LAS VEGAS, May 22, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Foundry Networks(r), Inc. (Nasdaq:FDRY), a performance and total solutions leader for end-to-end switching and routing, will demonstrate the IEEE 802.1AB Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) and the associated ANSI/TIA extension, Link Layer Discovery Protocol-Media Endpoint Discovery (LLDP-MED), on its FastIron(r) X series switches. LLDP and LLDP-MED are important LAN standards helping to accelerate open convergence, enabling organizations to build best-of-breed, multi-vendor networks without single vendor lock-in.
In most networks today, network operations and configuration are performed using proprietary protocols preventing customers from deploying multi-vendor solutions. Configuring IP endpoints, such as Voice over IP (VoIP) stations, can be a complex task requiring manual and time-consuming configuration. LLDP and LLDP-MED address these challenges, providing organizations with a standard and open method for configuring, discovering and managing their network infrastructure. The LLDP protocols help reduce operations costs by simplifying and automating network operations. Moreover, organizations benefit from the ability to build interoperable multi-vendor solutions while maintaining the operational benefits of LLDP.
The IEEE 802.1AB LLDP protocol defines a standard method for IEEE 802 devices, including LAN switches, routers and wireless access points, to communicate topology, equipment and configuration information to neighbor nodes. This information is accessible to network management applications and is used to facilitate network operations, asset management and troubleshooting.
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) ANSI/TIA-1057 LLDP-MED protocol is an extension to LLDP that defines a standard method for exchanging information between IP endpoints and network equipment such as switches and routers. LLDP-MED provides an open protocol for configuring quality of service, security policies, VLAN assignments, Power over Ethernet (PoE) power levels and service priorities. Additionally, LLDP-MED provides for the discovery of device location and asset identity, information that is used for inventory management and by emergency response services, such as Enhanced 911 (E911). For VoIP installations, location discovery allows for the creation of location databases for use with E911 services. This provides emergency response organizations with the immediate location for any given caller, which improves reaction time, and ultimately save lives.
"As networks become even more critical to the enterprise, it is important that the industry continues to develop and foster open standards to facilitate network deployment and operations," said Bob Schiff, vice president and general manager, Enterprise Business Unit, Foundry Networks. "LLDP and LLDP-MED are two such standards designed to help enterprise organizations simplify their network configuration, operations and management. Foundry is committed to open and standards-based solutions and is pleased to have this opportunity to demonstrate the power of LLDP-MED and how organizations can benefit from its auto-configuration and auto-discovery capabilities."
Foundry is demonstrating ease of VoIP configuration and management using LLDP-MED at its booth #1425 at Interop Las Vegas 2007.
About Foundry Networks
Foundry Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:FDRY) is a leading provider of high-performance enterprise and service provider switching, routing, security and Web traffic management solutions, including Layer 2/3 LAN switches, Layer 3 Backbone switches, Layer 4-7 application switches, wireless LAN and access points, and metro routers. Foundry's 10,400 customers include the world's premier ISPs, metro service providers, and enterprises, including e-commerce sites, universities, entertainment, health and wellness, government, financial and manufacturing companies. For more information about the company and its products, call 1.888.TURBOLAN or visit www.foundrynet.com.
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About the IEEE
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), a non-profit organization, is the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology. Through its global membership, the IEEE is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics among others.
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