Foundry updates 100BaseFX blades with ASICs

Foundry this week released new fiber optic Fast Ethernet modules with updated chipsets for three of its chassis switch products.

The modules, which have 24 100BaseFX single- or multi-mode fiber ports, now include Foundry’s JetCore application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology, which can provide increased security to a port with access control lists (ACLs), as well as hardware-based network monitoring and QoS features.

The 24-port blades fit into Foundry’s BigIron, FastIron and NetIron switch and router chassis. They are aimed at markets such as government, where security requirements mandate that certain data communications lines use fiber optic cabling, which is harder to tap or intercept than cabling. The modules could also be used for any implementation that requires Fast Ethernet connections to span a long distance — the multi-mode modules can reach over 1.2 miles without signal degradation while the single-mode modules can extend Fast Ethernet up to 25 miles.

Foundry’s JetCore ASIC allows ports on a Foundry switch to enforce Layer 2 and Layer 3 ACLs, which can limit network permissions or control bandwidth on a per user, or per port level. The ASICs also include sFlow, port monitoring technology that can allow a network monitoring or management application, such as HP OpenView, to collect data off of a port without affecting network performance.

Pricing for the modules, which varies among the three chassis, ranges from $9,000 for the single-mode products to $25,000 for the multi-mode modules. The new modules are available now.