Nortel has unveiled its latest Virtual Service Switch 5000, which it claims can consolidate network functions, such as firewalls and application switching onto a single platform.

This makes it easier and cheaper for enterprises to deploy virtual networks, said Nortel's enterprise solutions president Joel Hackney.

The VS5000 "reduces the time to deploy new services and applications, add new networking elements and allows what are essentially different networks to be operated as a single entity," he added.

The VS5000 uses a network processor unit dedicated to traffic acceleration, without involving a main CPU. It also includes copper and fibre connectivity, and eight gigabit Ethernet ports.

Nortel expects to ship its VS5000 by the end of the year. Future releases will add support for secure sockets layer acceleration.