Blade rolls out RackSwitch G8052

Blade Network Technology has rolled out the RackSwitch G8052, an addition to its switch line-up, according to the Register.

Blade, the server networking spinout of the former Nortel Networks, got its start making switches for blade servers from IBM and Hewlett-Packard, and it has been expanding into rack switches because not everyone will pay a premium for blade servers.

The G8052 is a fixed port switch that has 48 gigabit Ethernet ports and four 10 gigabit Ethernet SPF+ ports which work at layers two and three of the TCP/IP stack.

BT Global Services has won a five-year contract from department store chain Debenhams to upgrade its network infrastructure, notes Computing.

The new network - which will connect 159 stores, distribution centres and data centres - will also deliver a 16-fold increase in performance, according to BT.

A spokesman for BT declined to give an exact figure for the deal, but the deal was speculated to be in the region of "tens of millions".

Network equipment vendor ZTE unveiled its element management system NetNumen U31, which can manage both fixed and mobile network equipments in a centralised manner, writes Cyber Media.

NetNumen U31 system can integrate several platforms, including 2/3/4G RAN, MSAN and xPON, datacom, microwave, optical transmission, CS/PS/IMS CN, VAS, and IT devices.

The company claims that the NetNumen U31 adheres to 'anyone, anytime, any terminal, and anywhere', which it calls its AAAA requirements.