Ethernet Switches: Improving Network Efficiency
Cisco Ethernet switches securely deliver Layer 2 and 3 connectivity for voice, video, and data networking. The offerings include:
- Modular and stackable models
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches in a variety of port densities
- 10/100 and 10/100/1000 access ports
- 1 GbE and 10 GbE uplink capabilities
Ethernet switches provide desktop bandwidth, and expand use of real time communication and collaboration applications—easily.
Ethernet Switches Deployment Considerations
Security: Integration of security into the network infrastructure provides improved worm and virus protection. Ethernet switches with integrated security are a point of defense and not only help prevent external attacks, but protect the network against “man-in-the-middle” attacks, a primary concern in today’s business environment.
Manageability: Ethernet switches support management tools that simplify the configuration, administration, monitoring and troubleshooting of networks. These tools improve the accuracy and efficiency of your operations staff, while increasing the overall availability of your network.
Gigabit to the Desktop: Today, PCs and laptops are shipped with gigabit Ethernet connectivity. As businesses implement applications like voice over IP (VoIP), desktop video, multimedia and voice and web conferencing to increase communication and collaboration, new demands are being made on the network. As a result, the bandwidth needs are continually growing. Implementing gigabit to the desktop is easy, as gigabit Ethernet runs effectively on virtually all existing CAT-5 cabling and there is no rewiring. All these factors are fueling the growth for gigabit to the desktop.
10 Gigabit Technology: With the increased adoption of gigabit to the desktop and the need to provide more available bandwidth for collaborative applications, businesses are turning to 10 gigabit Ethernet for uplinks connections to be maintain a quality experience for the user. This increase provides bandwidth for today’s applications and provides room to grow for future applications.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) Technology: IP devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, surveillance cameras and card readers can be directly connected to the LAN switches using an Ethernet cable. Power over Ethernet technology allows these devices to be powered by Ethernet switches with data and power using the same physical cable.
Redundant Power: With the use of network Ethernet switches for mission critical applications such as IP telephony, web-based business, and enterprise resource planning (ERP), it is important that the network stays up and requires the use of redundant power support for the Ethernet switches.
Scalability: Regardless of stackable or modular design, the switch should enable scaling allowing the network to grow as the business grows. The Ethernet switches should be able to also support full 15.4W PoE connectivity on all the ports and enable the network to grow as the business expands.
