As the third generation series of its Apresia switch, Hitachi Cable, Ltd. has developed Apresia4224GT-PSR, a Gigabit Ethernet*1 Layer-2 switch with all of its 24 downlink ports supporting 10/100/1000BASE-T connections. Apresia4224GT-PSR is available from May 23.

With the recent uptake of the Internet, the data traffic in networks is increasing, and the subsequent demand for switches that can handle large volumes of data is growing. In addition, due to raised demands as regards protection of personal information, there is a growing tendency for more frequent accesses to servers, as some networks now integrate data on the servers without storing the data in the user terminals.

Apresia4224GT-PSR, currently released, is a Layer-2 switch with 24 ports that all support 10/100/1000BASE-T connections. It can transmit high-volume data, and thus can be used in enterprises as a switch for integrating server groups. Also when introducing IP phones, it can realize a high-quality voice data network with the QoS function based on 8-stage packet priority control and per-64-Kbps bandwidth control. Further, we intend to equip the switch with ApresiaNA*2, which has established a track record as a unique network authentication function. With this function, the switch can ensure high network security in combination with RADIUS servers.

We assume service providers will use the Apresia4224GT-PSR switch in data centers to connect two or more servers mounted on a rack with a singe switch. In this respect, the new switch supports a double power supply, which many customers have requested. Thus, we intend to offer this switch not only for networks in general enterprises but also as a high-reliability switch for service providers, including telecommunications carriers.

Apresia4224GT-PSR has already acquired several hundred tentative orders. We intend to further increase our share of the Ethernet switch market for service providers and enterprise users by utilizing the distribution channels of our sales partners. We expect Apresia sales to reach 13 billion yen in fiscal 2006.

*1	Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation.
*2	This function will be added at the end of June 2005. NA is the abbreviation for "Network Authentication."

Specifications of Apresia4224GT-PSR (The specifications may change without notice.)

Item Specification Basic structure Main body Interfaces*1 SFP(SW) x4 10-T/100-TX/1000-T(SW) x24 10-T/100-TX(manager) x1 Power supply Double power supply structure (Power supply unit is an optional extra) 100-120 VAC 50-60 Hz, -48VDC Power consumption 95 W or less Estimated mass 7 kg or less (Not including the power supply) Outer dimensions 436 (W) x 449.7 (D) x 43.8 (H) mm Operating temperatures 0 to +40C Bandwidth control Per-64-Kbps maximum bandwidth control Flow control IEEE802.3x flow control equipped VLAN 802.1Q VLAN (4094 Group) equipped

*1	24 ports can be used simultaneously. The SFP module is an optional extra.