Systems/Enterprise:
NEW HP ARCHITECTURE PROVIDES FOR
SECURE GRID NETWORKS
HP ProCurve Networking introduced a comprehensive enterprise network
planning and design infrastructure that enables companies to build secure,
mobile, multi-service networks to support today's and tomorrow's network
applications. The HP ProCurve Networking Adaptive EDGE Architecture is the
first to deliver affordable, intelligent control to the edge of a network,
allowing companies to more effectively manage complex applications, including
mobility, security and convergence.
In response to changing customer requirements, HP's Adaptive EDGE
Architecture
fundamentally rethinks enterprise networking technology principles.
Historically, the primary location for network intelligence has been the
network core. Allowing traffic to reach the core of the network without having
it appropriately analyzed, classified and directed made it impossible to keep
the network secure and severely affected the ability to run new network
applications, such as VoIP.
In addition, in these "pre-EDGE" networks (without full control to the
edge),
deferring decisions about security and traffic to the network core
significantly affected core performance and scalability and drove up cost and
complexity. Straight-to-the-core packet traffic also opened networks to
security attacks between the points where access was physically attained and
where authorization was granted.
With these challenges in mind, the HP ProCurve Networking engineering team
designed and developed the Adaptive EDGE Architecture, which places
appropriate intelligence at the point where traffic enters the network while
keeping management of the network at a convenient, central location.
"As more advanced applications like mobility and multi-service networks
become
pervasive, more functionality must exist at the edge of the network to
characterize and isolate traffic," said John McHugh, vice president and
general manager, HP ProCurve Networking Business. "Until now, it has been cost
prohibitive to deploy this type of functionality in every enterprise LAN
access device.
"The new generation of network-based applications customers are
implementing
can deliver real efficiencies, but can also make the underlying networks far
too complex and expensive if not architected appropriately. Only the HP
ProCurve Networking Adaptive EDGE Architecture lets customers implement the
needed functionality at prices they can afford."
Control to the Edge, Command from the Center
By placing intelligence in edge devices and empowering them to manage
traffic flow, the architecture affordably minimizes network traffic and
management complexity while providing a secure foundation for future
applications. Control to the edge places selected layer 2, 3, 4 and higher
functions in edge switches that control access and traffic flows to ensure
applications work correctly and concurrently without interference. HP ProCurve
Adaptive EDGE networks support both centralized cores and distributed cores
with equal facility since either interior core configuration can enforce the
key decisions made at the edge. The architecture was developed to enable
enterprises to build a network that easily adapts to the unique needs of each
user, in essence, delivering a personalized network for each user.
This is achieved through a number of key innovations, including:
- HP ProCurve EDGE-enabled switches -- Enterprises can cost-effectively
deploy
user and security applications at the point where the user connects. The
switch immediately recognizes who the user is and the types of services and
access they are authorized to have, thus personalizing the network for them at
the point of entrance. This also means that any unauthorized traffic is
stopped at the point of connection, making the network less vulnerable to
attack.
- Secure connections for both portable and mobile users -- 802.1X port-based
access control, MAC lockdown and attack protection features allow the ProCurve
architecture to deliver unparalleled security.
- Advanced application support -- HP ProCurve products, software, network
designers, partners and support personnel provide support of the nearly
limitless applications that will be deployed on Ethernet networks in the
foreseeable future. For example, HP can provide VoIP or IP telephony
solutions, design expertise and the network products that use layer 2, 3 and 4
traffic prioritization to ensure voice packets are not lost and latency is
minimized throughout a multi-vendor the network, edge to edge.
- Design flexibility and simplicity -- HP ProCurve networking products are
so
advanced that they eliminate the need for custom network designs or rigid
network design standards. This saves organizations both time and resources by
enabling easy implementation of secure, mobile, multi-service networks.
- HP ProCurve policy-based management -- This range of management tools
delivers
control to the edge, paired with command from the center, ensuring that the
network is highly secure and easy to manage and enables low total cost of
ownership.
Many elements of the HP ProCurve Networking Adaptive EDGE Architecture are
already available in current HP ProCurve products, including the recently
introduced HP ProCurve Switch 5300 series.
http://www.hp.com/rnd/architecture
HP ProCurve Networking products, services and solutions -- including
Ethernet
switches, routing switches, wireless access points and network-management
applications -- allow customers to build networks that meet current and future
needs for security, performance and reliability.
http://www.hp.com/go/hpprocurve
About HP
HP (NYSE:HPQ) is a leading global provider of products, technologies,
solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company's offerings
span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services
and imaging and printing. HP completed its merger transaction involving Compaq
Computer Corporation on May 3, 2002.
http://www.hp.com.
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