D-Link unveils first ‘green’ Ethernet switches

Networking equipment manufacturer D-Link has hopped aboard the environmental bandwagon with the launch of what it claims is the first family of eco-friendly Ethernet network switches.

The new products are designed for the home and small business markets and can reduce the power used by almost half compared to existing desktop switches.

Each switch incorporates power-saving chipsets that allow them to determine when connected PCs are turned off, so that they can swap to standby mode to save power. The company says that compared to a traditional 5-port Ethernet switch, the power savings can be up to 44 per cent.

“D-Link’s Green Ethernet solutions are important, for the environment and for our customers”, said Osbert Ong, D-Link’s European product manager: “D-Link recognises the significant market demand for energy efficient networking products and is leading the initiative in making Green Ethernet a reality for the home and SME user. At the same time, larger businesses need to consider their environmental responsibilities. Adopting D-Link’s Green Ethernet solutions will enable them to reduce their carbon footprint.”

The switches also analyse the cable lengths between the switch and networked devices and draw just enough power to suit each cable. Most existing switches use enough power to support a 100m cable, but with most homes using cables ranging from 5-10m, the new switches automatically and intelligently reduce the power provided.

The first wave of Green switches will be for the sub-24 port desktop market and arrive in Q4. In 2008, D-Link plans to release Green Ethernet managed switches to its xStack range.