Communications connectivity solutions provider ADTRAN Inc. has introduced the channel to ActivReach Ethernet technology. ActivReach was developed to support all grades of wiring, extend service reach three times beyond the limits of standard Ethernet, and deliver high-speed voice, data and Power over Ethernet (PoE) all from a single device.
The initial application for ActivReach is in ADTRAN’s new NetVanta 1535P Gigabit Ethernet switch, which provides businesses and service providers flexibility in designing networks across long distances of CAT3, CAT5, and CAT6 cable. This capability enables SMBs worldwide to utilize existing voice-grade wiring infrastructure to access IP-based voice, hosted services, cloud-based unified communications (UC), and deliver data networking speeds at 100 Mbps while transitioning their business towards a Gigabit future.
Many older office buildings, schools, retail stores, hotels, hospitals, and distribution facilities rely solely on CAT3 or voice-grade cabling infrastructure for their legacy phone systems. Voice-grade cable, however, is unsuitable for traditional Ethernet, limiting businesses’ ability to take advantage of the latest IP voice and data network capabilities. Traditionally, businesses have been forced to run new cable to enable Voice over IP (VoIP) and cutting-edge UC services. However, with new cabling upgrade costs running at hundreds of dollars per drop, this option becomes cost-prohibitive for many of these companies.
“The NetVanta 1535P with ActivReach is currently the only solution that can realistically provide a path for a Gigabit future while removing the traditional limitations of existing voice-grade wiring,” says Patrick Price, ADTRAN’s product manager, Ethernet Switching product line. “With ActivReach, businesses, regardless of their location, cabling infrastructure, or IT budget, will now be able to leverage a cost-effective solution for both voice and desktop connectivity in a way they have not been able to do before.”
The NetVanta 1535P has 24 copper ports and 4 fiber ports for uplinks and stacking. Each copper port can be configured for speeds of 10/100 Mbps in ActivReach mode at distances up to 365 meters (1,200 ft.) or standard IEEE 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet at distances up to 100 meters (328 ft). Infrastructure upgrades, therefore, can be performed incrementally and the same switch port previously configured for ActivReach can be transitioned to Gigabit networking speeds once new cabling is put in place.
List price for the NetVanta 1535P is $4,695 with availability starting in early October 2012.
