Making Networks More Efficient

HP unveiled the Procurve 5300xl series of modular switches that provide Layer 3 and 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.

John Barker, president of Versatile Communications, a solution provider in Marlboro, Mass., said he has been "anxiously awaiting" the release of HP's new switch.

"Layer 3 functionality has become almost a standard requirement in any of the requests for proposal we see," he said. "This switch fits the need for a more affordable Layer 3 solution."

Nortel introduced technology that merges routing and VPNs into one device for secure delivery of IP services. The technology will help enterprises cut networking costs by as much as 70 percent, said Frank Plastina, president of metro and enterprise networks at Nortel.

3Com launched products in its new LAN core strategy and revealed plans to develop a 10 Gigabit Ethernet switch. The vendor unveiled the XRN Interconnect Kit and said it has begun shipping its Switch 4060, unveiled in March. The 4060 will be the first LAN core product that supports 3Com's new XRN technology when the interconnect kit ships later this year, said Jeff Garner, director of modular LAN products for 3Com Business Networks.

3Com also is developing a 10 Gigabit Ethernet LAN switch and uplink module for enterprise LANs, Garner said. The company expects to begin shipping 10 Gigabit switches in 2003.

Cisco introduced new content networking switches as well as a module that can be integrated into Cisco switches and routers. The new products include the stand-alone Cisco CSS 11500 Series content switches and a new release of the content-switching module for Catalyst 6500 switches and Cisco 7600 routers.