Hitachi Cable, Ltd. has announced the development of the Apresia 3424GT-SS and Apresia 3424GT-PoE 100-megabit Ethernet switches as new products in the Apresia series*1,*2 of Ethernet switches. Sales of these new switches, which offer superior stability and high-security features, will begin November 28.

In recent years, with the steadily growing importance of information networks as elements of the business infrastructure, businesses and other organizations have expressed growing interest in high-reliability switches with features including: compatibility with applications that handle large volumes of data, such as audio and video; network security to safeguard against information leaks; and lower energy consumption and improved environmental performance. In response to such demands, Hitachi Cable has developed the Apresia 13000 series of switches. This line of products features AccessDefender*3, a security function based on network authentication, as well as functions that ensure network stability, including bandwidth control and bandwidth assurance functions, packet filters, and Hitachi Cable's own ultra-high-speed redundant MMRP-Plus*4 function. These core switches are now widely deployed as 10-gigabit Ethernet-compatible core switches by enterprise clients.

Success in these areas has also highlighted the emerging need for low-cost core switches and edge switches featuring similar advanced functions for use in 100-megabit Ethernet networks. In response, Hitachi Cable has developed the Apresia 3424GT-SS and Apresia 3424GT-PoE models.

The Apresia 3424GT-SS and Apresia 3424GT-PoE switches run the AEOS7*5 operating system, which has earned a reputation for ease of use and reliable operation. As the first edge switches designed for use on 100-megabit Ethernet networks to feature functions such as MMRP-Plus and AccessDefender, these models make it possible to create networks with remarkable levels of stability, reliability, and security at affordable cost. Users can also purchase additional licenses to upgrade these switches to full layer-three switches*6 for use as core switches on small- to mid-sized networks of roughly 500 terminals.

The Apresia 3424GT-SS features a total of 24 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX downlink ports and a total of four 1000BASE-X SFP ports and 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T gigabit uplink ports. Ideal for use in offices requiring quiet environments, this fanless switch also cuts power consumption to 22 watts, leading to 30% lower power consumption than comparable products from other manufacturers.

The Apresia 3424GT-PoE is also the first model in the Apresia series to feature PoE, enabling use as a power supply for wireless access points, IP telephony equipment, network cameras, and other devices. It offers a total of 24 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX downlink ports and a total of four 1000BASE-X SFP ports and 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T gigabit uplink ports capable of supplying PoE power. Designed to withstand temperatures up to 50°C, this model achieves long life and high reliability and incorporates a large-capacity power supply.

By continuing to expand its lineup of Apresia series models, Hitachi Cable intends to increase its presence in the Ethernet-switch market and to continue expanding its market share for Ethernet switches among enterprise and telecommunications carrier clients. Total Apresia series sales for the 2009 fiscal year (the year ending March 31, 2009) are projected to be 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	AccessDefender 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	AEOS stands for Apresia Extended Operation System and is a registered trademark of Hitachi Cable, Ltd. in Japan.
*6	The Apresia 3424GT-SS and the Apresia 3424GT-PoE can be upgraded for use as layer-three switches supporting protocols including Static Routing, RIP, RIPv2, OSPFv2, IGMPv2, IGMP-Proxy, and PIM-SM, etc.

Primary specifications for Apresia 3424GT-SS and Apresia 3424GT-PoE

(Specifications subject to change without notice)

Features Apresia 3424GT-SS Apresia 3424GT-PoE Interfaces 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX × 24 1000BASE-X(SFP) × 2 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T ×2 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX *×24 (with PoE power-supply feature) 1000BASE-X(SFP) ×2 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T ×2 Power supply 100 VAC 50/60 Hz 100 VAC 50/60 Hz Power consumption 22 W or less To be determined Approximate weight 5.0 kg or less 9.0 kg or less External dimensions 436 mm (W) ×342 mm (D) ×43.8 mm (H) 436 mm (W) ×449.5 mm (D) ×43.8 mm (H) Operating temperature 0 to +40°C 0 to +50°C Maximum power supply - 250 W Standard price 220,000 yen 395,000 yen

Options

L3 license: 100,000 yen SD Card: 6,000 yen

Photograph of the Apresia3424GT-SS