D-Link Builds Out Network Line with Switches and IP Cameras

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 05/18/11

The D-Link DGS-3620 series can be part of a stack up to 12 units high, offering a 40 Gbps data stacking backplane in full-duplex mode.

D-Link has let loose a flurry of new network products, including a wireless access point, surveillance cameras, switches, and software--some of which are available now and others to appear over the next several months.

On the software side, D-Link has introduced Insight, a Web-based network management application, with two versions Basic and Plus. Features of the basic edition include:

• Functionality for doing network discovery and tracking devices connected to the switch by MAC address, IP, and switch port;
• Device "fingerprinting" to authenticate DHCP and DNS servers, routers/gateways, and clients;
• Configuration management with backup of switch settings for speedy restoration;
• Notification alerts about changes in device connectivity to the network, such as hardware additions or switch disconnection.
• The Plus edition offers those features plus security monitoring of individual devices and extended fingerprinting functions.
• Insight Basic and Insight Plus are offered for D-Link's existing DGS-1210 series switches through yearly subscriptions starting at $49.99 and $179.99, respectively.

The company's line of WiFi products has been bolstered with the release of the DAP-3525, an access point intended for outdoor deployment. This $999.99 802.11n AP delivers up to 300 Mbps of packet capacity, runs on power over Ethernet (PoE) when a power outlet isn't available; and can be configured, secured, and managed through a browser. The unit has an omnidirectional antenna embedded in the front panel and connectors for two optional N-type antennas if an alternative radiation pattern is needed. It also includes an internal heater for running in extreme weather situations.

Among the new switch lines, the DGS-3620 series will include five switches to support voice and video streaming with 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) aggregation and PoE support. Those will start rolling out in the third quarter of 2011 with pricing starting at $2,699.99. The gear comes equipped with the company's D-Link Safeguard Engine to prevent denial-of-service attacks and access control list functionality to beef up network security, as well as IPv6 support, quality of service filtering, and protocol filtering/inspection. It's managed through a Web-based administrator console and can be part of a stack up to 12 units high, offering a 40 Gbps data stacking backplane in full-duplex mode.

The company's DGS-3120 series is intended to connect up to 48 end users. The models start at $949.99 in this lineup, with gigabit throughput and flexible configuration; the switches can be physically stacked up to six units high or virtually stacked up to 32 units. To increase reliability, the gear supports redundant power supplies. Models announced for June 2011 will support PoE.

The DGS-6604 Chassis Switch is intended to be run in high-availability situations through redundant load-sharing power supplies, hot swappable line cards, a replaceable fan module, and support for the virtual router redundancy protocol. This switch will be available in August 2011, and pricing will be announced at that time.

D-Link's IP surveillance camera portfolio is adding numerous products. The DCS-7110 outdoor network camera (priced at $525.99) handles low light and includes anti-tamper features with an electronic tamper detection system. The DCS-5605 wired ($899.99) and DCS-5635 pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) wireless ($999.99) network cameras offer 10x optical zoom. The wired camera supports PoE; the wireless version includes both PoE and 802.11n connectivity to accommodate simplified installation. The DCS-6511 dome network camera is expected in June 2011 and is priced at $959.99. Similar to the DCS-7110, this one also handles low lighting conditions and includes anti-tamper features.