Cisco Offers Catalyst Switch Family to Deliver Secure Network Connectivity

Simple network switches have produced an explosive growth in cost-effective network connectivity over the past few years for many organizations. Cisco has introduced the Cisco (News - Alert) Catalyst 3560-C and Catalyst 2960-C Compact Series (C-Series) Switches, expanding the Borderless Networks portfolio's ability to deliver highly secure, cost-effective network connectivity and power outside the wiring closet.

According to a press release, these new switches are developed for locations that pose unique wiring, space or power challenges. The new Cisco C-Series Switches illustrate Cisco's commitment to solve unique customer challenges even in the most nontraditional of networking environments, as networks expand their reach and scope. Cisco C-Series Switches are compact versions of the Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series and 2960-S Series, with the same functionality, OS and management capabilities as their wiring-closet brethren, and are roughly half the size of an Xbox console.

C-Series Switches eliminate the need for expensive individual cable drops for network endpoints and the wiring complexities of running cables to locations far from the wiring closet -- for example, check-out kiosks at the front of a big-box store. C-Series Switches can be deployed up to 100 meters away from the wiring closet. They are sleek and quiet (fanless) and can be installed on or underneath desktops and countertops or on walls.

It eliminates the need for power outlets for the switch itself and for IP devices, via industry-first Pass-through PoE. Pass-through PoE technology powers Internet Protocol devices in locations without access to power outlets. Cisco C-Series Switches can draw power from an upstream (PoE+/PoE-capable) switch or a router in the wiring closet, to power itself and to drive power downstream to the IP devices connected to it.

 When devices are deployed far from the wiring closet, protecting them from unauthorized user or device access, eavesdropping, or theft becomes a unique challenge. The C-Series Switches set themselves apart from other solutions with Cisco TrustSec, the industry's most comprehensive network security solution.

In the other company news, TMCnet reported that Cisco and VMware announced a desktop virtualization solution based on Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) and VMware View 4.5. Cisco and VMware are supporting this solution with new channel initiatives that will help channel partners accelerate deployment of virtual desktop solutions that scale to meet customers' business needs and regulatory requirements while reducing risk and total cost of ownership (TCO).

To find out more about Roberto De La Mora and Cisco, visit the company at ITEXPO East 2011. To be held Feb. 2-4 in Miami, ITEXPO (News - Alert) is the world’s premier IP communications event. De La Mora is speaking during “The Next Generation of Voice over WLAN.” Don’t wait. Register now.