It seemed to me when I saw this that I had already heard about it and mentioned it before, but I can't find any entry discussing it... so this must be old age, then. But it appeals to my fascination with IT in unusual places, and there are few places so unusual as the International Space Station... where HP Procurve switches are now the networking devices of choice, according to Computerworld Australia.

The switch in place currently came right off the standard HP manufacturing line with no serious modification, a fact which is sure to make HP marketing absolutely insufferable in pitching the durability of their switches. It was tested extensively in the high radiation conditions which it may experience, but apart from that feature I am not sure they are due any real bragging rights... I am sure the atmosphere in the ISS is much cleaner and better maintained than your average wiring closet in corporate America.