[July 24, 2001]

Avaya, PowerDsine Build Switching System With Built-In Power For LANs

Avaya Inc. and PowerDsine announced they are building an advanced switching system that delivers data and power over existing Ethernet networks and is based on open industry standards.

Avaya is one of the first companies to develop a switch that incorporates the current recommendations of the IEEE�s 802.3af standard for power over Ethernet. This standard is being developed to address the need to attach a variety of network appliances anywhere on an IP network.

The new system is called the Avaya P333T-PWR. It will integrate PowerDsine's Power over LAN technology into Avaya's P330 stackable switching system family. The P333T-PWR is designed to address the issue of deploying IP telephones -- and other standard powered Ethernet devices -- with reliable, uninterruptible power.

Traditional PBX-based digital phones get their power from the PBX over the telephone cable, which allows the phones to operate during power outages if the switch has a power backup, such as a battery or generator. IP telephones get their power from conventional AC outlets or separate power supply systems. Power over LAN technology, used with a centralized uninterruptible power supply (UPS), enables system administrators to reliably deploy IP telephony solutions and ensure continuous, reliable operation during power failures.

By using the existing Ethernet infrastructure -- and adding electrical power on the same network -- Power over LAN technology provides an efficient, cost effective power source and eliminates the need for unwieldy installation of electricity cables and outlets.

"Avaya's leadership in converged voice and data networks combined with PowerDsine's experience in developing power solutions for the networking market makes for a powerful working relationship,� said Ori Bendori, vice president of Avaya�s MultiService Networking Infrastructure group. "The integration of PowerDsine's Power over LAN technology into the Avaya P330 switching system is an integral component in Avaya's next generation switching strategy."

"With PowerDsine�s Power over LAN technology, Avaya can now effectively address a variety of customers and applications with its ECLIPS solutions,� said Amir Lehr, vice president of marketing, PowerDsine, Ltd. "Customers looking to deploy a new switch infrastructure with emphasis on least cost-per-port and equipment and cabling consolidation will benefit from the integrated Power over LAN Fast Ethernet Avaya P333T-PWR solution."

The Avaya P333T-PWR marks the growing adoption of Power over LAN technology that is directly integrated into an enterprise product solution at a switch level. The Avaya P333T-PWR is a Fast Ethernet, integrated, 24-port device that delivers a unified source of data, voice and power over standard Category 5 wiring up to 100 meters. The Avaya P333T-PWR will also deliver 10MB and power over legacy Category 3 wiring.

The Avaya P333T-PWR delivers 48 Volt DC power to terminal devices such as the Avaya 4600 series of IP Telephones (4606, 4612 and 4624) at the switch level -- eliminating the need for a separate power source and dedicated UPS at each terminal device. A unique automatic line sensing capability identifies terminals as Power over LAN Enabled and prevents the distribution of power to unenabled devices.

Avaya will also employ the PowerDsine 4024 Power over LAN mid-span device as part of its Enterprise Class IP solutions (ECLIPS) portfolio of products, applications and services for customers who wish to enhance their installed switch infrastructure.

As active members of the IEEE 802.3af Task Force working on the development of an industry standard for remotely powering Ethernet devices over the LAN infrastructure, both PowerDsine and Avaya are building products that meet the current recommendations of the IEEE. The Avaya P333T-PWR and the new Avaya 4600 series of IP telephones will support the current version of the 802.3af standard and plan to support this standard as it evolves.

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