Edgecore Networks Expands Partner Options by Enabling 10GBASE-T Capability on Its Flagship TigerStack Stackable Layer 3 Switch Family

IRVINE, Calif., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Edgecore Networks, a joint venture between LG-Nortel and Accton, today announced it will enable partners to deliver full 10G performance to meet customer demands for use of installed Cat6a infrastructure with the launch of its state-of-the-art 10GBASE-T uplink module (SMC10BTMOD).  The SMC10BTMOD will enable dual 10G uplink capabilities and non-blocking stacking on the company's existing flagship family of TigerStack 1000 26- and 50-port SMC89-series managed switches. Edgecore portfolio of performance networking solutions will be demonstrated next week at Interop 2010 in Las Vegas at Edgecore's booth (#2313).

Edgecore's TigerStack 1000 high-performance stackable Layer 3 switch platform was designed to be upgradeable to enable channel partners to easily install and deploy software and hardware enhancements.  Central to Edgecore's switch strategy is the ability to provide platforms that deliver performance and reliability while allowing technology updates to ensure a longer in-service timeframe.  The latest 10GBASE-T module is validation of that strategy as it provides partners with the ability to migrate part or all of a customer's infrastructure to 10G utilizing the existing RJ-45 infrastructure.  With the decline in Cat6a infrastructure cabling and increase in its use, Edgecore is growing its role as a key strategic partner for its channel partners by providing tools that create upgrade and solution expansion opportunities.

In addition to supporting the industry-leading 10GBASE-T module, the TigerStack II 1000 incorporates four combination SFP and two special stacking ports that allow greater than 10G stacking capabilities for a non-blocking switch architecture, Edgecore's 89-Series switches were designed to enable the full use of all ports.  Unlike other performance switches where ports are lost when the 10G uplinks are enabled or the front SFP ports are used, the 89-Series was designed for full use of all ports, adding unparalleled flexibility that provides partners and datacenter customers with the maximum possible port usage in a slim 1RU product design.  The highly efficient design also comes with the 10G Stacking ports built-in so stacking only requires a cable, supporting, Edgecore's strategy to enable the partner and customer to maximize their investments for the best total cost of ownership.

"As business applications become more intensive and network-connected technologies such as video conferencing and IP telephony enjoy increasing adoption among businesses of all sizes, the demand is increasing exponentially for network infrastructures that can deliver the performance, reliability and quality of service required to deploy these cost-saving technologies," stated Iain Kenney, director of product marketing at Edgecore.  "By launching our 10GBASE-T solution, which is comprised of our high-performance switches and state-of-the-art 10GBASE-T uplink module, we're making it easy and affordable for companies to migrate to 10G speeds utilizing their existing Ethernet cabling infrastructure.  This enables them to vastly improve network performance while eliminating the cost of rewiring buildings and, ultimately, lowers the total cost of ownership."  

"The objective of the TigerStack II 1000 (89-Series) is to create a platform that can grow as our partners and their customers grow," explained Keith Alexis, senior vice president at Edgecore.  "Many businesses may not need a 10GBASE-T uplink today, but future needs can change as a business expands.  Moreover, as future server performance becomes more enhanced and less costly with 10G Lan-on-Motherboard options, or as larger 10GBASE-T aggregation switches become readily available, the ability to upgrade existing infrastructure becomes critical.  This switch family ensures partners that they can install it today and know that Edgecore will support new cutting edge technology, allowing them to grow their business, service and support for a long time to come."

Alexis continued, "For instance, the new SMC8926EM and SMC8950EM switches, equipped with the SMC10BTMOD, provides users with a high-performance, feature-rich infrastructure that will provide a reliable, secure, performance-oriented platform upon which companies can dependably run bandwidth-intensive applications such as voice communications, video editing and conferencing, streaming media and other large file transfers.  These new switches and Layer 3 distribution points support our upcoming line of unified communications solutions and enterprise-class wireless infrastructure solutions.  Edgecore is focused on delivering complete network solutions for SMBs and Enterprises and our new switches and 10GBASE-T module are key components of that vision."

About the TigerStack II 1000 Stackable 24/48 Gigabit Managed Layer 3 Switches

The TigerStack II 1000 Stackable 24/48 Gigabit Managed Layer 3 Switches (SMC8926EM and SMC8950EM)  can stack up to four units of either 24- or 48-port switches, through two stacking connectors, to provide up to 192 managed Gigabit ports and 8 10G uplinks all of which can be used for fiber or copper connections.  The switches feature 24 or 48 built-in copper Gigabit ports, including four combo SFP ports supporting either copper links or SFP adapters for fiber-based Gigabit media, and providing a switching capacity of up to 186Gbps.  Two 10G module slots on the rear of the switch provide support for XFP 10G or 10GBASE-T connections to provide high-bandwidth connections to the core of the network.    

The TigerStack II 1000 switches, which support Layer 3 routing for use in advanced edge networks, provide high performance and reduce downtime by allowing users to stack switches for 10G uplink flexibility and device redundancy.  The switches offer a redundant power option to protect against loss of primary power.

To protect the network, the TigerStack II 1000 switches incorporate a host of user and device security functions including a secure management interface to protect device configuration and support for features including 802.1x, RADIUS, ACLs, TACACS+, static port security, and private VLANs.  

To ensure the integrity of data transfers, the Quality of Service features of the switches allow eight levels of priority in the hardware and flexible software to ensure the proper prioritization of voice, video, streaming media, web, and file transfer traffic, and allows per-port bandwidth management.

The TigerStack II 1000 switches support IPv6 and IPv4 and can be managed via web-based interface, SNMP (v1, v2c, v3), Telnet and SSH, and via an RS-232 console port.

The SMC8926EM, SMC8950EM and SMC10BTMOD are backed by award-winning technical support, and are available worldwide via our dedicated value-added resellers.

About LG-Nortel

LG-Nortel is a joint venture of LG Electronics and Nortel. Established in 2005, LG-Nortel provides leading edge telecommunications equipment and network solutions, spanning wired and wireless technologies, to service provider and enterprise customers in Korea and around the world. LG-Nortel is also actively developing next generation solutions for global markets, with over 750 skilled R&D engineers currently focused on wireless broadband technology evolution and the development of powerful new product lines. For more information on LG-Nortel, visit www.lg-nortel.com.

About Edgecore Networks, Inc.

Edgecore Networks, Inc., a joint venture between LG-Nortel and Accton Technology, is a global manufacturer of application-driven performance networking solutions designed to meet and exceed partner requirements and maximize return on investment.  Our market focuses include providing solutions for SMB & enterprise LAN networks, hospitality and other MxU environments, and Metro Ethernet technology for value conscious service providers.  

Edgecore Networks features a robust portfolio of networking solutions that includes managed SMB/E switches, Metro Access solutions and a variety of business-class WiFi solutions, all tied together through an advanced network management system.  Leveraging SMC Networks' 33-year legacy of channel loyalty, profitability, advanced technology, and dedicated partner support, Edgecore Networks provides its channel partners with a reseller program that is backed by a full complement of end-to-end networking solutions and is designed to maximize return-on-investment and increase profitability.  

For more information, visit Edgecore Networks at: http://www.edgecorenetworks.com.

© 2010 Edgecore Networks, Inc.  Edgecore Networks and the Edgecore Networks logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Edgecore Networks in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Edgecore Networks, Inc.