Ethernet Switching
Solution Assessments
Ethernet switching is the foundation of enterprise networks. As the supporting fabric for all network functions, the architecture of the switching solution is a key consideration in the selection and implementation of enterprise network applications and services. Therefore, it is crucial for both enterprise customers and competitors alike to understand how switching vendors have designed their switching solutions.
Such issues as whether intelligence implemented on the edge of the network or at the core, how security is implemented within the switching fabric, how power is managed by the switching devices, and the types of ASICs embedded in the switching fabric are all key factors in the overall design of an enterprise network.
Current Analysis Ethernet Switching Solution Assessments category describes such important aspects of each vendor’s switching solution, providing a blueprint of each architecture’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the ideal environment for each solution.
Anatomy of a Solution Assessment
Delivered via our Web-based platform CurrentCOMPETE, Current Analysis’ Ethernet switching solution assessments track and analyze events, technologies, and companies shaping the enterprise Ethernet switching market. Comprehensive coverage includes vendor Solution Assessments and analysis of competitor events in the marketplace, covering announcements of new products and strategies, as well as mergers and partnerships. Ethernet switching solutions are rated on the following selection criteria:
- High availability, or the solution’s ability to survive equipment failure, link failure, physical plant failure, and network-based attacks on the infrastructure.
- Management and ease of use, which encompasses the features that differentiate the administration, maintenance, and monitoring of the solution.
- Performance characteristics as indicated by the aggregate capacity of the switch fabric, switching throughput, and switch latency, which all contribute to the overall speed and capacity of the device.
- Port diversity, which is the amount and diversity of the types of ports available on the device. Port diversity is an indicator of the types of environments in which a switch can function.
- System scalability, or the ability of the solution to grow with the needs of the enterprise. System scalability is measured in terms of switch chassis size, blade and port density, and how easy the device is to upgrade.
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which is the comparative cost of operating the switching solution over the life of the devices. The components of TCO include pricing, warranty, and service pricing and offerings.
- Ability to manage master data in centralized or decentralized repositories, in keeping with enterprise organizational structures, data ownership practices, and governance processes.
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Market Segments Covered
Fixed Switches
Fixed-configuration “stackable” switches are typically cost-optimized and have limite d port density, but some solutions offer high-end features such as 802.3af PoE, QoS and multi-layer intelligence. Fixed configuration switches often do not have the port diversity that their modular cousins have. Port diversity means the availability of different port types, such as fiber versus copper ports.
Modular Switches
Enterprises depend on modular switching solutions for all aspects of the enterprise network: in the enterprise core and data center, the distribution layer that lies between the core and wiring closet, and in the wiring closet itself. Modular solutions provide port diversity and density that fixed solutions simply cannot match.
High Capacity Switch Routers
High Capacity modular switching solutions that only the largest of enterprises and institutions use for high-density and
high-speed deployments.
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Ethernet Switching Solution Advisor Reports
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Current Analysis Solution Advisor reports for individual Ethernet Switching solutions are available for purchase and download online. These reports contain the analysis of the solution's strengths and weaknesses, and the evaulation on on how well the solution meets key customer selection criteria. Click here to view available reports, and more information. |
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Analyst:
Michael Brandenburg ► Bio
Analyst, Enterprise Network Systems
Direct: +1 920 632 7442
Email:
Contact us today to learn more:
Alex Wassiliew
Vice President Sales, Infrastructure
Direct: +1 703 788 3660
Email:
| Client Access |
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| Ethernet Switching Solutions Covered |
» 3Com Switches
» Alcatel-Lucent IMS Portfolio (Alcatel Legacy)
» Cisco Ethernet Switching Solutions
» Enterasys Switching Solution
» Extreme Networks Switching
» Force 10 Networks Switches
» Nortel Networks Switches
» ProCurve by Hewlett-Packard Switches |
| Stay Informed With Analysis of Major Industry Issues |
» Mergers, acquisitions, partnerships and OEM arrangements among switching vendors aimed at assembling comprehensive service-oriented networking solutions.
» Evolution of switching solutions to enable more comprehensive and granular policy management and enforcement.
» Support for embedded application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to optimize application performance and increase security.
» Development of higher-capacity, more flexible switching fabrics and interfaces to allow switching devices to take on new functions in the network, such as serving as policy gateways for other devices.
» The role of professional services in designing networks optimized to meet the needs of diverse horizontal, vertical, regional markets.
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| What's Included in Solution Assessments |
» Solution Description
» Solution Score
» Current Perspective
» Solution Elements
» Strengths
» Weaknesses
» Key Selection Criteria
» Go-to-Market Analysis
» Solution Metrics |
| Perform Head-to-Head Comparisons of Solutions |
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