APCON intros IntellaPatch 16 switch

Fiber Optics Weekly Update, June 20, 2003

APCON Inc., a provider of network solutions and intelligent physical layer switches for Fibre Channel, Ethernet and SONET, announced the IntellaPatch 16 Physical Layer Switch. Joining the APCON IntellaPatch family of layer-1 switches, the new IntellaPatch 16 switch provides an effective, low-cost connectivity solution for interoperability test labs within telecom/datacom, network and storage, and military environments. The new IntellaPatch 16 is based on modular, single-slot design that allows engineers to use a variety of different protocol and data-rate specific blades. This provides an inexpensive means of enhancing system connectivity for engineers who work with a variety of specifications.

The IntellaPatch 16 supports APCON's entire technology range, including 1-, 2- and 10Gb/s Fibre Channel, 10/100/1000/10Gig Ethernet, and SONET OC-3, OC-12 and OC-48, by using either SEP or XFP transceivers. One of the new switches primary applications is to remotely automate connectivity tasks, such as lab setup and system configuration. The layer-1 switch is an optimal solution for system integrators and test engineers who need to manage configurations between various servers, storage systems, peripherals and operating systems. "Wire-once" technology eliminates manual patching and re-patching, and provides non-blocking, any-to-any connections at wire speed. The modular, single-blade unit joins a family of APCON physical layer switches available in 16 and 32 fixed-port models, and 64-, and 144-port multi-bladed switches. The APCON IntellaPatch 16 Physical Layer Switch is now shipping with prices beginning at $3,995 (USD) for a fully loaded model. SFP or XFP transceivers are required and sold separately.