Before I lengthily discuss all these switches, definitions are in order.  A switch is a device that allows different nodes (a network connection point like computers) of a network to communicate directly with one another smoothly and efficiently.  Power over Ethernet or PoE, also known as IEEE802.3af (I just have to hand it to engineers when they name a technology with numbers and letters only they can understand), allows appliances like IP telephones, wireless LAN access, webcams, etc. to receive power and data over existing LAN cabling.  This simplifies installation and saves space because the switch becomes the appliances’ power source.

ProCurve’s Adaptive EDGE Architecture is not to be confused with the EDGE that is Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution, a digital mobile technology.  ProCurve’s Adaptive EDGE Architecture is not a technology but a strategy designed to maintain complete command of the network in a centralized manner and to push out control and intelligence to the network edge where users connect.

ProVision ASIC or Application Specific Integrated Circuit is a ProCurve technological innovation built into the 5400 and 3500 series.  It is a processor that runs the switch engineered to continuously operate while withstanding error conditions and external attacks, such as denial of service attempts.

ProCurve came up with the next-gen intelligent switches in response to key business needs such as security of information assets, enabling a mobile workforce, an application that is ready for the future, reduced operational costs, and scalable and flexible infrastructure.

The 5400 series is available in 6- and 12-slot chassis and bundles with 288 ports in 7U, 144 ports in 4U, and 48 and 96 Gig PoE port bundles; and has full layer 3 routing, virus throttling, and secure access control.

The 3500 series is available in 24 and 48 Gig PoE ports in 1U with 4 dual-personality Gigabit uplinks, and slot for optional 10GbE connectivity.

ProCurve’s entry level switch is the 4200 family that is both flexible and cost-effective.  The 6200 switch has 24 media-flexible Gigabit ports with an expansion slot for an optional 4 port media-flexible 10GbE module.  The 8100fl series is an intelligent edge aggregator with wire-speed, media-flexible 1-port 10GbE X2 module.

ProCurve has a complete line of networking products aside from switches.  They also have routers, WLAN access points, and network management solutions.

If you already have an existing network either using generic equipment like we do or branded ones, you might wonder as I did before ProCurve Networking’s Global Product Marketing Director Amol Mitra’s presentation, what sets it apart from the rest of the competition.  It’s ProCurve’s offer of lifetime warranty for all its products and the bragging rights to being the only vendor with a switch in outer space.

(For feedback, comments, suggestions email me at openingpagemb@yahoo.com)