Converged data and voice networking solutions provider 3Com has launched its Switch 4500 range in SA, which the company describes as having the potential to become its next "bread and butter" switch.
The product is a stackable local area network switch, designed to address small to medium enterprise (SME) customers` growing need for robust security and support of voice over IP (VOIP) and other convergence applications, explains 3Com network consultant Wolfgang Held.
The 4500 switch range combines standards-based security for user authentication; support for the new TippingPoint X505, an integrated security platform built upon intrusion prevention system technology; and dynamic "plug-and-play" support for multiple vendors` VOIP services, he says.
The 4500 range was designed using open industry standards so customers could avoid restrictions of proprietary features, and is a managed 10/100 switch, which is available in 26- and 50-port models, he says.
The switch includes extensive layer two switching and dynamic layer three routing functionalities, which provide the "intelligence" necessary for business networks, Held says. With models that include cost-effective power over Ethernet, the Switch 4500 is suited to converged networks, and is interoperable in multi-vendor networks, helping a business preserve its existing infrastructure investments.
The 4500 range will also effectively replace two of 3Com`s offerings in the value range - the 4400SE and the 3200, which reach their end-of-life and end-of-sale cycles in March/April.
Based on 3Com`s 5500 switch chipset, which falls into the group`s premium range of switches, the 4500 offers SMEs the performance available to large enterprise customers. Held says the product will allow SME customers to migrate to secure converged networks supporting business-critical applications and services.
Held points out that, while providing scalable connectivity and the enterprise-class management needed to run a network, the switch also supports 802.1X authentication, securing the network from unauthorised intruders and tracking general user access history.
The switch supports device authentication through RADA (Radius authentication of device access) for authentication of devices that don`t support 802.1X.
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