The FastIron Edge Switch (FES) series provides greater flexibility, higher reliability, enhanced security, extensive redundancy, and expanded resiliency - while simplifying network management complexity and reducing on-going training expenses. The FES increases your network's Return on Investment (ROI) and decreases its Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by using common sparing components and offering improved functionality through a common feature set controlled by industry standard Command Line Interface (CLI) syntax, all in a compact (1.5 - 2.5 Rack Units) form factor at industry leading prices. With an advanced hardware platform to provide user-selectable Layer 2 switching - upgradeable to full Layer 3 multiprotocol routing - the FastIron Edge Switch is the ideal networking platform for today's Enterprise wiring closet and server farm applications.The Foundry Networks FastIron Edge Switch (FES) family establishes the next benchmark in edge connectivity by delivering the most adaptable feature set combined with the highest 10/100Base-TX and Gigabit Ethernet port densities. Specifically, the FES9604 resets the industry high-water mark by offering 50% more ports and built-in 1000Base-T (or 1000Base-X mini-GBIC) in a stackable 2.5 RU switch - port densities matched only by the competition's modular chassis. To meet existing and emerging network requirements, the FES delivers a full complement of standards-based, feature-rich switching and Layer 3 multiprotocol routing capabilities, comprehensive hardware and software redundancy, complete QoS controls including prioritization and rate limiting, standard and extended ACLs, integrated Copper Gigabit Ethernet ports, and more. The extensive feature set supports network requirements ranging from basic connectivity to multicast-enabled full streaming audio/video applications for converged services including Voice over IP (VoIP).