HP Debuts Layer 3, 4 Switches

Hewlett-Packard

The new modular switches provide Layer 3 and 4 functionality at the price of competitors' Layer 2 stackable switches, said Stan Takata, product manager for HP's ProCurve.

HP's new 5300xl series switches offer Layer 2-4 functionality at full wirespeed, said Darla Sommerville, ProCurve product marketing manager at HP.

Priced at $99 per port, the switches offer the functionality at no price premium, she said. "We're bringing Layer 3 and Layer 4 to the masses," she said. "We're making it very simple and affordable. You don't have to buy separate licenses. They're already in there."

HP also unveiled new switches in its 4100 series. The 4148gl and the 4104gl are high-performance low-cost chassis alternatives to stackable Layer 2 switches, Sommerville said. The new 4100 series switches are slated to be priced at $62 per port.

The switches are scheduled to be available June 1.