Enterasys Launches Latest Network Switches

Enterasys Networks has announced the K-Series, a new family of edge switches, as well as the A4, a new model of stackable switch. The devices are managed with the Enterasys Network Management Suite.

Siemens Enterprise Communications group purchased Enterasys in July 2008 for $550 million. The devices are intended to help users save both operational and capital expenditures by being easier to run and by providing the same features with a smaller footprint that requires less power to run and to cool. Some models of each device provide Power over Ethernet for supported devices, such as video cameras.

The K Series is in response to requests from users who wanted a lower-cost form factor model of the company's CoreFlow 2 application-specific integrated circuit for use in edge developments, says Raymond Suarez, director of product management for modular switching for Enterasys, based in Andover, Mass. The K10 has a 10-slot chassis that provides up to 216 1GByte edge ports and up to eight 10GByte uplinks, while the K6 has a 6-slot chassis that holds up to 144 1GByte edge ports and four 10GByte uplinks, he says.

40GBytes of switching bandwidth is mapped to each slot. Modules include 24-port devices that offer 10/100/1,000 transfer speeds, including a new version of PoE that provides up to 30 watts of power to supported devices; 24-port 1Gbit small form factor pluggable (SFP); four-port 10Gbit SFP+; and a 24-port mini-RJ21, the company says.

The company also announced the A4 10/100 switch. The A4 10/100 replaces the previous A2 model, which didn't offer support for policy services or routing, says Karl Pieper, director of product management for fixed port switching. He notes, however, that it is an enterprise-class device and is not intended for the small office/home office market because it offers support for more users and virtual local area networks than do switches intended for that market. In addition, the A4 device offers role-based access and security controls, which the company says is the first time that level of capability is available in its A series of stackable switches."Enterasys has kept up a steady drum beat of product updates, and I like their direction," says Paula Musich, senior analyst of enterprise networking and security for Current Analysis, a Sterling, Va., consultancy. "I'd like to see them put some more marketing muscle behind their products and create new branding that reflects the value of the combined Enterasys/Siemens Enterprise."

With respect to the announcements, she says, the timing is good in completing the refresh of the edge switching line, which is clearly focused on enterprises, rather than SMBs. "It was their great fortune to inherit the HiPath WLAN product family, and they've added great value in the aggressive lifetime warranty they've added to the controllers," Musich says.

The Enterasys A4 model starts at $699, with a 48-port model with PoE available for $2,500. The Enterasys K-Series starts at $26,685. Each is expected to be generally available in June.

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