GE Introduces Hardened Managed Ethernet Switch Series

Sept. 26, 2006
D-GES7600 Series Designed to Improve Network Performance of IP Based Security Systems

BRADENTON, FLA. – September 25, 2006 – GE Security, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) today introduced its new D-GES7600 Series of managed layer 2 Ethernet switches, devices that segment Ethernet network traffic to enhance performance and create better bandwidth allocation. An essential piece of equipment when local area networks (LAN) are handling multiple devices, such as cameras and DVRs, the new GE managed switches allow “virtual local area networks” or (VLANS) to be created that let networks be created using software rather than hardware.

The GE line consists of 12 models that have nine individual ports. Each can be configured from strictly electrical ports to various combinations of electrical, multi-mode fiber or single mode fiber ports. Some models also include a Gigabit electrical or optical port. The D-GES7600 Series also features Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (IEE 802.1w) for quick data recovery.

“As more and more devices are being integrated onto Ethernet networks, bandwidth can become an issue,” said Vic Milani, Director of GE Fiber Optic Product Marketing. “Based on the rapid transition toward bigger networks, GE provides a Gigabit Ethernet transmission capability in its initial managed switch product line introduction. By utilizing a Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) port, users obtain a significant increase in bandwidth over older Fast Ethernet, allowing devices utilizing switches to be easily integrated into larger networks.”

The D-GES7600 Managed Ethernet Switch has several mechanisms to monitor, configure, and manage the VLAN it is tasked to manage. A console interface using a standard RS-232 interface allows local network control from a standard PC. Alternatively, a web-based graphical user interface or GUI provides remote configuration control from anywhere on an Ethernet-based network.

For higher-level system management, the GES7600 line supports SNMP or Simple Network Management Protocol Version 2C and is RFC1213 compliant. SNMP allows a standards-based network element management system to be utilized for status monitoring and management of their network.

The D-GES7600 Managed Ethernet Switch was designed from the ground up to be mechanically and environmentally hardened for use in unconditioned environments. It has passed the rigorous tests of and meets the CALTRANS and NEMA test standards, providing an advantage over models that are not designed for more demanding outdoor and factory installations. The D-GES7600 Series is one of the only managed switches available that can be configured with a redundant power supply for greater reliability.

The D-GES7600 Series is also designed for use in today’s IP-based security networks, where surveillance and access control are taking place in centralized locations. These applications are extremely sensitive to variable delays and network congestion, which are unavoidable on a shared Ethernet network. By configuring the devices in a VLAN, sufficient bandwidth can be allocated for each, thereby ensuring effective management of the network devices.

All models of the D-GES7600 Series are FCC and CE compliant and have an operating temperature range between – 40 degrees C to + 74 degrees C. The D-GES7600 Series also includes a limited five-year warranty.