Network hardware vendor Netgear has unveiled a new line of switches designed to allow small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to take advantage of converged networking.

The new ProSafe Advanced Gigabit Smart Switch models combine Gigabit Ethernet connections with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and stacking.

The models are designed to allow SMBs to integrate the use of converged networking systems. Converged networks allow for various network components, such wireless local area networks, VoIP hardware and videoconferencing units, in a single network.

Each switch will be equipped with up to four PoE ports which can provide power to compatible devices such as cameras and wireless networking hardware.

The switches will support stacking of up to six units, allowing up to 288 ports from a single IP address.

Netgear hopes that the new switches will help drive the uptake of converged networking at SMBs and simplify the management of networking systems and hardware within smaller enterprises.

"As SMBs continue to leverage VoIP, wireless and other converged network technologies to make their businesses more productive and streamline their networks, they require advanced switching infrastructure that supports their needs now and in the future," said Maggie Wu, Netgear's Smart Switching product line manager.

"The GS7xxTPS series offers performance, ease-of-use, scalability and reliability by supporting the right combination of features at an affordable cost."

The company plans to release the new switch systems worldwide in July.