Xylan Debuts OmniStack 4024

By JOHN FONTANA

Xylan today outlined its strategy on Gigabit Ethernet support and added a new switch for the edge of corporate networks.

The company released the OmniStack 4024, a fixed configuration 24-port 10/100 switch with options for copper and fiber uplinks at Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet speeds. It also unveiled a Gigabit Ethernet Switching Module (GSM) for its OmniSwitch, a hybrid wiring closet switch that supports both frames and cells.

The two products round out Xylan's support of Gigabit Ethernet across its product line.

The 4024 switch supports Xylan's policy-based management and user authentication features also found on the modular OmniStack 5024. It also supports OmniChannel link aggregation and the company's Java-based SwitchStart management software. The switch supports the 802.1Q standard for VLANs, but support for 802.1p traffic prioritization will be added as a software upgrade in the spring.

The 4024 is Xylan's attempt to offer high-level features while keeping the price point at an acceptable level. Pricing starts at $132 per port.

Other vendors are attacking the same issue, including Cabletron, which today released a fixed configuration workgroup switch for its SmartStack line. The switches are a response to IT managers moving to faster backbones to support 100 Mbps desktops.

"We are supporting LAN switching as a hub replacement close to the end user," said Brian Witt, product manager for Xylan. "At first, LAN switching was to relieve congestion, now it is moving to the desktop."

The 4024 will come in four models, each one with different uplink options. The 4024C has two copper Fast Ethernet ports and is priced at $3,450. The 4024F has two fiber Fast Ethernet ports ($4,350), the 4024CF has one copper and one fiber Fast Ethernet port ($4,150), and the 4024G has two Gigabit Ethernet ports ($5,450).

The Gigabit Ethernet module for the OmniSwitch, which already supports FDDI, ATM, WAN, token ring and Fast Ethernet interfaces, comes in two flavors. The GSM-FM supports distances up to 500 meters and the GSM-FS can support transmissions up to 3 kilometers. The GSM is expected to ship in March. The GSM-FM is $5,950 and the GSM-FS is $8.950.