D-Link has announced expansion of its Green Ethernet technology series by adding eco-friendly features to its popular Gigabit Web Smart series of multi-port network switches. The company has launched Web Smart 16-Port (DGS-1216T), 24-Port (DGS-1224T) and 48-Port (DGS-1248T) network switches that incorporate the new energy-saving technology.

The company says that its Green Ethernet technology integrates a power-saving feature that automatically detects link and cable length and adjusts power accordingly, without sacrificing operational performance or functionality.

D-Link's Web Smart switches are meant to be a solution for small and medium-sized businesses that require advanced features, like Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), Quality of Service (QoS), Link Aggregation (LAG), port trunking, and secure authentication at an affordable price.

The operational performance of these switches remains unchanged; they now feature a fanless design (DGS-1216T and DGS-1224T) that provides a quieter environment and less heat dissipation.

The Web Smart switches support port-mirroring and supply basic port statistics to facilitate network administration and monitoring - without complex programming or purchase of additional software. These can be accessed remotely using a Web-based interface, and configuration is password-protected. Also included is an auto-discovery utility that automatically finds all Web Smart switches in the network.

Current software for the D-Link Web Smart switch line also features DSCP-based QoS (for DiffServ), Asymmetrical VLANs (allows the VLANs to send traffic to each other without requiring a Layer 3 switch or a router), and Cable Diagnostics. Trusted Host is included to help prevent security breaches. Updated firmware with these features is available for download for the current D1 hardware versions of DGS-1216T/24T and will ship with the Green Ethernet smart switches.

Introduction of Green Ethernet-enabled D-Link DGS-1200 series switches is part of an ongoing company-wide 'Green' computing initiative that includes manufacturing environmentally-responsible products, says the company.