Ethernet Blade converts copper link to fiber link.
Press Release Summary:
INTELLAPATCH Switches with multi-rate Ethernet functionality enable cable management, failover, and security applications. Blade provides ability to convert incoming copper link to fiber link, and vice versa, and supports Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet over copper simultaneously. INTELLAPATCH switches, outfitted with 10/100/1000 Ethernet blade, provide non-blocking, any-to-any connections in point-to-point and broadcast configurations.
Original Press Release:
Apcon's New 10/100/1000 Ethernet Blade Gives Copper Environments Added Flexibility, Media Conversion
- INTELLAPATCH Switches with Multi-Rate Ethernet Functionality Enable Cable Management, Failover and Security Applications -
Portland, Ore. - February 10, 2003 - APCON, Inc., a leading provider of network solutions and intelligent physical layer switches for Fibre Channel, Ethernet and SONET, today announced the new 10/100/1000 Ethernet blade for its physical layer switch line. The new blade supports Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet over copper simultaneously, providing a flexible, scalable solution for network administrators and system test engineers.
The 10/100/1000 Ethernet blade can be used with APCON's INTELLAPATCH 64 and INTELLAPATCH 144 switches, which are designed to remotely automate network connectivity tasks, such as interoperability lab configuration, cable management and access control. The new blade also provides the ability to convert an incoming copper link to a fiber link, and vice versa, making it an ideal solution for local area network physical Gigabit connections and upgrades.
"We're already seeing a great demand for this multi-rate Ethernet blade," said Richard Rauch, APCON's president and CEO. "For example, 1-Gig products are in various stages of development. Companies need to be sure that their products are compatible with existing systems and other vendors' network elements. Our switch allows them to cut both time and costs from their testing process. The flexibility and media conversion capabilities of this blade also make this a valuable solution for extending CAT5 connections and converting from the copper-based LAN to optical servers and routers."
Increasing Flexibility of Interoperability Test Labs
APCON's layer-1 optical switches are optimal for system integrators and test engineers who need to manage and test copper network configurations based on various data rates. The 10/100/1000 Ethernet blade provides a scalable solution for manufacturers of network components and systems that benefit by automating test processes, such as network reconfiguration and cable pulls, while having the flexibility to switch between data rates without having to manually disconnect cabling.
Cable Management, Failover and Security Applications
APCON's INTELLAPATCH switches outfitted with 10/100/1000 Ethernet blades are a viable alternative for network administrators who are looking to route physical Gigabit Ethernet connections within a local area network, such as to the desk top or within a lab, over their existing or a soon-to-be-upgraded copper infrastructure, before converting to an optical storage core or transmission device. With "wire once technology" built into every INTELLAPATCH switch, network administrators have the ability to manage and re-arrange the physical cabling topology of network closets or wire racks without the manual effort of pulling and patching a single cable.
The layer-1 switches' enhanced Ethernet features also provides a high-availability/failover option for existing copper infrastructures. Additionally, the new Ethernet blade can be used for access control applications, such as isolating portions of networks for debugging or increased security, automating sniffer/analyzer insertion or routing, and remotely connecting/disconnecting network services, devices or segments of the network.
INTELLAPATCH switches with the 10/100/1000 Ethernet blade provide non-blocking, any-to-any connections in point-to-point and broadcast configurations. Cross connects are non-protocol dependent, but data rate specific with fixed RJ-45 connectors for copper.
The APCON 10/100/1000 Ethernet blade is now shipping with prices beginning at $2,395 (USD).
About APCON, Inc.
APCON, Inc. develops high-speed network hardware to improve the flexibility of enterprise-wide networks and interoperability labs, while enabling systems personnel to implement cost effective alternatives to high-priced hardware. APCON products include INTELLAPATCH physical layer switches, switching automation software, fail-over solutions, and SCSI switches, extenders and boosters. APCON customers include Cisco Systems, Dell Computer, IBM, JNI, Lockheed Martin, McData, and QLogic. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, APCON also maintains sales offices in Texas and South Carolina. For more information, please visit APCON online at www.apcon.com.
