Adtran Launches Ethernet Switch

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- ADTRAN®, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTN - News), a leading provider of network access equipment, today announced the company's entry into the Ethernet switch market with the launch of the NetVanta® 1000 Series of full-featured, managed Ethernet switches. NetVanta Ethernet switches deliver advanced services and standards-based switching functionality for Layer 2 LAN connectivity and segmentation at the network edge. All NetVanta internetworking products, including Ethernet switches, access routers, and VPN/firewall devices utilize the ADTRAN Operating System (OS). This provides advanced switching features for the NetVanta 1000 Series, at a fraction of the cost of comparable switch products, while providing value for cost-conscious businesses and improved bandwidth efficiency without sacrificing reliability.

"When we entered the internetworking market we made a commitment to a full line of products to address WAN-to-the-desktop connectivity. The announcement of the NetVanta Ethernet switches is yet another milestone on that product roadmap," said Danny Windham, senior vice president and general manager, ADTRAN Enterprise Networks Division. "The continued evolution of the ADTRAN OS is making it possible to provide a wide variety of internetworking products, all based on the same operating system, that simplify installation and reduce the total cost of ownership for branch office connectivity. When combined with ADTRAN's "high touch" customer service and support, which includes free 24x7 technical support, free firmware updates, and market-leading domestic warranties, there is no better value on the market today."

"ADTRAN's NetVanta Ethernet switches provided the LAN backbone for the recent Polycom User Group annual conference. Our experience with the product was extremely positive," said Chris Difiglia, president, Polycom User Group. "These switches were reliable, offered the features we needed, and provided outstanding performance for our many exhibitors during the three day conference. The NetVanta switches are an outstanding choice and provide a remarkable value."

In a separate release:

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- ADTRAN®, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTN - News), a leading provider of network access equipment, today announced a unique, all-in-one platform that combines a 24-port managed Ethernet switch, a full-featured IP access router (with a modular WAN interface), a stateful inspection firewall, and optional VPN and dial backup capabilities. The NetVanta® 1224R combines all of this functionality into a single 1U rackmount platform, designed for enterprise businesses of all sizes needing converged WAN/LAN, branch office, or multi-site connectivity. For high-speed server access, uplink or stacking requirements, the NetVanta 1224STR adds an integral Gigabit Ethernet port. These multi-function devices eliminate the need for multiple network devices, conserve rack space, simplify network administration, and lower the total cost of ownership with a complete solution for WAN-to-the-desktop connectivity.

"Branch office connectivity needs to be as simple as possible in order to reduce operational costs and simplify deployment of new or upgraded network connections," said Abner Germanow, enterprise networking research manager, IDC. "Products, like ADTRAN's NetVanta 1224R and 1224STR, that integrate a targeted feature set at a low price and are backed by an established support organization, will be especially appealing to vertical customers like restaurants, grocery stores, or retail establishments who have a pressing need for branch office connectivity."

An extension of ADTRAN's widely deployed NetVanta internetworking solutions, the NetVanta 1224R uses the ADTRAN Operating System (OS) to provide advanced standards-based functionality for interoperability and ease of integration in multi-vendor networks. It is equipped with 24 Ethernet/ Fast Ethernet ports for non-blocking Layer 2 switching functionality at the network edge. A full-featured integral IP router allows for cost-effective Internet access, corporate Frame Relay, or point-to-point connectivity utilizing industry-standard routing protocols such as OSPF and RIP. Other standard features include support for 802.1Q Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN trunking, Spanning/Rapid Spanning Tree, Link Aggregation, Quality of Service (QoS), a stateful inspection firewall, and a variety of network security features.

"This product brings savings well beyond the list price. It offers simplified installation, configuration, and network administration; reducing the number of devices to be managed, excess cabling costs, and the need for on-site IT personnel, " said Tim Saunders, vice president of product management, ADTRAN Enterprise Networks Division. "Where other products come with hidden charges such as maintenance agreements and firmware updates, ADTRAN offers free technical support and free firmware updates, making ADTRAN solutions a better overall value, with a quick return on investment."

Adtran Inc.