Extreme announces core/edge data centre switches

CALIFORNIA, USA: Extreme Networks Inc. announced new core and edge data centre switching solutions, BlackDiamond 8900-xl modules and Summit X480 stackable switches.

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The BlackDiamond 8900-xl modules include Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet data centre solutions that more than double the Layer 2 and Layer 3 table size previously supported and deliver a high speed switching capacity of 128 Gigabits per line card.

Jon Oltsik, principal network analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG), said: "With this announcement, Extreme Networks introduces both Layer 2 and Layer 3 scale across its data centre product family of switches, and this is essential to scaling the network to enable these kinds of environments."

Moreover, the BlackDiamond 8900-xl modules increase port density and scale, allowing the largest data centres to minimize network tiers while supporting increasing numbers of virtual machines.

"As managed hosting and cloud environments continue to grow rapidly, both Layer 2 and Layer 3 scalability becomes a major issue in the network," continued Jon Oltsik.

The BlackDiamond 8900-xl modules are available as upgrades to the BlackDiamond 8800 series switch family, allowing organizations to grow at their own pace while avoiding a forklift upgrade.

Extreme Networks Summit X480 fixed configuration 48 port 10/100/1000 switch provides data center class functionality with industry leading Layer 2/3 scalability, front-to-back airflow and dual internal hot swappable power supplies and fans.

Taking advantage of the optional VIM2 slot, which is 40 Gigabit Ethernet ready, the Summit X480 supports a four port 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplink module or a stacking support module which provides 40Gbps or 128Gbps throughput.

The Summit X480 serves as a high performance data centre edge solution with robust stacking features to enable highly scalable "virtual chassis" configurations for the data center. Virtual chassis functionality allows the data center to control 1.8 terabit of switching capacity as a single managed device.

The BlackDiamond 8900-xl modules and Summit X480 stackable switches fit within Extreme Networks extensibility framework, featuring the single modular operating system, ExtremeXOS(TM), XML APIs, an open SDK and cross platform scripting capabilities enabling more rapid customization and automation of the network.

The BlackDiamond -xl modules for the BlackDiamond 8800 have a list price starting at the US $15,995.

The Summit X480 switch has a list price starting at the US $11,995 for fiber and the US $9,995 for copper (Base-T). Both products will be available for shipment this quarter.