Zyxel GS series Smart switches

Main article: Network switch

Zyxel a GS series — a line of gigabit smart switches for medium and small business.

2020

Networked AV Mode

On September 28, 2020 the ZyXEL Networks company announced availability to the switches of the functionality of Networked AV developed together with ATEN company which optimizes implementation of AV systems based on these switches.

AV-over-IP

According to the company, for September, 2020 the industry of AV systems actively passes from traditional architecture of cross-point switches to use of standard technology of IP networks for implementation of applications of transfer of audio/video on IP networks (AV-over-IP). This transition to use of IP technologies helps to improve scalability, to increase the maximum range of connection, reduces the need for cable laying and simplifies installation of solutions. However many suppliers of AV systems are not ready to pass to IP technologies because of a lack of examination yet.

For improvement of support of different network applications in the specialized Networked AV mode the program - a setup wizard is used. It is specially developed for convenient access to the functions most often applied when configuring networks on which audio/video is transferred in streaming mode. Also in this mode for display of key parameters, including information on ports, system information and energy consumption, the Networked AV dashboard console by which the user can determine a current status of network is used and it is easy to configure the switch.

The wrong setup of parameters of network in solutions of AV-over-IP often leads to problems at display of audio/video which are difficult for diagnosing and eliminating. The specialized Networked AV mode developed by ZyXEL removes these problems and provides steadily working network solution for videowalls which can be unrolled in educational classes, sports bars with broadcast of matches and in dispatching offices. Crowley Wu, the vice president of ZyXEL Networking SBU said

The Networked AV mode is available since September, 2020 to the gigabit managed switches of the second level of GS2220 series using the microprogram of the version of v4.70 or later. Until the end of 2020 it will become available also to XGS2210 series switches.

ZyXEL GS2220 series

On July 13, 2020 the ZyXEL Networks company provided a series of hybrid switches of the second GS2220 level. Their application will provide the high performance of network infrastructure for business and educational institutions. At the same time simplicity and flexibility of use is caused by support of three control modes: from Nebula cloud, using Web интерфейса\CLI or using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) protocol.

The main advantage of the switch from three usage modes is support of management from a free cloud of ZyXEL Nebula, allowing the system administrator using one centralized interface remotely and at any time to manage the network and to monitor its status. The solution Nebula is developed taking into account requirements of modern business: significantly improves efficiency of deployment of network equipment, its setup and configuring and also a possibility of the analysis of network condition.

All models of switches of GS2220 series are delivered with the free license Nebula Pro for one year giving in comparison with basic Nebula additional abilities to manage and monitoring of network. Thus their buyers will have enough time to estimate all advantages of remote centralized operation from a cloud at versions of Pro, and completely to be prepared for transition to cloud computing in the future as required.

If for some reason the system administrator does not use management from a cloud, then he can apply the local management of Web/CLI providing detailed control of all settings and all accessibility for reading/record of parameters. Or management using SNMP at which the Management Information Base (MIB) database with information on all components of network is used, allowing to manage easily the devices of different producers deployed in network.

Demand for switches of the second level constantly grows in process of implementation of convergent networks on which not only data, but also voice traffic, video, traffic of the systems of e-commerce and other applications are transferred. For effective service of convergent networks switches of the second level should work very steadily therefore Zyxel applied in GS2220 of improvement of the hardware and the software improving fault tolerance of the device. Also in these switches for reliability augmentation it is doubled the maximum permissible value of an electrostatic discharge and four times the maximum allowed voltage surge.

Besides, in switches of new there is no fan, or the fan with intellectual management is used therefore they work almost silently and they can be placed directly in office near jobs of employees. At last, in comparison with other switches supporting PoE at switches of GS2220 series the size of the body is reduced and as a result they take less places in a server rack or on a desktop.

Switches of GS2220 series differ not only in convenience of management, but also flexible use of ports. The senior models of a series are equipped with 44 gigabit ports RJ45 and the combined gigabit copper/optical ports or two ports SFP. Series models with a smaller density of ports are intended for implementation of expanded control functions of the second level at the access level to network.

2018

ZyXEL GS1920v2 series

On October 3, 2018 the ZyXEL Communications company provided five models from a series of the hybrid GS1920v2 switches which, according to the producer, will help to improve efficiency of deployment of networks in SMB companies due to simple setup using the web interface or an option of cloud management which can be used at once after extraction of the switch from a box.

According to the statement of the developer, in the provided GS1920v2 series additional functions together with eight-port model with PoE and without fan which represents the PoE switch, universal and effective at cost, with the reduced density of ports are implemented. Construction of switches to which the button of fast recovery, the front panel of color carbon fabrics are added is also improved and also the body depth at the senior models allowing to set them in racks of a different form factor for increase in density of placement of devices is reduced.

All models of GS1920v2 series are a part of the NebulaFlex family therefore them it is possible to configure and manage them as using smart management (via the local web browser), and on a centralized basis, having made several mouse clicks, using not requiring acquisition of the license of the solution ZyXEL Nebula. As the developer noted, application of hybrid model does not require additional costs and implements the next stage of development of technologies of control of switches and monitoring of their status that does unnecessary use of the additional hardware or expensive software.

Expansion of a line GS1200

On March 12, 2018 the ZyXEL Communications company announced expansion of the Russian line of gigabit smart switches for medium and small business. In addition to switches with the Power over Ethernet (PoE) function, the company represents similar models, but without PoE and at the attractive price. ZyXEL GS1200 series will approach if it is required to connect to a local network IP phones, IP cameras, wireless access points, etc. devices, and switches of a corporate class it is too expensive.

The GS1200 smart switches are an intuitive management with the feature set sufficient for satisfaction of needs of the small and medium enterprise. For start of network on the basis of switches of ZyXEL of GS1200 series deep IT of knowledge are not required. Devices are delivered with convenient "master" of setup with the web interface which gives step-by-step instructions for configuring and management. According to the developer, it is necessary to carry the compact sizes, noiselessness of work, different options of placement to other advantages of GS1200 (on a table, on a wall, etc.) and support of all necessary technologies.

The GS1200-5HP and GS1200-8HP models locate Power over Ethernet ports that allows to power the connected devices directly on the twisted pair cable without need to conduct the separate power cable. It cuts down expenses and quantity of wires at office. Application in the PoE switch provides giving of 30 Watts on one port that it is enough for ensuring a power supply of the majority of PoE-devices which can be used at small office.

Zyxel GS1200-5HP и GS1200-8HP

The operating experience showed that not all customers need the option PoE therefore Zyxel developed GS1200-5 and GS1200-8 models which are delivered without PoE of ports, have more compact sizes and the reduced price. All other characteristics of models are similar to previous and pursue a main goal - easy network management of the company, specified in Zyxel.

Zyxel GS1200-5 и GS1200-8

Switches of GS1200 series are supplied with the graphic web interface which will help the user to configure all local network of the company quickly. Support of functionality of VLAN and QoS allows to separate network into several small virtual networks or to appoint to the most important applications the raised priority at capacity distribution to guarantee their security and high performance.

GS1200 conforms to the Energy Efficient Ethernet standards (IEEE 802.3az) and automatically passes into the mode of the lowered energy consumption when in network there is no traffic.