Extreme Networks has launched a new family of Gigabit Ethernet fixed switching solutions that feature the versatility and performance required for building scalable converged campus networks and virtualized data centers.

IT managers continue to face the challenge of staying under budget while serving a growing and diverse base of applications and mobile users, emerging devices and networked services, while at the same time, taking on convergence and data center virtualization initiatives. These events combine to shift the way communications, servers, storage, and enterprise applications are architected and deployed.

To help meet these challenges, Extreme Networks has introduced the Summit X460 family of Gigabit switches. These purpose-built network solutions, featuring the ExtremeXOS operating system, deliver superior versatility for network designs, and application and convergence support due to their leading performance, virtual chassis capabilities -- featuring 80 Gbps stacking performance up to a distance of 100 meters -- and integrated PoE Plus.

"Extreme Networks is addressing critical campus network requirements with the launch of its Summit X460 family of switches, featuring key technology that addresses demanding university environments," said Kenrick Thomas, PMP, Executive Director of Telecommunications for the University of Miami. "As a globally recognized institution, we require the best in flexibility and price performance from our campus switches. With its latest set of performance improvements and flexibility, especially cross-platform stacking, Extreme Networks helps transition campus networks well into the future."

"Versatile stacking performance along with virtual chassis and cross platform functionality available with the new Summit X460 family of switches shows that Extreme Networks has taken fixed switch stacking to the next level, supporting performance of 80 Gbps on up to eight devices," said Jon Oltsik, Principal Analyst for the Enterprise Strategy Group. "This adds a new dimension to network designs, a true need for enterprise campuses, extending the use of fixed Gigabit switches from the network edge all the way to the virtualized data center."

The high performance Summit X460 family, available in 28, 48 and 52 port options, including copper, fiber and PoE, tackle a broad range of needs, from the edge of the campus network, to the aggregation layer and into the data center.

To increase the flexibility, efficiency and costs of deploying the network, the single line of Summit X460 switches can be deployed for multiple purposes. These purposes include the 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 80 Gbps cross-rack stacking at distances of up to 100 meters. Summit X460 switches provide a truly right-sized alternative that network managers now have to build virtual chassis within a rack, across racks, and across long distances, without sacrificing advanced functionality, reliability and ease-of-use.

"The campus network is evolving quickly and requires a new class of network switches that are versatile enough for supporting the convergence of voice and video, high speed aggregation, and serving as a virtual chassis," said Harpreet Chadha, director of product management for Extreme Networks. "With the new Summit X460 switches, Extreme Networks is continuing its leadership in the enterprise network market with superior performance, integrated PoE Plus and a robust range of network design options extending to the data center."

Versatility with Supreme Stacking Performance Innovations to the Extreme Networks SummitStack allows campus network planners to design their network from end-to-end, deploying up to 8 switches in a virtual chassis with choices for either 40 Gbps via the SummitStack module, 80 Gbps via the new SummitStack-V80 module, or with the option to use 10 GbE. SummitStack-V adds the benefit of standards-based 10 GbE cabling and optics including XFP, SFP+, 10GBASE-T and XENPAK. SummitStack-V also enables long distance stacking connectivity of up to 80 km (49.7 miles), while reducing cable complexity.

Power to the Wiring Closet To support convergence and emerging mobility requirements, Extreme Networks' Summit X460-24p and Summit X460-48p switches support PoE Plus (IEEE 802.3at compliant devices) for up to 30 watts and standard PoE (IEEE 802.3af) on any port. Power supplies feature load sharing, and PoE-plus ports can take priority so that in case of one power supply fails, lower priority PoE-plus ports shut down automatically in case power budget is oversubscribed.

Options for the Data Center Extreme Networks Summit X460 switches deliver purpose-built Top-of-Rack features for the data center with operational features that include front/side-to-back cooling in support of hot aisle/cold aisle data center designs. Additionally, for transitioning to virtualized networks and the cloud, the Summit X460 family of switches supports Extreme Networks "Direct Attach" data center architecture, which offloads server-based switching onto the switch for improved server performance.

Pricing and Availability The Summit X460 family of switches are expected to ship in Q4 2010. The 28 port models include the Summit X460-24t, Summit X460 24p and the Summit X460 24x, begin at U.S. list price $4,495. The 48/52 port models, including the Summit X460-48x and 52-port Summit X460-48t/48p, begin at U.S. list price $6,995.

Extreme Networks Extreme Networks provides converged Ethernet network infrastructures that support data, voice and video for enterprises and service providers. The company's network solutions feature high-performance, high-availability and scalable switching solutions that enable organizations to address real-world communications challenges and opportunities. Operating in more than 50 countries, Extreme Networks provides wired and wireless secure LANs, data center infrastructure and Service Provider Ethernet transport solutions that are complemented by global, 24x7 service and support.