Switch Design Company Offers Insight into the Advances in Network Switches

For Immediate Release

Electro Standards Laboratories, Cranston, RI, announces the publication of its new article Advances in Network Switches. Backup copper and fiber optic network switches allow sharing devices or networks connected to the COMMON port/s among devices or networks connected to the A, B, C, etc., lettered or 1, 2, 3, etc., numbered ports. Network switch designs and capabilities have changed significantly over the years. This article discusses some of the advancements and is available as a free download on the company’s Website, http://www.electrostandards.com/images/user/File/white%20papers/NetworkSwitches_5154-01e.pdf.

The article features clear-cut tables that show at a glance the basic determinants of copper and fiber optic network switches. The article covers the topic of flexibility in switch controls with easy to follow explanations and product photos. Control methods include pushbutton, keylock, RS232 serial control, contact closure, IP addressable, graphical user interface (GUI), code-operated, and automatic switching.

Redundancy in network switches is explained with two examples, redundant backup and redundant remote port and power supplies. An example of a normal/redundant fallback switch is used as the first example and a special switch that was designed with two remote ports and two power supply ports as the other.

Methods of handling data transmission and power loss are also discussed. This very important topic covers switches that continue to pass data in the event of a power loss; switches that will not pass data through the unit during a power loss, and switch position memory.

Methods of switch monitoring are detailed. These include simple front-panel monitoring, RS232 remote port, Graphical User Interface, Telnet, voltage signaling and a supervisory remote port and Telnet.

There is a lot to know about copper and fiber optic network backup switches. Today’s network switches can be designed to fit anywhere: desktop, computer room rack, process control system, nuclear power plant and other rough environments. They can be built with the ruggedness necessary to function in areas subject to noise, vibrations and extreme temperatures. Security issues are addressed with passwords, passwords with limited privileges, secure offline positions, key-locks, and the ability to lockout the front panel controls remotely.

Raymond B. Sepe, President of Electro Standards Laboratories, has written this article to assist IT Managers in their efforts to keep abreast of cutting-edge network switch technology. For more information visit www.electrostandards.com or call 401-943-1164 and speak with a switch sales engineer.