Windows PCs Monthly Survival Time Stackable Switches on Tap From Alcatel

Windows PCs Monthly Survival Time Stackable Switches on Tap From Alcatel

Written By
Paula Musich
Paula Musich
Apr 8, 2005
1 minute read
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Alcatel last week introduced what officials claim is the first stackable 10/100M-bps Ethernet switch that is software-upgradable to Gigabit Ethernet.

The new OmniSwitch 6800L line allows users to upgrade to Gigabit Ethernet desktop connections without requiring additional hardware. A software key unlocks the Gigabit Ethernet port speeds.

Pricing for the stackables starts at $100 per port.

Alcatel officials said they believe most typical LAN switches installed today are basic Layer 2 switches with no advanced services such as security, multicast or quality- of-service functions. The need for advanced services is here today, and most PCs now have a Gigabit Ethernet interface.

“The idea behind the 6800L family is to split the decision into two pieces: advanced services at Fast Ethernet prices, and via a software upgrade, you can make 10/100 ports operate as 10/100/1,000,” said a company official.

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