Switch to the next level with Tarsus, HP

With the unprecedented amount of information being transferred through corporate networks, careful consideration needs to be given to bandwidth and security. HP`s Procurve switch 5300xl series, available from Tarsus Technologies, the value-add distribution arm of MB Technologies, successfully accommodates these demands, combining Layer-2, Layer-3 and Layer-4 functionality.

"The Procurve 5300xl series offers scalable, wire-speed switching in compact, four- or eight-slot modular form factors," says ESG manager at Tarsus Technologies, Greg Pothitos. "The switches are easy to use and feature the latest in technology offerings. These convergence-ready switches provide flexibility, high port density, free software upgrades and a lifetime warranty."

Prolific use of the Internet and demanding applications have led to an increase in the amount of data being transferred across networks, forcing companies to increase their bandwidth accordingly and even change their traditional transfer patterns. Remote access to the networks also poses new security threats.

Virtual local area networks (VLANs) provide a solution to this situation. The VLANs are separated from one another electronically, but can be active on the same switch with data transferred from one VLAN to another through the use of Layer-3 switches, which integrate both switching and routing technologies into a single device.

The New HP`s Procurve switch 5300xl series has the capacity to avoid both overload and the risk of lost packages. For increased security, the HP Procurve switch 5300xl series supports the IEEE 802.11 standard and this prevents unauthorised users from connecting to the network.

"The Procurve switch 5300xl is ideal as part of the core networking in large corporates where multiple users or even buildings need to be connected to a main switch. The series includes various models, all offering increased productivity with wire-speed data exchange (48 mpps for the 5372xl and 5308xl or 24 mpps for the 5348xl and 5304xl) due to a non-blocking architecture. Future expandability is catered for as the modular chassis can be filled to meet growing network requirements," Pothitos concludes.