Extreme Networks Adds to Gigabit Ethernet Portfolio

Scaling is important when it comes to campus networks and data centers. The ability to use one switch for multiple uses in any number of environments can be critical as more enterprises look for ways to save money and reduce the agita often involved in network design and implementation.

Extreme Networks recognizes this and has launched a family of Gigabit Ethernet switches designed to address the needs of converged campus networks and virtualized data centers, as well as other multi-use environments. The Summit X460 family features 80Gbps stacking performance up to a distance of 100 meters, perfect for those campus environments, and integrated PoE Plus, perfect for those wiring closets where power supply is at a premium.

The switches are available in 28, 48 and 52 port options, including copper, fiber and PoE. According to Extreme, the switches can be deployed in advanced edge of campus networks where devices and users connect, as network aggregation switches, or in the data center as a top-of-rack switch with optional high-speed 80Gbps cross-rack stacking at distances of up to 100 meters.

Along with the Summit X460 family, Extreme also upgraded its SummitStack technology, which allows campus network planners to design their network from end-to-end. The addition of the SummitStack-V enables 80 Gbps or 10GbE. The new technology utilizes standards-based 10 GbE cabling and optics including XFP, SFP+, 10GBASE-T and XENPAK, and enables long-distance stacking connectivity of up to 80 km while reducing cable complexity, according to the company.

Sure, networking isn’t exactly sexy stuff. But it’s like a toothbrush – you can pay rock-bottom price and get a perfectly usable device, or you can pay for the extra features like rotating brushes and spinning heads and get the thumbs up at your next dental appointment. Think of the Summit family as your next high-end toothbrush.

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