Layer 3 switches can improve the performance and expandability of your small business network
The performance of your network to your small business is vital. In addition to bandwidth, you should consider whether the network you built to support your small business still meets your needs. If your network seems sluggish and is impacting employee productivity, chances are that flat network design is the cause. Adding Layer 3 switches would improve your network’s performance and enable it to grow with your fledgling business.
Cisco today continued its legacy of leadership in home networking with the launch of its new Linksys® E-Series family − a complete suite of powerful and easy-to-use next-generation Wireless-N routers and switches. With sales of wireless-enabled products, such as tablets and game consoles, steadily growing and Internet video usage exploding, consumers are seeking greater performance, reliability and simplicity from their home wireless solution. The new Linksys wireless-N routers and switches, available today, offer a complete range of options that set a new standard for speed, range, and ease-of-use, while also sporting a visually-appealing new design.
The new Linksys E-Series lineup includes five routers, providing not only the performance needed for today’s connected home, but also help to future-proof for new and emerging technologies that are gaining traction with consumers, such as Internet-enabled TVs and Cisco’s ūmi telepresence for premium video experiences. Designed with faster speeds (up to 450 Mbps*), other key features for select routers in the line include a 3x3 spatial stream configuration for improved coverage, external power amplifiers to maintain signal strength over a greater distance and reduce dead spots, and virtual USB technology to enable wireless printing from any computer. The full line also boasts a new industrial design that combines sleek contours and advanced functionality − recently earning the prestigious 2011 Red Dot Product Design Award for product design, innovation and quality.
These include the Linksys E1200, Linksys E1500, Linksys E2500, Linksys E3200 and the Linksys E4200 (which was launched earlier this year).
New Switches Enable Easy Network Expansion and Power Saving Modes
The three new Linksys switches enable faster and simpler wired connections. New features include plug and play of Ethernet-enabled devices, Quality of Service (QoS) auto-sensing ports, and power saving features. The power saving modes on select models include auto power-down disabling unused ports, sleep mode when all ports are inactive and smart power for short cable runs.
These include the Linksys SE1500 5-Port 10/100 Switch, Linksys SE2500 5-Port Gigabit Switch, and Linksys SE2800 8-Port Gigabit switch.
Linksys 5-Port 10/100 Switch SE1500
Pricing and Availability
There are eight new products in the Linksys family — five routers and three switches. The suggested retail prices for the routers range from $59.99 to $179.99. Prices of the switches range from $29.99 to $74.99. The full line of Linksys routers and switches are available starting today at retailers nationwide or by visiting the Linksys website at www.linksys.com/store.
Eren Hussein, Director of Solutions Marketing for Cisco Small Business, shares details about new products, services and financing offers announced today, including:
The ideal switch will protect your small business network and give your company room to grow
A reliable network is the foundation for any successful business; regardless of whether you’re a florist or GM. Your network connects your business to the outside world, allows your employees to be more productive, and gives you low-cost ways to better serve your customers.
A key cornerstone of any network is the switch: It connects all the computers, printers, servers, and storage devices in your office, giving your employees access to shared resources. A switch keeps data traffic moving efficiently, keeps unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data and allows you to add new users as your business grows.
I’ve been fortunate to meet many entrepreneurs who grew their business from a part-time home-based endeavor to a multiple location business with dozens of employees. They all seem to share the “I can do it!” attitude. Which is what enabled them to be successful.
When I go visit customers I’m often at their business for two days. I get to know them while I’m there and I”m always fascinated by their stories. In order to build their businesses they had to educate themselves on all aspects of the operation--from janitorial to accounting, HR to information technology. And it was a challenge.
If you aren’t familiar with basic networking, the topic can seem daunting, but the bottom line is that a network improves employee productivity and can save your business money by allowing employees to share computer hardware and an Internet connection. Also, connecting your employees to the Internet means they can access the Web and email, providing an easy, low-cost way to serve your customers better. A network can make such an impact on your business that you have to be educated on the topic. I’ve written this post to give you some basics and some sources for more information.
