3COM has released an "in-the-wall" four-port managed Ethernet switch that it claims combines the security of fiber with converged networking to bring data, voice and video to the desktop at less cost than installing individual fiber connections.
The 3COM IntelliJack Switch NJ240FX is a managed four-port switch that accommodates a standard two-strand fiber cable uplink and utilizes switching technology to expand the number of connections to four 10/100 Ethernet copper ports at the end-user's location.
It provides IPv6 support and SNMPv3 for secure management of the device. Additional secure management features include port-based network access control based on the IEEE 802.1X network login standard and IEEE 802.1Q Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) support. A "location mapping" feature helps a central manager pinpoint the physical location of a port for faster network troubleshooting
The 3Com IntelliJack Switch NJ240FX is expected to be available in the U.S., Canada and Mexico in March and has a list price of $379 U.S.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
Maintaining existing network infrastructures often incurs huge technical debt before newer technologies are adopted over time.
Amid ongoing regional uncertainties, telecom infrastructure in the Middle East has expand to include terrestrial low-latency network infrastructure, which offers resilience and agility in navigating political complexities without relying solely on undersea networks.
