Foundry Networks Inc., provider of high-performance enterprise and service provider switching, routing, and Web traffic management solutions, today announced new interface modules for three existing product families. Foundry Networks' BigIron Layer 3 Switches, FastIron Layer 2/3 Switches, and NetIron Metro Routers will use these new JetCore-based modules to provide high-density 100-Mbits/sec Ethernet connectivity over multimode and singlemode optical fiber.
Powered by Foundry's third-generation JetCore application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chipset, the new modules offer advanced features, including Quality of Service (QoS), wire-speed extended Access Control Lists, hardware-based sFlow for wire-speed network monitoring, and rich bandwidth management features, say company representatives.
Foundry is introducing the following three new JetCore 100BaseFX modules for customers' requirements over different distance ranges:
• 100BaseFX over multimode fiber for distances of up to 2 km, ideal for short-reach desktop connectivity and data center applications
• 100BaseFX-SR over singlemode fiber for distances of up to 15 km, ideal for campus-wide high speed networks in enterprises or universities
• 100BaseFX-IR over singlemode fiber for distances of up to 40 km, ideal for regional metropolitan-area networks.
"Foundry's new JetCore based 100BaseFX modules will offer us secure, long-reach Fast Ethernet connectivity with the advanced features of Foundry's JetCore ASICs," explains Jason Traden, network engineer at University of Utah. "Foundry's JetCore-based 100BaseFX, with the sFlow Technology, will enable us to monitor layer 2 up to layer 7 network traffic flows within our wiring closet, our network backbone, and our data center, ensuring total control of the network and the services we provide within the University of Utah Health Sciences Center," he adds.
Each of the 100BaseFX interface modules is one-slot wide and utilizes MTRJ connectors to provide superior port density in a small footprint. The 100BaseFX modules for FastIron systems include Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM) with a maximum capacity of up to 32,000 Layer 3 lookups, whereas the modules for BigIron and NetIron systems offer a capacity of up to 64,000 Layer 3 lookups. The TCAM technology, coupled with Foundry's in-house silicon development, allows Foundry's systems to offer ultra-low latency switching at wire-speed throughputs.
"Our new JetCore sflow-enabled interface modules extend the reach of Fast Ethernet, and offer secure optical connectivity to the desktop for enterprises and to access points for metro service providers," notes Bobby Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Foundry Networks. "With the new JetCore-based interface modules, we continue our industry leadership in feature, performance, price, scalability, and high availability for enterprise and service provider customers," he continues.
Foundry's FastIron switches, equipped with 100BaseFX modules, allow enterprise customers long-reach 100-Mbits/sec Ethernet for widespread campus connectivity. Enterprises including the Federal Government and military agencies have sensitive security requirements that can take advantage of the cost-effective 100-Mbits/sec fiber-based connections for enhanced security over equivalent copper medium.
The new 100BaseFX modules for BigIron Layer 3 switches allow Metro service providers to extend broadband Ethernet connectivity over singlemode fiber for long reach of up to 40 km while taking advantage of the density and low cost of 100-Mbits/sec Ethernet.
The new 100BaseFX modules also enhance the variety of interface offerings available for customers with Foundry's switches and routers. The Ethernet interface modules already supported Foundry's systems include 10- and 100-Mbits/sec Ethernet over copper, Gigabit Ethernet over multimode fiber, Gigabit Ethernet over singlemode fiber supporting up to 150 km, Gigabit Ethernet over copper, and 10-Gigabit Ethernet. In addition to the Ethernet interfaces, Foundry's NetIron Metro Routers also provide support for Packet-Over-SONET (POS) interfaces, including OC-3c, OC-12c, and OC-48c, and OC-3c ATM.