Switches offer capabilities for edge devices

Santa Clara-based Extreme Networks will today launch two new Summit X450 switches. “These switches will allow companies to bring XOS [Extreme’s network operating system] all the way to the edge of the network. There’s a long laundry list of features, such as IPv6 compatibility, and sFlow functions coded in hardware,” said Siva Ananmalay, engineering vice-president at Extreme.

SFlow is an industry standard technology, similar to Cisco’s NetFlow protocol, for monitoring high-speed switched networks.

There are two new Summit X450 switches: the X450a and the X450e. Extreme said the X450a could perform several roles. It could act as a small network core switch, and as a delivery platform for metropolitan Ethernet services in high-performance computing clusters requiring 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) capability. And it can act as a traditional aggregation layer switch connected to several Power over Ethernet (PoE) versions of the Summit 450e.

The X450a comes in 24- or 48-port gigabit versions, and offers the option to use an external AC power supply. There is also an optional card for 10GbE capability. The X450e can connect edge devices requiring PoE, such as IP phones, wireless LAN access points and IP cameras.

Both switches are available now. The 24-port version Summit X450e-24p costs £2,860 + VAT, and a 24-port DC-powered version of the X450a costs £4,000 + VAT.

Extreme also announced new line cards scheduled to ship later this year for its flagship Black Diamond 8800 switches, supporting copper gigabit and fibre aggregation and 10GbE functions.

‹ www.extremenetworks.com