Phil Hochmuth

Foundry Networks Inc. this week released new fibre-optic Fast Ethernet modules with updated chipsets for three of its chassis switch products.

Gold Wire Technology Inc. last month announced an appliance that could help operators of large multivendor networks get a better handle on configuring and auditing changes made to infrastructure gear.

Alcatel SA in December is scheduled to start offering stackable 10/100Mbps Ethernet switches that pack much of the punch of enterprise chassis-based boxes.

Foundry Networks Inc. this month is expected to introduce copper gigabit and Layer 4 to Layer 7 switches aimed at users looking to bring high-speed links to desktops and server farms.

Hewlett-Packard Co. and Cisco Systems Inc. recently released enterprise LAN gear targeted at corporations looking to roll out infrastructure upgrades such as 10G Ethernet backbones and IP telephony.

While a slowdown in IT spending and the commoditization of Ethernet gear has put a damper on the Ethernet switch market recently, new technologies and inevitable upgrade cycles should spark movement in the enterprise switch/router market in the coming quarters.

Cisco Systems Inc. this week announced its Catalyst 4500 series modular switches with improved redundancy over the company's previous midsize chassis.

Cisco Systems Inc. this week announced its Catalyst 4500 series modular switches with improved redundancy over the company's previous midsize chassis.