3Com SA has introduced the IntelliJack Switch NJ225, the latest in its line of "in-the-wall" four-port Ethernet switches. Building on 3Com`s recent pervasive network security strategy initiatives, the company has added advanced security to these compact devices that convert a single port wall outlet into four switched Ethernet ports without the need to run new cable to the edge of the network.
The new NJ225 model is a managed switch with standards-based security and intelligent management for better network access control, ideal for converged networks running Internet Protocol (IP) telephony. It features port-based network access control based on the IEEE 802.1X network login standard, helping ensure that only authorised users can gain access to network resources.
"When your offices are, for example, situated in an older building it makes it very difficult and costly to lay new cables to accommodate new users," comments Chris van Niekerk, country manager of 3Com SA.
"Our new IntelliJack unit mitigates this problem as it fits discretely in a wall and quadruples the number of network edge connections while providing the advanced security and management functionality required for today`s converged networks. Also, users can prepare their infrastructures for new applications like IP telephony and video conferencing without incurring the cost of pulling new cables."
Companies can also automatically assign users to particular virtual local area networks (VLANs) based on their login profile to further enhance the network security. In, for example, academic environments this capability - known as Auto-VLAN - is often used to keep students and visitors separate from administration and faculty resources on the network.
The IntelliJack NJ225 adds real value to 3Com`s networked telephony service as it enables the company to control the level of power it provides to the phones over the LAN.
The NJ225 model has four 10/100 switched Ethernet ports available for user connections and one 10/100 uplink. To accommodate locations with fibre cabling used for desktop connections, 3Com has also introduced two IntelliJack models with a fibre 100BASE-FX uplink connection. These IntelliJack Switch NJ225 FX models accommodate ST- and SC-class fibre connectors for their uplink but have 10/100 Ethernet ports for user connectivity.
Key features and benefits
The 3Com IntelliJack Switch NJ225 and NJ225 FX models give IT managers enhanced ability to control access to the network, including greater access from remote locations and user-configured VLAN IDs for management packets. Its key features include:
* Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)-compliant management for centralised port-level control and device monitoring;
* Advanced security including 802.1X port-based network access, Auto VLAN functionality, MAC Address filtering, 802.1Q VLANS, 802.1p traffic prioritisation, and system alerts;
* Advanced switching features that enhance control to the individual connection. For example, a port-based rate limiting which allows control of speed and type of data traffic or an intuitive calendaring feature that allows prescheduled off-hour control and repurposing of individual or groups of 3Com IntelliJacks;
* Location mapping management application to better locate devices on the network;
* A pass-through port can be added to provide an additional non-switched connection for phones or additional local area networks (LAN) port (only available in NJ225);
* Power over Ethernet (PoE) (IEEE 802.3af compliant or Cisco proprietary pre-standard) can be used to power the NJ225 model to help lower deployment costs and the risk of power interruptions;
* Power forwarding on Port #4 to forward PoE to another device, ideal for IP telephony deployments; and
* Local power supply supports a local area network without PoE capabilities.
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