Executive Summary

The HP ProCurve 5720 switch series is a line of access layer switches designed to cater to diverse customer needs. These switches offer hybrid SFP+ and 10GBASE-T options, along with multigigabit support on 10GBASE-T ports, allowing scalability from 10G. The 5720 series provides medium and large enterprise networks with 24/40 port 1G/2.5G/5G/10GBASE-T and 32/48 port 10G SFP+ connectivity options, resulting in high density and flexibility.

The HP ProCurve 5720 switch series supports operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) and In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) for business continuity and improving manageability. Additionally, the switches feature advanced technologies such as DRNI for enhanced bandwidth, VXLAN for scalability, and MACsec for security, along with high-density connectivity options and robust QoS capabilities.

Architecture & Design

The HP ProCurve 5720 switch series is built on a universal hardware platform, providing end-to-end secure network segmentation, in addition to advanced policy capabilities. The switches use Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) that supports virtualization of up to nine physical switches into one logical device for simpler, flatter, and more agile networks.

The 5720 series features a high-performance, feature-rich design, with a focus on scalability and flexibility. The switches offer a range of connectivity options, including 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10GBASE-T, as well as 10G SFP+ ports. The multigigabit support on 10GBASE-T ports allows for scalability from 10G, making the switches suitable for a range of applications, from small to large enterprise networks.

The HP ProCurve 5720 switch series also features advanced security capabilities, including MACsec, which provides secure encryption for data transmission. The switches also support VXLAN, which allows for scalable and flexible network design. The DRNI technology provides enhanced bandwidth, making the switches suitable for applications that require high-bandwidth connectivity.

The architecture of the HP ProCurve 5720 switch series is designed to provide high availability and scalability. The switches feature a redundant design, with dual power supplies and fans, to ensure continuous operation in the event of a failure. The IRF technology also provides a high level of redundancy, allowing for the virtualization of multiple physical switches into a single logical device.

Performance & Thermal

The HP ProCurve 5720 switch series is designed to provide high-performance connectivity, with a focus on low latency and high throughput. The switches feature a high-performance ASIC design, which provides fast packet processing and forwarding. The multigigabit support on 10GBASE-T ports also allows for high-bandwidth connectivity, making the switches suitable for applications that require high-speed data transmission.

The thermal design of the HP ProCurve 5720 switch series is also designed to provide high reliability and performance. The switches feature a robust cooling system, with dual fans and a heat sink, to ensure continuous operation in a range of environments. The switches also feature a high level of redundancy, with dual power supplies, to ensure continuous operation in the event of a failure.

Exact figures for the TDP of the HP ProCurve 5720 switch series were not publicly disclosed. However, the switches are designed to provide high-performance connectivity, while also being energy efficient. The switches feature a range of power-saving features, including Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and port shutdown, to reduce power consumption when not in use.

The HP ProCurve 5720 switch series also features a range of benchmarking tools, to allow for the measurement of performance and throughput. The switches support a range of protocols, including SNMP and sFlow, to allow for the monitoring and analysis of network traffic. The switches also feature a range of security features, including ACLs and VLANs, to provide secure and reliable connectivity.

Market Positioning

The HP ProCurve 5720 switch series is positioned as a cost-effective access switch, designed to cater to diverse customer needs. The switches offer a range of connectivity options, including 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10GBASE-T, as well as 10G SFP+ ports, making them suitable for a range of applications, from small to large enterprise networks.

The target buyer for the HP ProCurve 5720 switch series is likely to be medium to large enterprise networks, looking for a cost-effective and scalable access switch solution. The switches are also suitable for service providers, looking for a high-performance and reliable switch solution for their customers.

The main competitors for the HP ProCurve 5720 switch series are likely to be other access switch vendors, such as Cisco and Juniper. However, the HP ProCurve 5720 switch series offers a range of advanced features, including multigigabit support and VXLAN, which make it a competitive solution in the market.