IEN: What strides do you see in: Ease of integration? Flexibility and scalability?
Madren: GarrettCom sees major strides taking place in network management that make integration and management of larger networks possible. While switches used to be managed on a per-switch basis, steps forward in security management and the Internet make it possible to centralize and automate management of entire networks.
For example, the company''s managed networks software, MNS-6K v3.2, is now able to offer real ease of use from a central point to manage large quantities of dispersed switches. Network managers can keep security settings updated, update software revisions, and keep switches and management software consistent with other applications (some applications require one capability while others need something different). This managed network software supports software integration and/or changes in security systems that are not disruptive, and offers tools that allow network managers to preprogram and schedule changes and updates to take place at a specified time. Its centralized capability means that larger networks can be managed with fewer staff and fewer cockpit errors.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) network servers can use this protocol to dynamically assign IP addresses to networked computers. In this scenario, the DHCP Server keeps a master list of configuration settings available and automatically assigns and removes IP addresses as connections are added or deleted. This eliminates the need for skilled systems operators that used to have to manually assign IP addresses -- an almost impossible task in large networks. With DHCP, if a switch is corrupted when it boots, it can automatically load itself over the Internet
IEN: What improvements can users expect in: Computer technology, networks, and related products and services? Software? Machine self-diagnostics? Ethernet? Standards? Web-based manufacturing? Wireless? Elsewhere?
Madren: Power over Ethernet (PoE) is an emerging standard whose time has come. PoE allows low-power devices to be powered over Ethernet cabling at remote sites. The expense of installing and maintaining a separate power source is eliminated, freeing companies to install devices such as security cameras or VoIP even in remote locations. GarrettCom is in the vanguard of providing PoE-enabled switches. In a market where chicken-or-egg scenarios have limited acceptance, GarrettCom has provided cost-effective industrial PoE switches (Power Sourcing Equipment or PSE), which will support the development of PoE-enabled devices (Powered Devices or PDs) such as security cameras, VoIP phones, and Bluetooth access devices that will fuel added demand for PoE switches.
IEN: Which R & D advances are closest to commercialization?
Madren: Power over Ethernet, as discussed above. (For more on PoE, click here.)