3Com extends security and convergence support for enterprise businesses

The new 3Com® Switch 4500 family combines standards-based security for user authentication; support for the new TippingPoint™ X505, the first integrated security platform built upon Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) technology; and dynamic plug-and-play support for multiple vendors' VoIP services.

"The Switch 4500 family is the latest addition to 3Com's portfolio of products aimed at realizing the concept of secure converged networking," said Wael Fakharany, Regional General Manager, 3Com Middle East. "We offer innovative solutions at superior business value to enable small and medium enterprise customers to migrate to secure converged networks supporting business-critical applications and services.

"The Switch 4500 enhances 3Com's edge-to-core LAN switch portfolio that also includes 3Com's premium stackable switch, the Switch 5500, as well as the modular Switch 7700 and the Terabit-capacity Switch 8800 for large networks spanning thousands of users," said Fakharany.

Designed using open industry standards to avoid burdening customers with the restrictions of proprietary features, the 3Com Switch 4500 is a cost-effective, easy-to-use, managed 10/100 switch - available in 26-port and 50-port models. It includes extensive Layer 2 switching and dynamic Layer 3 routing functionality, which provide the intelligence necessary for today's demanding business networks.

With models that include cost-effective Power over Ethernet, the Switch 4500 is ideal for converged networks. Additionally, it is interoperable in multi-vendor networks, helping a business preserve its existing infrastructure investments.

The new switch family has intelligent quality of service (QoS) features to automatically prioritize voice traffic, along with Power over Ethernet models ideal for running effective VoIP solutions. Auto-VLAN assignment for voice calls further improves voice quality and security, optimizing secure converged IP communications over Ethernet-based networks.

Not only are 3Com IP phones pre-programmed into the 3Com switch for dynamic configuration and efficient management, but other vendors' IP phones are pre-programmed into the Switch 4500 as well. In addition, Switch 4500 PWR models can power standards-based IP phones and wireless access points from 3Com or other vendors, eliminating the need for costly re-wiring or power bricks.

"Stackable switches are back in vogue and have become part of the security fabric of networks, as well as enablers for IP communications," said Zeus Kerravala, senior analyst and vice president, Yankee Group. "The ability of the Switch 4500 to recognize any VoIP service provides unique value to customers who prefer best-of-breed technology for converged solutions."

While providing scalable connectivity and the enterprise-class management needed to run a network, the switch also supports 802.1X authentication, securing the network from unauthorized intruders and tracking general user access history. The switch also supports device authentication through RADA (RADIUS Authentication of Device Access) for authentication of devices that don't support 802.1X.

Small-to-medium enterprise networks combining the Switch 4500 with the TippingPoint X505 will benefit from fast, proactive isolation or quarantining of infected computers, along with intrusion prevention, stateful inspection firewall, IPSec VPN, bandwidth management and Web content filtering of the sophisticated TippingPoint X505 solution.