Linksys, celebrating thirty years of networking and WiFi innovation for the home and business, unveils new custom-designed business-class smart switches to meet the growing power demands of networked devices in the modern workplace. The company’s latest offerings include an†8-Port Business Smart Gigabit PoE+ Switch†– 130W (LGS308MP) and a†26-Port Business Smart Gigabit PoE+ Switch†– 384W (LGS326MP) which features 24 PoE+ gigabit Ethernet ports +2 gigabit SFP/RJ45 combo ports. These new Linksys Smart Gigabit PoE+ Switches are designed to offer business-class management, security, speed and quality of service (QoS).
Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology allows network switches to transmit both power and data through a twisted pair Cat5e Ethernet cable. PoE affords IT personnel greater flexibility when designing network architecture, simplifying device deployment by reducing the need for AC power outlets and wiring. This enables technicians to install wireless access points and other IP-based equipment, in otherwise hard to reach areas.††††
“Small and medium-sized businesses are growing more sophisticated with the connected devices they use to gain a competitive advantage,” says†Wayne Newton, director of commercial†markets for Americas, Linksys. “PoE+ equipment provides the flexibility and power to†accommodate the unique needs of these growing number of connections.”†
PoE+ equipment operates according to a newer Institute of Electrical and Electronics (IEEE) standard, 802.3at. PoE+ switches deliver more power to each port, up to 30 Watts, compared to legacy PoE networking equipment, which accommodates a power draw of 15.4 Watts per port. Smart switches designed to the PoE+ standard, are built to support a higher power draw required by next-generation devices that companies add to computer networks: pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) and other IP surveillance products, IP connected conference solutions, digital displays, AV equipment, wireless access point and VOIP phones.
Some examples of the power required by these devices are:
- 13W:† IP Cameras, VoIP Phones, Wireless Access Points, Networked Audio
- 30W: IP Telephones, WiMAX Access Points, PTZ Cameras, Remote Computer Terminals
- 60W: Door Access Systems, Video Phones, Thin Clients
- 100W: Digital Signage Displays, Point of Sale Systems, LCD TVs, Computer Monitors
- 200W: Larger TVs, Larger Displays, Larger Monitors, Laptops
Gigabit PoE+ Smart Switches: Key Features
- Integrated Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+)
- Easy configuration and management
- Proven performance and reliability
- Meets EEE (Energy Efficient Ethernet) 802.3az standard
- Advanced Network security
- IP telephony support
- IPv6 support
Key Benefits
Quality of Service (QoS): Several QoS features ensure that traffic is prioritized to deliver the best possible user experience for real-time voice and video applications, and bandwidth-intensive graphics and video file transfers. Specifically, IGMP snooping directs IP multicast traffic only to specific ports associated with the multicast group, thus enabling the rest of the network to operate at peak efficiency.
Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+):†Linksys smart switches support the latest 802.3at (PoE+) standards and provides twice the power budget for each Gigabit Ethernet port while remaining backward- compatible with the 802.3af (PoE) standard. This makes PoE+ equipment ideal for powering networked devices like point-tilt-zoom surveillance cameras, display kiosks, digital signage, and 802.11ac wireless access points.
Network Security:†Unauthorized access to the network and mission-critical data is a constant concern for businesses. Linksys smart switches help secure networks with features like port authentication and MAC-based port security, requiring clients to authenticate themselves before any data is passed. Advanced DHCP snooping and IP-MAC binding functions ensure network integrity and help prevent network attacks.
Network Expansion:†Linksys smart switches include features for quickly expanding and growing your network. Multiple high-bandwidth trunks between switches enhance availability and redundancy. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Storm Control features help control planned or inadvertent cable loops and facilitates cost-efficient scalability.
Pricing and Availability
The new Linksys high powered Smart Gigabit POE+ switches are immediately available in the Americas through authorized distributors.
- 8-Port Business Smart Gigabit PoE+ Switch – 130W (LGS308MP)†$249.99†MSRP
- 26-Port Business Smart Gigabit PoE+ Switch – 384W (LGS326MP)†$529.99†MSRP
