Introducing Multi-Gig and Open Networking for the Campus

The start of a new year brings a renewed focus on the future and a renewed commitment to what we do best. In 2017, our focus remains on leading the digital transformation. That means providing our customers with innovation that’s not simply ahead of the curve, but will help them innovate and thrive for the next 3, 5, and 10 years.

This begins with tools that turn ideas into reality, create new and better ways of working, and allow employees to stay actively engaged in the success of the business. From modernizing end-user technology with beautiful, innovative devices designed specifically for the way people work, to creating new ways of working with digital workspaces that deliver easy, secure access on any device, we’re powering workplace transformation with seamless, user-centric experiences.

With mobility at the core of today’s workplace, it’s essential to invest in next-generation wireless solutions at the network edge, as well as the switching components that support them. One of the latest technologies, referred to as multi-gig Ethernet or IEEE P802.3bz, enables delivery of 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps data rates and Power over Ethernet via widely deployed standard Cat5e cables.

In 2016, Dell EMC introduced wireless access points that embrace the 802.11ac Wave 2 standard, designed to provide high capacity access and easy integration into campus environments. Our latest W-Series 330 series access points take that wireless innovation even further by enabling 2.5Gbps uplink connections, utilizing the multi-gig Ethernet technology for maximum data throughput and efficiency between wireless users and the wired network.

Today, we’re introducing the N3132PX-ON and N2128PX-ON* switches featuring multi-gig Ethernet ports. In addition to enabling multi-gig connections over existing Cat5e and Cat6 cabling, the N3132PX-ON and N2128PX-ON switches bring Open Networking (ONIE) to the campus; enabling support for third-party operating systems as well as shipping with Dell OS6. The N3132PX-ON and N2128PX-ON switches offer up to 32 PoE 60W connections and 10GbE ports, with 40GbE uplinks on the N3132PX-ON.

The simplified scalability and OS flexibility offered by the N3132PX-ON and N2128PX-ON continues the legacy of investment protection that our customers expect from our N-Series line of L2/L3 switches, as well as the tools they need to confidently grow their business.

Read more about the next-gen features and benefits of the N3132PX-ON and check out the complete family of N3000 switches at dell.com/N3000.

*The N2128PX-ON supports 1/2.5GbE connections and is expected to be available in Spring 2017.

About the Author: Jeremy Erwin