Hitachi Cable, Ltd. will begin sales in June of the Apresia 13000-24GX-PSR box layer-three switch for use as a core switch in mid-sized networks of 2,000 to 3,000 terminals, developed as a new product in its Apresia series of Ethernet switches*1, *2.

In recent years, as the importance of information networks as elements of the business infrastructure has steadily increased, businesses demand highly reliable switches with requirements that include compatibility with applications handling large volumes of data such as audio and video, ensuring network security in areas such as prevention of information leaks, and environmental performance in reducing energy consumption.

In general, when integrating a business, network box switches commonly are adopted for use as edge switches connecting terminals while chassis switches are adopted to secure capacity as core switches connecting edge switches together. Depending on network size, sometimes core switches have specifications in excess of those needed.

In response, Hitachi Cable originated the new BoxCore*3 concept for improving network efficiency by using box switches as core switches. As a result, it developed and brought to market the Apresia 13000-48X switch for use as a core switch in small- to mid-sized networks; this switch includes a 10-gigabit uplink port and is compatible with speeds of up to 1 gigabit for all downlink ports.

Based on its experiences with the Apresia 13000-48X, it became clear that there was a need for a core switch with optical ports for all downlinks to ensure suitable transmission distances and a larger uplink capacity, for use in mid-sized networks consisting of 2,000 to 3,000 terminals. In response, Hitachi Cable has developed the Apresia 13000-24GX-PSR switch.

The Apresia 13000-24GX-PSR is a high-density box switch combining four XENPAK ports compatible with 10GBASE-R (10-gigabit Ethernet) for uplink use and 24 SFP ports compatible with 1000BASE-X, all in a 2U size (86.4 millimeters in height and capable of installation in a 19-inch rack). In addition to functions for ensuring network stability such as bandwidth control and assurance functions, access-control functions, and Hitachi Cable's own ultra-high-speed redundant MMRP-Plus*4 function, it also features AccessDefender*5, a security function based on network authentication. In addition, it provides the reliability needed of a core switch, such as realizing fanless operation of the switch itself through the ability to attach redundant power supplies with fans installed in them.

In comparison with a standard chassis switch, the Apresia 13000-24GX-PSR makes it possible to reduce total costs by roughly 40 to 50%, to reduce power consumption by roughly 80%, and to reduce space requirements.

Hitachi Cable has already introduced a number of Ethernet switches for the enterprise sector, including the Apresia 2000/3000/4000 series, which achieves high levels of security through use as an edge switch, the Apresia 13000-48X, optimized for use as a core switch in small- to mid-sized networks, and the low-priced ApresiaLight series, which provides only the main functions users need.

This addition of the Apresia 13000-24GX-PSR as a top-end product in the Apresia series for the enterprise sector makes it possible to build a network using only Apresia switches, from core through edge and desktop switches.

In the future as well, by further expanding the lineup of its Apresia series Hitachi Cable plans to increase its presence in the Ethernet market and grow its shares in the markets for Ethernet switches for enterprise and telecommunications carrier use. Apresia series sales in the 2009 fiscal year (the year ending March 31, 2009) are projected to total 12.5 billion yen.

*1	Ethernet is a product name of Xerox Corp. Ethernet is a registered trademark of Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. in Japan.
*2	Apresia is a registered trademark of Hitachi Cable, Ltd. in Japan.
*3	BoxCore is a registered trademark of Hitachi Cable, Ltd. in Japan.
*4	Multi-Master Ring Protocol (MMRP) is a high-speed Ethernet ring switching function. MMRP is a registered trademark of Hitachi Cable, Ltd. in Japan.
*5	AccessDefender is a registered trademark of Hitachi Cable, Ltd. in Japan.

Primary specifications of Apresia 13000-24GX-PSR

(specifications subject to change without notice)

Specification Details Interface XENPAK(SW)×4* SFP(SW)×24(including four combination ports)* 10/100/1000BASE-T(SW)×4(combination ports) Management Port×1 Power supply Redundant power supply 100-120/200-240/VAC 50-60Hz, -48VDC* Power consumption 200 W or less Approximate weight 10 kg or less Dimensions 436 mm (W)×448 mm (D)×86.4(H) mm Operating temperature 0 to +40°C

*	XENPAK module, SFP module, and power-supply unit sold separately.

External appearance of the Apresia 13000-24GX-PSR