D-Link switches target rising data traffic

D-Link has announced three new switches designed to help small and medium sized enterprises better manage data traffic on their networks.

The DGS-1100 switch is part of D-Link's EasySmart range that can prioritise traffic by creating a virtual LAN for services like surveillance cameras or voice traffic to help ensure that critical applications run effectively.

D-Link UK managing director Chris Davies told V3.co.uk that the DGS-1100 addresses the rise of IP technology in businesses, and offers more management capabilities but at a cost similar to non-managed products.

"The cost of chip software in the products is coming down, and we saw a gap in the market to offer a lower cost switch but with management capabilities through a simple to use interface," he said.

"This means that SMEs can add tools like video surveillance cameras and manage them without needing to be fully trained on network configuration."

The product has a series of energy-saving features, including 'cable length awareness' so that it sends only the amount of power needed to cover the distance to the device, and will shut down if it detects that the device on the port is off.

The fanless design makes it quiet and unobtrusive, according to Davies, and suitable for small office environments. It costs £129.99 including VAT and is available now from D-Link resellers.

The other new switches form part of D-Link's Fast Ethernet Web Smart DES-1210 series. The DES-1210-08P and DES-1210-28P offer Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity, an area that Davies explained is growing fast.

"PoE is one of our fastest growing categories as firms take advantage of the cost benefits for powering technologies like video cameras and other IP technologies that run over the corporate network," he said.

The 1210-08P has eight ports and costs £174.99 including VAT, while the 1210-28P costs £363.99 including VAT. Both are available now from D-Link resellers.