10G Ethernet Deployments Continue to Become Easier to Justify

The need for higher speed networks is evident in many small and medium businesses. Companies are moving larger, more complex files, such as video and voice, from end station to end station and need more bandwidth to support those transactions. In response, one of the industrys leading networking vendors has tried to make it simpler for them to deploy 10G Ethernet connections.The new HP ProCurve 2910 Switch Series features three 10 Gigabit modules, which fit directly into the 24-port 2910 switches. The network switches support the PoE+ standard which helps to ensure that the switch has sufficient power for devices, such as wireless access points, VoIP phones and security cameras. The product will be available in April with prices ranging from $2,600 to $7,000.

Like other vendors, HP has been emphasizing the green features in its Ethernet switches. The product line is designed to optimize power usage and lower power costs with features, such as variable speed fans. Based on the Miercom testing metrics, the annual running cost of running the HP ProCurve 2910al-48G switch is $67 compared to an Industry Average of $87.

HP has been gaining market share recently by delivering simple to deploy, low cost networking solutions. Its new product line is designed to take advantage of the falling prices for 10G Ethernet connections and the growing emphasis in small and medium businesses on energy efficiency. However, the company faces a great deal of competition in the network switch space, competition that will only intensify because of the economic slowdown.