“In today’s increasingly connected households, the network has become so much more than a pipeline for computer data. It’s now the essential backbone for everything from entertainment to security to telecommunications,” said Fritz Werder, vice president and brand general manager for Legrand’s Home Systems division. “However, many custom installers still find themselves purchasing network solutions off store shelves in order to build these essential frameworks.

“We saw a niche in the market that needed filling—a sturdy, reliable and technologically advanced networking lineup that bridges the gap between basic mainstream consumer products – which are not often up to the task – and very expensive enterprise solutions, most of which would be overkill in a home environment. We’ve started with the essential component of any network – wired Ethernet with power distribution – and we have in the works an expansive lineup that will address the installer’s every networking need, from wireless access points to coax networking to powerline distribution and beyond. This is really just the beginning.”

At the center of the new lineup is the Four-Port Gigabit Ethernet Router/Switch, a versatile and reliable triple-speed Ethernet interface that can operate as either a 4-port Gigabit Broadband Router or a 5-port Gigabit Switch, selectable with the flip of a switch. In Router mode, the it’s capable of up-linking with virtually any ADSL or Cable modem, with support for Static IP, Dynamic IP, PPPoE, PPTP, and L2TP protocols, and features a robust SPI/DoS firewall to protect users from Internet attacks, as well as DHCP server support for wired client IP address assignment.

For networking solutions that require a more internal approach, the Four-Port Router/Switch can easily be put into Switcher mode, and with a simple cycling of power the WAN port becomes a fifth switch port, with 10/100/1000 Mbps auto-detect, auto negotiation, and auto-MDI, as well as QoS support, for intelligent, reliable bandwidth usage. The form factor is also designed with custom installation in mind, with a double-bay design built to fit into most structured wiring enclosures.

For powering access points, IP cameras, touch screen remotes, IP phones, and other devices that rely on Power-over-Ethernet, Legrand is also introducing a pair of PoE Injectors. Each is designed to power up to four compatible devices safely and reliably, with built-in overload and short circuit protection. The difference between them is a matter of power needs: the standard PoE provides 15 watts of power via Cat5/Cat6 cable to each of its four connected devices while the high-performance model delivers up to 30 watts of power to each device.

For installations where a more centralized power distribution solution is required, Legrand is also introducing the Eight-port 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Switch with four PoE ports.

Each of the four 802.3af PoE injector ports delivers up to 15.4 watts of power, along with high-speed data, to compliant powered devices up to 100 meters away, perfect for a centrally controlled IP camera system, or even four wireless access points in a large roaming wireless network. It features auto detection for powered devices and is powered by intelligent green technology to ensure the utmost in energy efficiency.