Ethernet Switches- 10/100 Switches- Copper
Switches- 24 Port 10/100 Switches- 24 Port 2 Gigabit -2 Gig- Switch-8
Port 10/100 Switch- 8 Port Copper Switch- Gigabit Ethernet Switches-
24 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switches- 16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switches
American Tech Supply Carries the complete line of Extreme Gigabit Ethernet Switches, Wideband gigabit ethernet switches, NETGEAR gigabit ethernet switches, Allied Telesyn gigabit ethernet switches Adtran gigabit ethernet switches and Telco Systems gigabit ethernet switches which all offer several solutions for small, mid-size, and large corporate user's requirements for gigabit ethernet switches. All our gigabit ethernet switch manufacturer partners offer easy-to-install networking switching solutions for both business and home users.
Other Gigabit Switch Manufacturers
American
Tech Supply Carries the complete line of Wideband gigabit ethernet switches, NETGEAR
gigabit ethernet switches, Allied Telesyn gigabit ethernet switches Adtran gigabit
ethernet switches and Telco Systems gigabit ethernet switches which all offer
several solutions for small, mid-size, and large corporate user's requirements
for gigabit ethernet switches. All our gigabit ethernet switch manufacturer partners
offer easy-to-install networking switching solutions for both business and home
users.
Our
gigabit switches can handle a variety of users and applications from 2 users in
a home office to over 250 users for a corporate multi-use environment. Our reliable,
high-performance Netgear layer 3 switches, Netgear Layer 2 switches, gigabit switches
switches, wireless and security products are designed for a variety of environments,
providing wired and wireless connectivity within homes, offices and campuses and
for remote and branch offices, telecommuters and the remote mobile workforce#
Axis and NETGEAR Offer First Affordable PoE Solution that Addresses the Surveillance
Market for Small and Medium-sized Businesses # NETGEAR Makes Business Wireless
LAN Deployment Easy, Flexible, Affordable With Industry's First Power-Over-Ethernet
Desktop Switch And PoE Enabled Access Point ,NETGEAR® and Flarion Team to
Deliver Wi-Fi to Mobile Broadband Communication Products.
 |
 |
 |
| Xtreme VOIP Switches When there is a need for a carrier grade Voice over IP gateway, the Matrix product line is available to provide expandability and high density per Rack unit. The Matrix Gateway provides up to 240 TDM to VOIP ports in a 2 rack units. The Matrix line is designed to meet the highest demands of the carrier, or termination facility, and enough versatility to be used for traffic origination on calling cards application. The Matrix Pre-Paid Solution provides TDM, SIP and H.323 voice over IP routing mechanism, destination load balancing, and destination mappings. The Matrix Pre-Paid Solution comes in a standard 2 RU. The Matrix line is designed to meet the highest demands of the carrier, or termination facility, and enough versatility to be used for traffic origination on calling cards application. The Matrix Pre-Paid Solution provides TDM, SIP and H.323 voice over IP routing mechanism, destination load balancing, and destination mappings. The Matrix Pre-Paid Solution comes in a standard 2 RU.The Matrix Pre-Paid Solution is recommended for Carrier resellers, Call Centers, Telco, CLEC, and corporate offices with Toll by pass need. |
Extreme Alpine VOIP Switches The award-winning Alpine 3800 chassis switches support the scalability, flexibility, security and management features required to build complete enterprise wide networks, including large campuses, branch offices, data centers and wiring closets. The Alpine 3800 series switches enable enterprise networks to adopt new technologies, such as wireless and Voice-over-IP (VoIP), by offering intelligent security and availability features to keep network convergence simple and manageable.
|
Telco Systems VOIP Switches The Access200 family is a diverse line of VoIP ATAs designed for service providers who need to deliver high-quality VoIP, video, and data (triple play) services to their residential and small office/home office (SOHO) using traditional analog telephones and fax machines.
The line offers a cost-efficient means for service providers to migrate their customers? traditional analog telephones and faxes onto IP-based networks. |
| | |
| | | | | | | Gigabit
10/100 Switches | |
2+2 Fast Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet Switches | | 2+4
Fast Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet Switches | | 4-Port
Cable Splitter Switch | | 1-2
Terrabyte RAID 5 Switches | | Portable
Desktops | | 80-180-
360 Gigabyte Servers | | Acellus
Computer Lab | | Acellus
Learning System | | Gigabit
Ethernet Server NIC | | Gigabit
Ethernet Workstation NIC | | 10/100
Ethernet NIC | |
NETGEAR
delivers wirespeed Gigabit Ethernet performance and a full set
of Layer 2 switches management features with unsurpassed affordability.
This next-generation, high-speed switch delivers maximum throughput
where you need it - to high-performance workgroups at the edge
of the network, or as a backbone for 10/100 switches and Gigabit
Ethernet servers in demanding small networks. The non-blocking
design offers full Gigabit throughput simultaneously to all
24 10/100/1000 ports. Layer 2 management functionality delivers
reliability, control, and availability. It's an easy to use
solution that delivers maximum performance right out of the
box. The very affordable NETGEAR GSM7224 Layer 2 Managed Gigabit
ethernet Switch creates a more productive - and future-proof
- network. With increasing bandwidth requirements from applications
such as video, voice, database management, and other services
that slow throughput and response time, you can unleash your
network and enable maximum productivity with Gigabit Ethernet
for today's high-performance environments. Optimize bandwidth,
security, and control with full Layer 2 management capabilities
- extensive VLAN support, resiliency, traffic prioritization,
port trunking, port mirroring, RADIUS, SNMP, and DHCP features,
as well as broadcast storm protection. Fiber connectivity is
enabled through four combination Small Form-factor Pluggable
(SFP*) gigabit ports. Network administrators can use any combination
of these features to ensure uptime, availability, bandwidth,
and throughput.
As
a Gold Reseller, American Tech Supply also carries Wideband's Gigabit Ethernet
Switches- which can deliver gigabit ethernet via CAT3, CAT 5 up to EIA/TIA standards
100 meters and we also carry other Gigabit Ethernet Switches with 8 Port Gigabit
Ethernet Switch cofigurations- 16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch- that outperform
Cisco Switches-Cisco Layer 2 switches- and the 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switches-
16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switches. All Wideband switches outperform Cisco's switches.
Dr. Billing's has fiver patents relating to gigabit ethernet technology. Call
us for addtional information and pricing at (866) 342-3721. For additional information
on our Cisco Trade In Program- visit our web page.
Netgear
24-port Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch GSM7324
Key
Benefits
* 24 RJ-45 ports for Gigabit Ethernet
* 4 SFP slots for optional fiber gigabit
connections (shares with RJ-45 port)
* Complete Layer 3 software- OSPF, RIP
I/RIP II, Static, VLAN routing
* Complete Layer 2 software- Trunking, VLAN,
prioritization, ACL, and more
* Rack-mountable box
Premium
Support Contracts are Available
High-Speed,
Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switching
Now you can enjoy full Layer 3, Gigabit functionality
at an affordable price. The NETGEAR Managed Gigabit Switch provides maximum throughput
and flexibility for demanding networks, with all the Layer 3 features you expect.
This 10/100/1000 switch addresses today's high-performance requirements, while
providing the control you need – and the future proofing you want. The GSM7324
is ideal as a backbone for 10/100 switches, Gigabit servers, or as the robust
core of a demanding, all-Gigabit network.
The
GSM7324 can be used to inexpensively off-load routers that are segmenting your
network and lay the groundwork for new IP-based services. Layer 3 routing combined
with Quality of Service, bandwidth provisioning and access control features enable
Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony, video conferencing, and other cost-saving applications.
The
GSM7324 Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch provides both Layer 2 and Layer 3 managed
switching functionality. Its high-performance design offers a comprehensive set
of features:
* Routing: IPv4 routing at wire speed, with up to 512 routes per unit; VRRP (IP
redundancy), ICMP, RIP I and RIP II, OSPF2**, and DHCP/BOOTP relay
* Switching:
Port trunking, broadcast storm protection, extensive VLAN support, IGMP snooping,
Rapid Spanning Tree, and link aggregation
* Quality of Service: DiffServ,
access control lists, and bandwidth provisioning
Very
affordable, the GSM7324 provides the connection flexibility of 24 Copper Gigabit
ports, and four small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules, sold separately. All
ports are auto-negotiating and support Auto Uplink™ technology.
Description-TC3820
Redundant Ring Gigabit Ethernet Switch
Ideal
for mission critical fiber optic ring networks, the TC3820 Redundant Ring Gigabit
Ethernet Switch provides maximum reliability through its sophisticated redundant
ring technology. If a fiber cable or device failure occurs, the data path automatically
switches over within 250 msec. to the secondary path to maintain Ring network
integrity.
Available
with SNMP Management, the Model TC3820 1000Base-SX/LX Switch provides six 10/100M
copper ports and two Gigabit fiber ports. It can be daisy-chained and supports
distances between switches up to 100 km.
Now you can enjoy full Layer 3 Gigabit functionality at an affordable price. The
NETGEAR Managed Gigabit Switch provides maximum throughput and flexibility for
demanding networks, with all the Layer 3 gigabit switch features you expect. This
10/100/1000 managed switch addresses today's high-performance requirements, while
providing the control you need – and the future proofing you want. The GSM7324
gigabit managed switch is ideal as a backbone for 10/100 switches, Gigabit servers,
or as the robust core of a demanding, all-Gigabit network.The GSM7324 managed
gigabit switch can be used to inexpensively off-load routers that are segmenting
your network and lay the groundwork for new IP-based services. Layer 3 routing
combined with Quality of Service, bandwidth provisioning and access control features
enable Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony, video conferencing, and other cost-saving
applications.The GSM7324 Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch provides both Layer 2
and Layer 3 gigabit managed switching functionality.
Now
you can enjoy full Layer 3 Gigabit switch functionality at an affordable price.
The NETGEAR Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch provides maximum throughput and flexibility
for demanding networks, with all the Gigabit Managed Layer 3 features you expect.
This 10/100/1000 gigabit managed switch addresses today's high-performance requirements,
while providing the control you need – and the future proofing you want.
The GSM7324 is ideal as a backbone for 10/100 switches, Gigabit servers, or as
the robust core of a demanding, all-Gigabit network. Now you can enjoy full Layer
3, Gigabit functionality at an affordable price. The NETGEAR Managed Gigabit Switch
provides maximum throughput and flexibility for demanding networks, with all the
Layer 3 features you expect. This 10/100/1000 switch addresses today's high-performance
requirements, while providing the control you need – and the future proofing
you want. The GSM7312 is ideal as a backbone for 10/100 switches, Gigabit servers,
or as the robust core of a demanding, all-Gigabit network.
The
GSM7312 can be used to inexpensively off-load routers that are segmenting your
network and lay the groundwork for new IP-based services. Layer 3 routing combined
with L2/L3/L4 Quality of Service, bandwidth provisioning and access control features
enable Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony, video conferencing, and other cost-saving
applications.Netgear
24-port Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch GSM7324
Key
Benefits
* 24 RJ-45 ports for Gigabit Ethernet
* 4 SFP slots for optional fiber gigabit
connections (shares with RJ-45 port)
* Complete Layer 3 software- OSPF, RIP
I/RIP II, Static, VLAN routing
* Complete Layer 2 software- Trunking, VLAN,
prioritization, ACL, and more
* Rack-mountable box
Premium
Support Contracts are Available
High-Speed,
Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switching
Now you can enjoy full Layer 3, Gigabit functionality
at an affordable price. The NETGEAR Managed Gigabit Switch provides maximum throughput
and flexibility for demanding networks, with all the Layer 3 features you expect.
This 10/100/1000 switch addresses today's high-performance requirements, while
providing the control you need – and the future proofing you want. The GSM7324
is ideal as a backbone for 10/100 switches, Gigabit servers, or as the robust
core of a demanding, all-Gigabit network.
The
GSM7324 can be used to inexpensively off-load routers that are segmenting your
network and lay the groundwork for new IP-based services. Layer 3 routing combined
with Quality of Service, bandwidth provisioning and access control features enable
Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony, video conferencing, and other cost-saving applications.
The
GSM7324 Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch provides both Layer 2 and Layer 3 managed
switching functionality. Its high-performance design offers a comprehensive set
of features:
* Routing: IPv4 routing at wire speed, with up to 512 routes per unit; VRRP (IP
redundancy), ICMP, RIP I and RIP II, OSPF2**, and DHCP/BOOTP relay
* Switching:
Port trunking, broadcast storm protection, extensive VLAN support, IGMP snooping,
Rapid Spanning Tree, and link aggregation
* Quality of Service: DiffServ,
access control lists, and bandwidth provisioning
Very
affordable, the GSM7324 provides the connection flexibility of 24 Copper Gigabit
ports, and four small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules, sold separately. All
ports are auto-negotiating and support Auto Uplink™ technology.
Netgear
12-Port Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch-GSM7312
Key
Benefits
* Dynamic routing and QoS capabilities for VoIP and video conferencing
* 12
RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports
* 12 SFP GBIC slots for optional fiber gigabit
connections
* Lets users inexpensively offload routers, improve uptime and
flexibility
* Full Layer 2 and Layer 3 management feature set
Premium
Support Contracts are Available
High-Speed,
Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switching
Now you can enjoy full Layer 3, Gigabit functionality
at an affordable price. The NETGEAR Managed Gigabit Switch provides maximum throughput
and flexibility for demanding networks, with all the Layer 3 features you expect.
This 10/100/1000 switch addresses today's high-performance requirements, while
providing the control you need – and the future proofing you want. The GSM7312
is ideal as a backbone for 10/100 switches, Gigabit servers, or as the robust
core of a demanding, all-Gigabit network.
The
GSM7312 can be used to inexpensively off-load routers that are segmenting your
network and lay the groundwork for new IP-based services. Layer 3 routing combined
with L2/L3/L4 Quality of Service, bandwidth provisioning and access control features
enable Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony, video conferencing, and other cost-saving
applications.
The
GSM7312 Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch provides both Layer 2 and Layer 3 managed
switching functionality. Its high-performance design offers a comprehensive set
of features:
* Routing: IPv4 routing at wire speed, with up to 512 routes per unit; VRRP (IP
redundancy), ICMP, RIP I and RIP II, OSPF, and DHCP/BOOTP relay
* Switching:
Port trunking, broadcast storm protection, extensive VLAN support, IGMP snooping,
Rapid Spanning Tree, and link aggregation
* Quality of Service: DiffServ,
access control lists, and bandwidth provisioning using L2, L3,
and L4 information.
Very
affordable, the GSM7312 provides the connection flexibility of 12 Copper Gigabit
ports, or up to 12 small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules, sold separately.
Netgear
24+2 L3 Managed 10/100 Switch with Power-over-Ethernet-FSM7326P
Key
Benefits
* Power over Ethernet (802.3af PoE), with Redundant Power Supply Port
* Dynamic
routing and QoS capabilities enable VoIP, video conferencing, and more
* Full
Layer 2 and Layer 3 management features set
* 24 10/100 ports + 2 gigabit
ports with fiber options
* GUI and CLI management interfaces for data and
power
Premium
Support Contracts are Available
Layer
3 Managed Switching with In-Line Power
Maximize your 10/100 network. The NETGEAR-
FSM7326P Switch features Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), which optimizes the installation
and power management of network devices such as wireless access points (AP), Voice
over IP (VoIP) phones, and security video cameras. Power-over-Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af)
capabilities reduce installation costs for many new network productivity devices.
It frees your wireless AP deployment from restrictions due to power outlet locations.
Power and data switching are integrated into one unit and delivered over a single
cable, eliminating costs for additional AC wiring and reducing installation time.
The
FSM7326P Layer 3 provides both Layer 2 and Layer 3 managed switching functionality,
including routing, switching, and quality of service (QoS) feature sets. It can
be used to provide new IP-based services:
* Multiple VLANs, QoS, bandwidth limiting, and access control features enable
smooth, clear VoIP telephony and video conferencing
* Subnetting and strong,
standards-based security protocols isolate wireless APs and video surveillance
equipment, protecting critical data from potential abuse
* IP subnetting and
gigabit ports provide dedicated high-speed links to servers and network backbones
Affordable
and reliable, the FSM7326P's robust feature set is ideal for small and growing
businesses that want to get the most out of their networks.
Netgear
24-port Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch-GSM7324
Key
Benefits
* 24 RJ-45 ports for Gigabit Ethernet
* 4 SFP slots for optional fiber gigabit
connections (shares with RJ-45 port)
* Complete Layer 3 software- OSPF, RIP
I/RIP II, Static, VLAN routing
* Complete Layer 2 software- Trunking, VLAN,
prioritization, ACL, and more
* Rack-mountable box
Premium
Support Contracts are Available
High-Speed,
Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switching
Now you can enjoy full Layer 3, Gigabit functionality
at an affordable price. The NETGEAR Managed Gigabit Switch provides maximum throughput
and flexibility for demanding networks, with all the Layer 3 features you expect.
This 10/100/1000 switch addresses today's high-performance requirements, while
providing the control you need – and the future proofing you want. The GSM7324
is ideal as a backbone for 10/100 switches, Gigabit servers, or as the robust
core of a demanding, all-Gigabit network.
The
GSM7324 can be used to inexpensively off-load routers that are segmenting your
network and lay the groundwork for new IP-based services. Layer 3 routing combined
with Quality of Service, bandwidth provisioning and access control features enable
Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony, video conferencing, and other cost-saving applications.
The
GSM7324 Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch provides both Layer 2 and Layer 3 managed
switching functionality. Its high-performance design offers a comprehensive set
of features:
* Routing: IPv4 routing at wire speed, with up to 512 routes per unit; VRRP (IP
redundancy), ICMP, RIP I and RIP II, OSPF2**, and DHCP/BOOTP relay
* Switching:
Port trunking, broadcast storm protection, extensive VLAN support, IGMP snooping,
Rapid Spanning Tree, and link aggregation
* Quality of Service: DiffServ,
access control lists, and bandwidth provisioning
Very
affordable, the GSM7324 provides the connection flexibility of 24 Copper Gigabit
ports, and four small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules, sold separately. All
ports are auto-negotiating and support Auto Uplink™ technology.
Robust
The
GSM7324 provides powerful, high-performance data routing and forwarding via 24
auto-sensing, auto-negotiating, Gigabit Ethernet ports. 24 ports are copper Gigabit
Ethernet, with four ports offering optional hot-swappable SFP slots, enabling
fiber connections.
Easier
Network Management
The GSM7324 is simple to set up and use, with an intuitive
browser interface for easy configuration. Choose from two management interface
options – an easy-to-follow, browser-based interface, and a command line
interface, available through console or Telnet. Configuration files can be loaded
and saved using TFTP, reducing the need for on-site administration.
Versatile
A
comprehensive set of Layer 3 features provides strong functionality in any network.
For example, RIP routing for smaller networks and OSPF2 routing for larger, more
complex networks. The GSM7324 helps maximize your network capabilities –
and your return on investment.
Cost
Effective
Moderately priced to boost your network throughput without blowing
your budget. Designed in a 1U form factor, this complete package comes equipped
with a rack-mounting kit, terminal cable, and power cord.
**
Available but not supported in Q3 2003. Fully supported in Q4 2003.
Netgear
12-Port Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch-GSM7312
Key
Benefits
* Dynamic routing and QoS capabilities for VoIP and video conferencing
* 12
RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports
* 12 SFP GBIC slots for optional fiber gigabit
connections
* Lets users inexpensively offload routers, improve uptime and
flexibility
* Full Layer 2 and Layer 3 management feature set
Premium
Support Contracts are Available
High-Speed,
Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switching
Now you can enjoy full Layer 3, Gigabit functionality
at an affordable price. The NETGEAR Managed Gigabit Switch provides maximum throughput
and flexibility for demanding networks, with all the Layer 3 features you expect.
This 10/100/1000 switch addresses today's high-performance requirements, while
providing the control you need – and the future proofing you want. The GSM7312
is ideal as a backbone for 10/100 switches, Gigabit servers, or as the robust
core of a demanding, all-Gigabit network.
The
GSM7312 can be used to inexpensively off-load routers that are segmenting your
network and lay the groundwork for new IP-based services. Layer 3 routing combined
with L2/L3/L4 Quality of Service, bandwidth provisioning and access control features
enable Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony, video conferencing, and other cost-saving
applications.
The
GSM7312 Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch provides both Layer 2 and Layer 3 managed
switching functionality. Its high-performance design offers a comprehensive set
of features:
* Routing: IPv4 routing at wire speed, with up to 512 routes per unit; VRRP (IP
redundancy), ICMP, RIP I and RIP II, OSPF, and DHCP/BOOTP relay
* Switching:
Port trunking, broadcast storm protection, extensive VLAN support, IGMP snooping,
Rapid Spanning Tree, and link aggregation
* Quality of Service: DiffServ,
access control lists, and bandwidth provisioning using L2, L3,
and L4 information.
Very
affordable, the GSM7312 provides the connection flexibility of 12 Copper Gigabit
ports, or up to 12 small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules, sold separately.
Robust
The
GSM7312 provides powerful, non-blocking data routing and forwarding via 12 Gigabit
Ethernet ports. All ports have copper Gigabit Ethernet, with each port offering
optional hot-swappable SFP GBIC slots, for fiber connections.
Easier
Network Management
The GSM7312 is simple to set up and use, with an intuitive
browser interface for easy configuration. Choose from two management interface
options - an easy-to-follow, browser-based interface, and a command line interface,
available through console or Telnet. Configuration files can be loaded and saved
using TFTP, reducing the need for on-site administration.
Versatile
A
comprehensive set of Layer 3 features provides strong functionality in any network.
For example, RIP routing for smaller networks and OSPF2 routing for larger, more
complex networks. The GSM7312 helps maximize your network capabilities —
and your return on investment.
Cost
Effective
Moderately priced to boost your network throughput without blowing
your budget. Designed in a 1U form factor, this complete package comes equipped
with a rack-mounting kit, terminal cable, and power cord.
American
Tech Supply carries a complete line of 5 port ethernet switches, 8 port ethernet
switches, 16 port, 24 port ethernet switches, and 32 port ethernet switches including
our family of EGIG Ethernet switches which provide small, medium businesses and
large enterprises high-throughput networking swithes at low- ownership cost per
port. Our compact 1U rack-mount design or standalone ethernet switch provides
high port density in a small footprint.Versatility is a key factor, as although
1000BaseT is primarily aimed at network backbone and server farm applications,
it can also be deployed in other areas. These include high-performance workstations
and although Cat5e cabling is the preferred vehicle, it should run comfortably
over existing Cat5 cables allowing administrators to use their existing infrastructure.
Since the introduction of the 1000BaseT standard, Gigabit Ethernet has become
the top choice for increasing network bandwidth and prices are dropping sufficiently
for it to be extended easily and cost-effectively to the network edge.
ATS is an Authorized Distributor of Egig Products
To
download a complete price list of Egig Products, click
here (you will need
acrobat reader)
| |
8-port 10/100 Switch w/Uplink
8-port Copper Gigabit Switch
24-port 10/100 Switch
8-port 10/100 Switches
32-port
10/100 Switch
Gigabit
Ethernet Server Adapter
16-port
10/100 Switch |
Why Wideband Routers over Cisco? SEE THE TEST COMPARISON:
Provide Gigabit Ethernet Without CAT 5e or CAT 6- Even Use Barbed Wire!!!
CLICK HERE FOR 8 Port- 16 Port Ethernet Switch CISCO-Wideband COMPARISON-
1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
Lists resources specific to the 1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet system (IEEE 802.3z).
Gigabit Ethernet Overview
Presents a survey of Gigabit Ethernet technology.Gigabit Ethernet Tutorials and Resources
Good collection of links to Gigabit Ethernet documents, including papers, tutorials, and articles. This page is hosted by the InterOperability Lab at the University of New Hampshire.
IEEE Gigabit Ethernet Information
Working documents of the group developing the IEEE 802.3z Gigabit Ethernet standard.
Gigabit Ethernet Switches Set To Take On The Enterprise
By Joel Conover
The long wait is over. On June 25, the IEEE approved the 802.3z Gigabit Ethernet standard--nearly two years after its birth. With the eagerly anticipated standard ratified, vendors finally can deliver products to satisfy the tremendous interest that's been building for Gigabit Ethernet technology.
These are auspicious times for companies looking for faster network performance. Because of competition among vendors that are steadily increasing their 1000Base-T switch offerings, Gigabit Ethernet is more affordable and easier to deploy than ever. Unfortunately, assessing which Gigabit Ethernet solution is best suited to your needs isn't always easy. Vendors advertise their switches with the customary performance claims and glossy marketing brochures, but neither gives you a definitive idea of how a certain switch will perform in your particular environment, much less how easy it is to set up and manage. To help you get some inkling of what to expect from the latest 1000Base-T switches, I brought some of them into the Windows & .NET Magazine Lab for a test drive.
At the time of writing, at least a dozen vendors offered a wide range of Gigabit Ethernet switches. To narrow the field, I looked only at managed switches that offer native 1000Base-T ports or can accommodate a Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) module for uplink ports. I also looked for switches that represent a cross-section of price and functionality. And because I wanted to simulate a typical network-upgrade scenario between a server room and a remote wiring closet, I looked for vendors that could deliver Fast Ethernet to the desktop with 1000Base-T uplinks that I could pair with a 1000Base-T backbone or aggregation switch. My search led me to the most recent Gigabit Ethernet switch offerings from 3Com, Cisco Systems, and Dell. For those looking for a chassis solution, I tested a Hewlett-Packard (HP) chassis switch with Gigabit and Fast Ethernet switch modules.
The testing was fairly simple. I first conducted a baseline test on the Lab network, in which I performed routine administrative tasks (e.g., software-application deployment) while monitoring latency-sensitive streaming-media applications. I next installed Gigabit Ethernet NICs in the network's servers and in some desktop machines and went through the usual regimen of performance tuning. To simulate an upgrade scenario, I then replaced older Fast Ethernet switches in the Lab's test network with each vendor's Gigabit Ethernet offerings. As I worked with each vendor's switches, I noted how easy they were to configure and manage from basic setup to advanced features such as Virtual LAN (VLAN) configuration, routing, and cost-of-service configuration. Finally, I performed the same tasks and ran the same software as I had in the baseline test to check for a performance improvement.
To view the Report cards on
1) Chassis-Based Gigabit Ethernet Switches
and
2) Fixed-Configuration Gigabit Ethernet Switches
2) Gigabit Ethernet NICs
While the IEEE was busy rubber stamping the 802.3z standard, Network Computing was putting Gigabit Ethernet switches and NICs from nearly every Gigabit Ethernet vendor--including Alteon Network, Bay Networks, Cabletron Systems, Cisco Systems, Compaq Computer Corp., Extreme Networks, Hewlett-Packard Co., Intel Corp., Lucent Technologies, ODS Networks, Packet Engines, Silicon Graphics and 3Com Corp.--through one of the most rigorous test suites in the magazine's history.
Our expectations for this review were high. For the switch portion, only products with Gigabit Ethernet interfaces were eligible. We required each vendor to submit two or more units with a total of at least 96 10/100 ports. We put each switch through a battery of tests using Netcom Systems' Smartbits test equipment. Implementing one of the largest test setups we've ever created, we bit-blasted each device to determine how much traffic it could handle. Then we turned off the bit-blasters and focused on performance aspects that affect networks like yours. (For details about our tests, see "Speeds and Feeds," page 76, and "Real World, Real Fibers," page 82.)
We took each vendor's equipment into the wiring closets at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and tested it on real fibers, pushing the distance limitations of Gigabit Ethernet over multimode fiber. After testing each solution in the wiring closet, we moved the products to the labs of Neal Nelson & Associates (1 (312) 755-1000), where we used 96 PC connections to generate more than 5 Gbps of real-world application traffic. We stress-tested each switch for at least 24 consecutive hours using Neal Nelson's (1 (312) 755-1000) LAN benchmark. (For more on the Neal Nelson (1 (312) 755-1000) tests, see "From the Lab of Neal Nelson & Associates (1 (312) 755-1000)" page 88.)
Overview
Gigabit Ethernet is a networking technology ten times faster than current 100Mbps networks. Until recently, the high cost of gigabit Ethernet combined with multiple topology standards and the need for fibre optic cables has left gigibit speeds out of reach of home users. Things have changed.
IEEE 802.3ab Recent ‘gigabit over copper’ standards have been adopted that make gigabit Ethernet as easy to use as 100Mbps Ethernet. Gigabit ethernet can now utilize Cat5 or better twisted pair cabling and the same RJ-45 connectors that are used in 10/100Mbps networks. To achieve gigabit speeds, you must use ethernet cable with all 8 wires (four pairs) present. Many inexpensive cat5 Ethernet cables have only 4 wires and can not reach gigabit speeds.
Apple
Apple, as usual, is ahead of the rest of the market in bringing gigabit Ethernet to the home. They have put 10/100/1000 base-T network adapters in the PowerMac G4 series computers. Because of the high cost of gigabit Ethernet hubs and switches, Apple has ensured that connection two PowerMac G4’s is as simple as picking up a high quality Ethernet cable. Apples implementation of Gigabit Ethernet needs no crossover cable to connect two computers together. The adapter senses the other Mac and handles the crossover automatically.
Expectations for 2002
I expect the price of gigabit Ethernet to fall dramatically in 2002. I think we will see the price of gigabit Ethernet switched fall to about $40 per port by the end of the year and the price of network cards to fall to around $35 per NIC. I think we will also see gigabit Ethernet incorporated into broadband routers by companies trying to stand out from their competition in this over-crowded router market.
Current Pricing and Products
Asante’ and Addtron appear
to be the market leaders in bringing Gigabit Ethernet to the home
market. They have both released PCI network adapters that can
be purchased for less that $60. Unfortunately, no company has
yet released a gigabit Ethernet hub or switch that is within reach
of the home network users. Expect to see gigabit Ethernet products
on the market soon!
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