Adtran Offers a Combo

Adtran Inc. (Nasdaq: ADTN) today unveiled the latest additions to its NetVanta portfolio, new all-in-one network products designed to slash the cost of using separate switches and routers.

The platform combines a 24-port managed Ethernet switch, an IP access router, firewall, and optional VPN capabilities. One of the boxes, the 1224R, is a combined Ethernet switch and access router, whereas the 1224STR also offers an integral Gigabit Ethernet port.

Abner Germanow, enterprise networking research manager at analyst firm IDC, believes that a combined switch/router could slash the hardware cost of using multiple devices from a single vendor such as Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO).

The cost saving could be anything from 20 percent to 50 percent,” says Germanow, compared to using a Cisco LAN switch, a Cisco router, and a firewall or VPN card on the router.

Adtran also announced two new Ethernet switches -- the NetVanta 1224 and 1224ST. Both products support 24 10/100Base-T interfaces for non-blocking Layer 2 switching in Ethernet and Fast Ethernet applications. The 1224ST also includes dual interfaces supporting Gigabit over copper or fiber.Today's news reflects Adtran’s desire to win enterprise market share from vendors such as Cisco in the switch space. The 1224 is up against Cisco’s Catalyst 2950-24 switch, and the 1224ST faces the Catalyst 2950T-24. Cisco declined a chance to respond, saying that it does not comment on competitors' announcements.

Germanow believes that the product launch makes perfect sense for Adtran. “It’s a very logical move for Adtran as a company. They have a very well established networking base, support center, and long history of providing price points that are far lower than what the market is currently bearing.”

The 1224R has a list price of $1,195, while the 1224STR lists at $1,295. Both switch products are priced below $1,000, with a $795 list price for the 1224 and $895 for the 1224ST. All four products are now shipping.

— James Rogers, Site Editor, Next-gen Data Center Forum