Linksys Introduces Enhanced Entry-Level Gigabit Smart Switches for Small Businesses

From its 2007 Connected Office Day events around the globe, Linksys®, a Division of Cisco Systems, Inc., and the recognized leading global manufacturer of voice, wireless, and networking hardware for home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) and the small business user, today announced two new Gigabit Smart Switches – the 8-Port 10/100/1000 Gigabit Smart Switch with PD and AC Power (SLM2008) and the 5-Port 10/100/1000 Gigabit Smart Switch with PD and AC Power (SLM2005).

“These new Linksys Business Series high-speed switches offer entry-level management without the cost and complexity of a full Layer 2 managed switch,” said David Tucker, senior director of product marketing, Connected Office Business Organization, Linksys. “As with all Linksys Connected Office offerings, we believe we are providing a cost effective solution ideal for small businesses or workgroups within larger organizations.”

Network Management and Configuration
An easy-to-use Web-based interface helps even the smallest of businesses to manage and configure their networks without a dedicated IT staff. Linksys Business Series Gigabit Smart Switches allows the management of network traffic with minimal technical expertise required through a variety of features that set them apart from other entry-level switches, including:

Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) Snooping - limits multicast network traffic to only those who have requested to receive the transmission
Storm Control – prevents overflow of both multicast and broadcast traffic
Many-to-one Port Mirroring – allows non-invasive monitoring of switch traffic
Simple Interface Counters Support – assists troubleshooting process via use of simple statistics
Link Aggregation Control (LACP) – provides increased bandwidth and link redundancy
802.1p and Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) Traffic Prioritization Mechanisms – provide simplified QoS management
PD Functionality
Both new switches include Powered Device (PD) functionality that enables them to obtain power from a standard 802.3af PoE switch or an external AC power outlet. Using 802.3af PoE-PD they provide small businesses the flexibility to install their switch in places where a power outlet may not be present, such as in ceilings and walls.

Security
With the Linksys Business Series Smart Switches, small businesses can create VLANs based on 802.1q to help improve network performance and security by enabling the segmentation of networks. Port-level security is provided by the 802.1x authentication capabilities in the products.

Pricing and Availability
Available immediately through major distributors, value added resellers, and direct response, the Linksys Business Series Smart Gigabit Ethernet Switches will have the following estimated street prices:

SLM2005 – $95.99
SLM2008 – $115.99
The Connected Office
The Linksys Business Series and Linksys One solutions are components of The Connected Office, a broad portfolio of secure, scalable voice and data solutions designed specifically for the growing small business, making it easy to buy, build and manage a network.