Nortel intros new ethernet switches

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Nortel extended its Ethernet series of data solutions by unveiling the new Nortel Ethernet Routing Switch 5600 family for enterprises.

"Enterprises recognize the power of unified communications—the challenge is how to get there from here," said Joel Hackney, President—Enterprise Solutions, Nortel. "Step one is deploying a powerful, high-performance data network, because without it, the infrastructure won't support video and real-time apps critical to unified communications.

The new family of Nortel Ethernet switches we are introducing today are designed to not only deliver that performance needed to today, but to accommodate the evolving needs and capacity unified communications will require in the future. This confirms Nortel's commitment to the needs of the enterprise market as we continue to develop and deliver solutions designed to increase competitiveness and decrease operating costs," he added.

The Nortel Ethernet Routing Switch 5600 has been designed as a cost-effective switch not only suitable for deployment in the data center, but advanced features also enable the switches to be used in the edge, distribution and core layers of the network.

The 5600 switches are stack-compatible with the existing ERS 5500 switches, allowing a mix of port speeds and densities to meet any application while preserving existing investments. The new models are all with integrated with 10 Gigabit uplink capacity.

The 5600 also includes a model with support for up to 96 Gigabit power over Ethernet ports. This power over Ethernet capacity in a stackable switch allows for cost-effective, high-density UC deployments - and is only available from Nortel.