Alcatel Releases Switch Family For Gigabit/10 Gigabit Converged Networks

Alcatel today announced a family of 1U-high, layer-three Gigabit switches with 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks, designed to help networks make the transition to Gigabit Ethernet at the desktop.

Alcatel says The switches are designed to help build a future-proof infrastructure for convergence with a cost-effective workgroup switch that supports converged networks and has upgrade flexibility for when data levels rise.

The OmniSwitch 6800 family includes two models with a capacity of 384 users per stack, Gigabit and 10-Gigabit Ethernet uplink flexibility, Alcatel operating system support for network intelligence and support for Alcatel's comprehensive CrystalSec data security services. A third model offers all fiber links for workgroup aggregation and core networking applications.

The switches support Alcatel's dynamic VLANs, Host Integrity Check and Automated Quarantine Engine data security features that identify and isolate viruses and network attacks.

The switches are available now. Pricing for the OmniSwitch 6800 ranges from $4,495 for the OmniSwitch 6800-U24 fiber-optic switch to $7,495 for the 48-port OmniSwitch 6800-48. The two-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet module will be available in February with a list price of $4,995.