Physical Layer Switch provides interoperability.
Press Release Summary:
IntellaPatch FC32 is a 2 Gigabit Fibre Channel layer 1 switch that automates electronic cable pull simulation. It comes with 32 ports that use small form-factor pluggable transceivers. Users can store up to 16 frequently used configurations in non-volatile memory. Switch connects to Ethernet network, allowing users to remotely control up to 32 independent physical layer switches from single network connection.
Original Press Release:
APCON Releases Physical Layer Switch for Interoperability
The IntellaPatch FC32 switch automates electronic cable pull
simulation, while optimizing remote test lab device configuration
PORTLAND, OR - April 30, 2002 - APCON, Inc., a leading provider of high-speed network hardware for enterprise-wide applications and interoperability labs, today announced the release of the IntellaPatch FC32 Physical Layer Switch for interoperability. The IntellaPatch FC32 is a 2 Gigabit Fibre Channel layer 1 switch designed to improve the flexibility of lab testing within research and development environments. The IntellaPatch FC32 enables test engineers, quality assurance engineers, and other systems personnel to automate cable pulls in a controlled environment, which eliminates time consuming, and potentially inaccurate, manual labor.
IntellaPatch FC32 switches provide optimal flexibility and
expandability. The FC32 comes standard with 32 ports that use SFP
(Small Form-Factor Pluggable) transceivers. Customers can install their choice of multi- or single-mode fiber optic, or copper media transceivers on an add-as-you-grow basis. By supporting the Fibre Channel protocol, FC32 users can experience data rates up to 2 Gigabits per second, which is in demand for interoperability and test environments.
"Time to market is an important measurement for success," says Richard Rauch, APCON president and CEO. "Customers using an IntellaPatch switch will see a reduction in their test and reconfiguration times, which will speed up time to market and ultimately help them outpace their competition."
The process required for compatibility and production testing makes the IntellaPatch FC32 ideal for interoperability and R&D environments. Lab tests generally require multiple fiber optic or copper connections be made repeatedly via manual patching.
IntellaPatch switches eliminate manual patching and ensure
repeatability by electronically automating the switching process. Users can store up to 16 frequently used configurations that can be saved in non-volatile memory and recalled for later use. IntellaPatch switches simulate "real world" use, taking into account that lab environment configurations may require testing between various servers, storage systems, peripherals, and operating systems. Reconfiguring these environments can be executed within seconds using APCON's control software.
IntellaPatch FC32 switches easily connect to an Ethernet network,
allowing users to remotely control up to 32 independent physical layer switches from a single network connection. The IntellaPatch FC32 switch includes a standard Ethernet LAN port connection for remote management and monitoring. Through the use of TCP/IP, systems personnel can control the FC32 from any workstation on the network.
Analyzer insertion is another application for the IntellaPatch FC32. By combining an analyzer with an IntellaPatch switch, engineers can eliminate the excessive cost of many fiber optic taps and analyzers that are scattered across a network. For example, by adding a single 32-port IntellaPatch unit to their network infrastructure, the user can electronically switch between 15 network segments from their desktop without interrupting normal data traffic. The data is effortlessly tapped off and sent to the analyzer for further analysis.
The APCON IntellaPatch FC32 Physical Layer Switch is now shipping with prices beginning at $6,595 (USD).
About APCON, Inc.
APCON, Inc. develops high-speed network hardware to electronically automate interoperability testing setup and enterprise-wide network applications, while enabling systems personnel to implement cost effective alternatives to high-priced hardware. APCON products include IntellaPatch physical layer switches, switching automation software, failover solutions, and SCSI switches, extenders and boosters. APCON
customers include Brocade, Cisco Systems, Dell Computer, IBM, JNI, Lockheed Martin, McData, and QLogic. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, APCON also maintains sales offices in New York and South Carolina. For more information, please visit APCON online at www.apcon.com.
