HP introduces high-performance, affordable switches for advanced network applications

HP has introduced four new HP ProCurve switches with wire-speed performance, high port density and affordable Gigabit-to-the-desktop capabilities, enabling affordable near-zero wait for information access. The Ethernet switches offer users the high performance necessary to support advanced network applications, including enterprise network security and the convergence of data and voice networks.

The HP ProCurve Switch 2650 and the HP ProCurve Switch 6108 provide high port density and aggregation at the edge of the network, offering an industry-low total cost of ownership. The HP ProCurve Switch 2650 provides low-cost, stackable, 10/100 high port density needed in wiring closets today, while the HP ProCurve Switch 6108 offers affordable Gigabit access tier aggregation. Both switches provide robust security that enables controlled access to the network and customers` information.

Additionally, the HP ProCurve Switch 2724 and the HP ProCurve Switch 2708 offer low-cost, unmanaged, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to the edge of the network for maximised throughput and ease of deployment.

"The installation of the HP ProCurve Switches 2724 and 2708 was smooth and painless - we literally plugged them in and they worked," said Phil Yorde, lead network/microcomputer systems specialist at Sierra College in Rocklin, California. "Since installing the solution, we have also observed a dramatic increase in the performance of our server applications, such as Microsoft Outlook, and look forward to the ability to quickly roll-out and support more advanced applications."

"HP ProCurve customers are demanding cutting-edge networking solutions for the areas of security and convergence," said John McHugh, vice-president and general manager, HP ProCurve Networking Business. "By developing cost-effective, feature-rich network products, like those announced today, HP is able to meet those needs, while still offering industry-low total cost of ownership."

According to Louis Helmbold, HPSA Procurve networking business product manager, the new switches now offer a complete switch portfolio that will enable both gigabit to the desktop as well as layer 3 control to the edge of the network. "The price performance leadership will save the customer some valuable IT rands. It is also important to note that we have cropped our pricing of the reliable 2524 24 port 10/100 switch with 20% increasing our price performance leadership even further."

The HP ProCurve Switch 2650 is a stackable, managed 50-port switch, ideal for campus and remote office connectivity where high port density is critical. The switch includes 48 10/100-TX autosensing ports and two dual-personality ports for 10/100/1000 or mini-GBIC connectivity, providing the highest port density per 1U rack height in the industry. The dual-personality ports enable RJ-45 10/100/1000 or Gigabit SX, LX or LH fibre connectivity to connect at distances up to 70km.

The switch also provides robust security and supports Layer 3 static routes. Layer 3 static routes enable VLAN-to-VLAN communication and ensures efficient throughput between the wiring closet and data centre. Extensive access and management security capabilities include IEEE 802.1x port-based access control with RADIUS network login for secure dynamic access to network services. MAC address lock-down adds further protection by granting switch port access only to authorised users. Management security features include TACACS+ for management user authentication and Secure Shell (SSH).

The HP ProCurve Switch 6108 is a low-cost, high-performance Gigabit aggregator ideal for departmental access aggregation, remote office and campus connectivity. Offering wire-speed Layer 3 static routes, the switch provides a flexible Gigabit solution for 10/100 wiring closet aggregation. This switch features eight ports in a stackable 1U size, including six 10/100/1000 ports and, like the HP ProCurve Switch 2650, offers two dual-personality ports for 10/100/1000 or mini-GBIC connectivity.

When stacked with six 2650 switches, the HP ProCurve Switch 6108 top of stack aggregator can support a departmental aggregation solution for up to 288 users. This switch also provides robust security features, including IEEE 802.1x with RADIUS network login, MAC address lock-down protection, TACACS+ and Secure Shell (SSH).

The HP ProCurve Switches 2724 and 2708 are 24-and 8-port auto-negotiating switches offering low-cost Gigabit-to-the-desktop. These unmanaged switches provide 10/100/1000 plug-and-play connectivity, and are well suited for building low-cost, small to medium-sized networks. The HP ProCurve 2724 and 2708 both include lifetime warranties with next business day advanced replacement and HP phone support.

All switches are available as of 15 November and come with no-charge lifetime software updates and phone support plus a lifetime warranty.

More information about HP ProCurve networking solutions and products is available at http://www.hp.com/go/hpprocurve.