Hewlett-Packard Co has announced three new 10Base-T switching hubs and a switch module designed to provide a migration path to switching within a 10Mbps hub framework at 10Mbps prices. The AdvanceStack Switching Hub-12R, AdvanceStack Switching Hub-24R and AdvanceStack Switching Hub-24T function as unmanaged shared 10Base-T hubs. Two expansion slots enable end-users to add the AdvanceStack Management Pack and AdvanceStack 10Base-T Switch Module for additional functionality when needed. The hubs feature segmentation for performance boost; port switching for flexibility; auto-configuration and load balancing for easy and automatic stack configuration; and RMON Remote Monitoring support. The AdvanceStack 10Base-T Switch Module has eight ports, four of which are internal ports that connect to the four segments within the hub architecture, without the need to cable from port to port. Four are external ports that connect to servers to create four parallel paths for better stack performance. The Switching Hubs can segment into four separate, fully-managed local network segments, each of which can be as small as one port. Each segment becomes an independent 10Mbps collision domain shared by fewer users and network devices. The hubs are scalable from 10Mbps hubs to 40Mbps. They are expected to be available in November, starting at $850. The Hewlett-Packard AdvanceStack 10Base-T Management Pack provides management functionality including Simple Network Management Protocol, Remote Monitoring, HP Ease, drag-and-drop port switching and traffic monitoring and optimisation. It includes the AdvanceStack Management Module and new AdvanceStack Assistant application, which replaces HP Interconnect Manager for Windows or OpenView/Windows and provides tools for proactive traffic management, trouble-shooting and device support for Hewlett-Packard local network hardware. Also new from Hewlett-Packard is an FDDI module for the AdvanceStack Switch 2000, enabling users to connect to new and existing FDDI rings. It fits into one of the six universal slots in the AdvanceStack Switch 2000 base unit. Up to two FDDI modules can be installed in the switch with any combination of four-port 10Base-T modules, four-port 10Base-FL modules and two-port 100VG modules. Finally, a new four-port 10Base-FL module is designed to enable customers to connect to existing Ethernet fibre hubs to improve performance in existing Ethernet networks.
