The newly formed NBASE-T Alliance, which promotes the development of 2.5 and 5 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) over twisted pair copper cabling (2.5GBASE-T and 5GBASE-T) for enterprise network infrastructure, announced a dozen new members: Aruba Networks, Brocade, Cavium, Centec Networks, CME Consulting, Intel, Microsemi Corp., Qualcomm, Ruckus Wireless, Shenzhen GLGNET Electronics Co., Tehuti Networks and Vitesse Semiconductor.
NBASE-T Alliance is working on a new standard to enable multi-gigabit speeds over existing Cat5e and Cat6 cabling. The technology is especially relevant for supporting Wave 2 of 802.11ac access points without requiring enterprise customers to engage in the costly upgrade of their wired infrastructure.
Member companies gain access to the recently-released NBASE-T 1.0 specification – a specification based on silicon-proven, production-ready devices. In addition, participants have the opportunity to join the alliance’s newly-formed Technical Working Group and Marketing Working Group. The Technical Working Group will define a comprehensive end-to-end solution, including additional specifications to address application needs beyond the physical layer. The NBASE-T Alliance and its participant companies are also working closely with IEEE to ensure rapid standardization and drive industry-wide adoption of multi-gigabit rates in enterprise infrastructures.
“Our diverse membership ensures that the broadest range of opinions and perspectives will be reflected when our working groups gather,” said Peter Jones, Chairman of NBASE-T Alliance. “We believe this level of diversity and collaboration is a requirement when driving new standards and building the product ecosystem required to support them.”
