Where early enterprise deployments basically connected one PC-per-employee to the network, today's infrastructures must not only accommodate an expanded user community, but several more devices. IT is expected to provide access to employees, partners, customers and suppliers alike. And now each of these users—particularly employees—may have multiple devices, including a desktop PC, laptop, PDA, cellphone and more, increasing the overall density of the network.

To further complicate the environment, many enterprises are now bringing machine-centric systems onto the IP network, everything from phones to video surveillance and HVAC systems. End-system connectivity now encompasses every endpoint on the network—whether it's a user-controlled notebook or a self-running alarm system.

Enhanced capacity and performance are obvious requirements when connecting end systems, but there are other critical needs:

• Support for multiple authentication methods (e.g., web, MAC, 802.1x) to ensure secure end-system access
• Fully redundant switching and routing platforms for high availability
• Support for guaranteed, differentiated QoS in a converged IP network
• Traffic recognition and policy enforcement at the edge to prevent undesirable usage
• Automation and system-level access control to lower the cost of administration, implementation and troubleshooting

Enterasys Secure Networks™ architecture—featuring a security-enabled infrastructure, centralized command and control, and advanced security applications—provides the ideal foundation to support your ever-expanding enterprise. The key is the embedded security found in every component of the Secure Networks infrastructure that recognizes users and end systems (as well as their roles) at the point of entry and delivers the reliable service they demand, regardless of where they log on.

• Matrix™ X, Matrix and SecureStack™ routing and switching platforms provide flexible, scalable, feature-rich connectivity customizable to your environment
• Matrix and SecureStack switching support multi-user and multimethod authentication for increased end-system mobility, security and diversity
• Unauthorized users and devices are prevented from accessing the network
• IT creates and deploys rules for applications and services aligned with user or business requirements through NetSight® management
• NetSight management accommodates organizational changes with minimal business disruption
• Secure, on-demand access from any location facilitates increased end-user productivity
• Backwards-compatibility of switching solutions protects existing investments while offering smooth migration to new technologies, including converged VoIP applications

• Distributed switching architecture eliminates single point of failure, lets you add capacity as you need
• it with no performance trade-off
• Fastest detection, location and response capability
• Most pervasive deployment of network security functionality
• Most precise security enforcement—pinpoint control
• Only open architecture in the industry—leverage what you have today with no “rip and replace”
• Greater automation for simpler operation
• Fewer products to deploy and manage
• No performance trade-off for advanced security capability
• Flexible architecture dramatically reduces solution-time required for future issues
• Best total cost of ownership in the industry