Enterasys - Secure Networks

Delivering the ease of deployment, predictable service, and forward migration required in today's networked environments, Enterasys modular switching solutions—particularly the Matrix N-Series— are ideal for premium edge, collapsed backbone, distribution switching and server farm aggregation implementations.

Whether you are completely upgrading the network infrastructure or expanding at the edge, you can deploy the Matrix N-Series throughout the enterprise—in the data center, wiring closet, or workgroup. Wire-speed performance and industry-leading features allow seamless integration into any size network. Our Matrix E-Series is another modular switch platform that delivers high-capacity, high- performance connectivity for environments where the enhanced security or control of the N-Series may not be required.

Unique Distributed Switching Architecture
All of Enterasys' Matrix modular switches leverage our exclusive distributed architecture whereby the switching and control functions are embedded on each module, delivering unsurpassed reliability, scalability and fault tolerance. Customers can quickly and cost-effectively add connectivity as needed without sacrificing performance on existing ports.

The Matrix N-Series backplane is a point-to-point matrix design with fully meshed interswitch links that provide increased scalability and performance. Since there are no active components, there is no single point of failure. The interswitch links can support 20 Gbps to 80 Gbps of switching capacity per link. Total system aggregate switching capacity for the Matrix N3 is 240 Gbps; the Matrix N5 is 800 Gbps; the Matrix N7 is 1.68 Tbps.

Advanced Distributed Forwarding Engines
The Distributed Forwarding Engines (DFEs), the modules for the Matrix chassis, couple wire-speed throughput with advanced intelligence to recognize and prioritize traffic flows automatically. DFEs ensure the highest Quality of Service for critical applications such as voice even during over- subscription or Denial of Service attacks. The intercommunication between DFEs in the chassis allows for sophisticated, network-wide configuration, change and inventory management through a simple point-and-click user interface.

The Matrix N-Series modular switch offers a wide range of interfaces that enable them to interoperate in legacy environments while ensuring a smooth migration to the technologies required to support converged IP network infrastructures. In addition, all Matrix N-Series support standards-based Power over Ethernet (PoE) for emerging enterprise converged applications.

Network-Wide Configuration, Change and Inventory Management
Most of today's enterprise switches require repetitive, time-consuming management administrative tasks to set-up and maintain the network. Furthermore, upgrading switch firmware is time consuming and tedious. Through this complexity, configuration changes continue to be the number one reason for network outages.

Enterasys' NetSight™ provides the ability to install, troubleshoot, configure and maintain every Matrix switch in the entire network from a few simple screens.

In addition, it automatically detects, tracks and reports adds, moves and changes. NetSight can even track all Enterasys hardware (Matrix as well as all other Enterasys products) inventory, including serial numbers, asset tags, chassis empty slots, and firmware revisions from the Network Operation Center without requiring IT staff to physically go to every wiring closet.

This dramatically reduces the IT resources associated with the support and maintenance of the network. Providing a system-level upgrade of all network devices either at once, or at scheduled intervals, drastically reduces the IT costs.

Enabling Secure Networks An integral part of a Secure Networks solution from Enterasys, all Matrix switches creates a more intelligent and cohesive network architecture that provides advanced security mechanisms without compromising network flexibility or performance. Secure Networks leverages the distributed, flow-based switching and advanced policy-based management of the Matrix N-Series, in particular, to bridge the gap between the need for rapid response and flexibility, and the demands for greater visibility and granular control.