D-Link Expands Energy-Efficient, Eco-friendly Green Ethernet Switches

The world of networking gear isn't immune to the sustainability benefits of energy-efficient, eco-friendly features. Vendor D-Link is spotlighting that point with the expansion of its family of Green Ethernet switches aimed at SMBs.

Now available with 16 and 24 ports in addition to the 5- and 8-port models unveiled last year, D-Link's Green Ethernet Gigabit switches comply with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). But for the cost-conscious IT admin, the products' energy-saving features may prove more alluring.

First, D-Link's switches are capable of analyzing cable length and adjusting power usage accordingly. Normally, switches send full power to cables regardless of the actual length. Cable lengths used by small-office and home user users are generally less than 20 meters, according to D-Link, so switch's power smarts can reduce energy consumption.

Second, D-Link says its Green Ethernet technology can tell when a connect computer is shut down and responds accordingly by powering down into standby mode and reducing power used for that port.

According to D-Link, when the DGS-2208 multi-port desktop switch is connected and then powered down, users could realize up to 80 percent savings in power usage; the other D-Link Green Ethernet switches could save up to 45 percent, according to the company. If the devices are used for 10 hours, then powered down for 14, you could save up 40 percent on energy with the DGS-2208 and 27 percent with the other switches. Those figures are in comparison to the energy usage of a D-Link conventional switch connected via 20m Ethernet cables.

Source:weblog.infoworld.com