Intelligent network switching systems make your network infrastructure smarter. With a constantly changing and growing workplace, you need intelligent network switching technology that can tackle those demands. This technology does just that.

Intelligent network switching systems are in a growing phase in that companies are continuously developing solutions that will make network systems smarter in the future. It's possible that companies may be using older intelligent technology that came out years ago. Here are reasons why you should consider intelligent network switching systems:

1. Intelligent network switches enable you to manage your diverse workforce.

2. Intelligent network switches can integrate with both new and existing technologies.

3. Intelligent network switches can help you better manage your infrastructure.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use intelligent network switches to manage your changing workforce

You want to make sure your intelligent switch can manage your workforce. Just as your workforce is dynamic and growing, it's important to have an intelligent network switch that is dynamic and scalable as well. Your network intelligent switch needs to be capable of deploying new applications and knowing your employees' user names and their roles in your business. Your network intelligent switches need to automatically identify devices that come on your LAN.

I recommend: ConSentry Networks provides a good intelligent network solution; instead of building their intelligent networking switching systems on VLANs or ACLs, ConSentry Networks makes switches that know your user name or devices that connect to your LAN. D-Link Corp. makes intelligent network switches that support functions such as QoS (Quality of Service) and port trunking for small businesses.

Make sure your network intelligent switches can integrate with existing technologies

You need to be certain that if you have existing technologies that intelligent networking switches support them. These intelligent network switching systems enable you to manage your storage in various environments.

I recommend: Cisco makes a series of switches that have integrated security. The Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches consist of application intelligence where you can control applications that are not acting right. Brocade also makes switches that are scalable in that they integrate with both new and existing IT environments. Both of these intelligent network switching systems providers lead in intelligent networks.

Intelligent networks give you better management over your infrastructure

Installing intelligent network switches enable you to centralize all of your quality of service policies. Based on the service level agreement, intelligent networking switches enable you to impose the quality of service. Because the intelligent network switch can inspect deep packets, it can monitor various usage statistics.

I recommend: Extreme Networks makes a series of switches that support QoS and Ethernet automatic protection switching resiliency protocol; the company is a leader in making network intelligent switches. Force10 Networks is another company that makes switches that support QoS.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure the intelligent network switching systems support your older technologies. Otherwise, they may cause serious problems to your network.