Foundry intros two-port 10 Gig module

Foundry Networks last week introduced two-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet modules for its chassis-based switches and two fixed-configuration LAN switches.

Foundry is touting the cost reduction of its 10 Gigabit Ethernet option with the new module; however, it’s still listing the two-port module for $61,000 without optics. At more than $30,000 per port, it’s still out of reach for most enterprises.

The connections can be used for a metro-area network, as the optics can extend the distances of the 10 Gigabit traffic to up to 40 kilometers.

Interestingly, Foundry claims that, through IEEE 802.3ad link aggregation, users can set up four of 10 Gig links as one logical 40G bit/sec connection.

It’s worth noting here that Network World this week published tests of 10 Gigabit Ethernet gear, including one of Foundry’s earlier products. Foundry’s FastIron 400 switch was not able to achieve 10 gigabits per second of throughput, but rather about 8G bit/sec. However, it handled delay well. For the full tests, see:

https://www.nwfusion.com/reviews/2003/020310gbe.html

Separately, the company also introduced the EdgeIron 2402CF and EdgeIron 4802CF, fixed-configuration Layer 2 switches with 24 and 48 ports of 10/100M bit/sec Ethernet, respectively. They also have two Gigabit Ethernet slots to support fiber-optic or copper Gigabit Ethernet.

The list price for the 24-port version is $2,200, while the 48-port switch goes for $4,200. Both are shipping now.