gigabit Ethernet performance for high-bandwidth applications, such as video, IP security, ERP and CRM. The rack-mountable switches are available in 16-, 24- and 48-port models. Each switch also has four dual-purpose ports configurable as SFPbased fiber or standard copper to connect to high-performance computers, servers or network backbones.

Extreme Networks

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Summit X450 series switches from Extreme Networks provide a high-bandwidth, nonblocking architecture with fiber or tri-speed copper gigabit ports for demanding edge applications. With high-density gigabit plus optional 10-Gigabit Ethernet in a 1RU format, X450 switches support a full range of Layer 2 to Layer 4 features on every port. Summit X450 switches are available in two versions: fiber, to support flexible and convenient modular optics, and copper, suitable for local data distribution. The switches deliver advanced routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP and multicast), quality of service, Ethernet automatic protection switching resiliency protocol, and security features, such as threat detection and response instrumentation.

Korenix

The Korenix Technology JetNet 4510 industrial managed Ethernet switch is housed in a rugged aluminum alloy material and equipped with seven 10/100TX ports and three 10/100 RJ-45/100FX SFP combo ports. Included software supports full Layer 2 management features, ring redundancy, network control, and security and alert features. The switch offers support for an RS-232 console for out-of-band management. The combo port design can be expanded from 10 ports pure 10/100-Mbps copper to seven ports 10/1000-Mbps copper plus three fiber ports with multimode or singlemode transceiver in random.

SMC Networks

The TigerSwitch family of high-density gigabit clustering managed switches from SMC Networks includes the TigerSwitch 10/100/1000 standalone 24-, 26- and 50-port switches-all with combo ports for fiber uplink--with built-in IP clustering that supports up to 32 switches as a single managed system. All three support application filtering and per port bandwidth management with MAC-based security. The switches utilize a single-chip architecture to ensure wire-speed delivery of data packets, while maintaining security through the use of SSL, SSH and other security measures.

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Juniper Networks

Juniper Networks' EX 3200 series switches are fixed-configuration Ethernet platforms offering a cost-effective, standalone solution for low-density deployments. The 24- and 48-port EX 3200 switches offer plug-and-play 10/100/1000BASE-T connectivity, as well as full and partial PoE options. Optional four-port GbE and two-port 10GbE uplink modules with pluggable optics are also available for supporting high-speed connections to other switches or upstream devices such as routers. Power supply and fan trays are field-replaceable.

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Cisco Systems

Cisco's IEEE 802.3af-compliant Catalyst 2960 series fixed-configuration standalone switches with PoE provide desktop 10/100 Fast Ethernet and 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity in 8-, 24- and 48-port configurations for entry-level enterprise and small branch office networks. The 2960-24PC-L can support 24 full-powered PoE ports at 15.4 watts. The 2960-24LT-L has 24 10/100 Mbps ports with eight full-powered PoE ports at 15.4 watts. The 2960-8TT-L has eight 10/100 ports with one 10/100/1000 PoE input port. These switches include comprehensive Layer 2 LAN features, intelligent QoS, network-management features and security protection, including network admission control.

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HP

The ProCurve Switch 2610 series from H P consists of five switches; the 2610-24 and 2610-48 provide 24 and 48 ports of 10/100 connectivity. The 2610-24 is fanless, ensuring quiet operation when deployed in open spaces. The 2610-24/12PWR, 2610-24-PWR and 2610-48-PWR are IEEE 802.3 at-compliant for power over Ethernet (POE) and provide up to 15.4 W for 12, 24 and 48 ports. The 2610-24/12PWR has 24 10/100 ports and provides 12 ports of PoE. All switches include two 10/100/1000BASE-T ports and two mini-GBIC slots for gigabit uplink connectivity.

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Advantech

Designed for harsh industrial applications, the Advantech EKI-7626C 18-port gigabit-capable unmanaged industrial Ethernet switch is equipped with 16 10/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet ports and two 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports. With dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, the EKI-7626C is used for bandwidth-intensive applications and those requiring the flexibility to accommodate long-distance and noise-immune fiber-optic connections. Packaged in a rugged metal DIN-railmount chassis to withstand shock and vibration, the switch includes dual 12-48 VDC power inputs, 4,000 VDC Ethernet ESD protection and power line surge protection of 3,000 VDC. Each Ethernet port is equipped with LED indicators that provide transmission speed, link and activity status to aid in diagnosing issues with cables and attached devices.

For more information from:

3Com:                      HP:
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Advantech:                 Juniper Networks:
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Cisco Systems:             Korenix:
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Extreme Networks:          SMC Networks:
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