The new switch becomes Extreme's highest performance Gigabit edge model, while the new AP is aimed at more cost-conscious buyers.
The Summit X460-G2 fixed switch
San Jose-based Extreme Networks has announced two new additions to its Unified Edge portfolio of access layer products, the Summit X460-G2 fixed switch and the IdentiFi Wireless 3805 access point.
“We are a hardware equipment manufacturer, but it has become increasingly harder to differentiate yourself, and to get resellers to tell our differentiated story just with new hardware products,” said Mike Leibovitz, director of mobility at applications, at Extreme Networks.
Extreme’s Unified Edge, a part of its Software Defined Architecture, offers unified management and software solutions, one of Extreme’s differentiating factors.
“We have a unified network management system with one database that comprises all the information about the infrastructure,” Leibovitz said. “There are point players on both the wireless LAN side and the datacenter side, but our high performance wired and wireless infrastructures are highly differentiated.” Both the Summit X460-G2 and the IdentiFi AP 3805 access point are optimized to work with Extreme’s NetSight management and Purview analytics platforms.
The Summit X460-G2 becomes Extreme’s highest performance Gigabit edge switch, which scales for the demands of edge applications and convergence. It includes 10 models, with options including 1/10/40GbE uplinks, and features a data transfer rate of 336 Gbps in a 1 rack unit.
“The X460G2 has more performance than anything we have ever delivered before,” Leibovitz said. “Some customers, depending on their size, could put this into a data centre.”
Leibovitz said the X460-G2 also stands out from competitors in its ability to allow customers to avoid rip and replace scenarios.
“It allows customers to update the infrastructure if and when they choose to,” he said. “They don’t have to rip out whole stacks to put new gear in. They can keep the stack and put one new switch in for the connectivity options.
The X460-G2 also has more PoE+ power than any previous Extreme edge switch, driving 30W of 802.3at compliant PoE+ to every port.
Extreme is also emphasizing this switch’s software, with the unified and mature ExtremeXOS operating system, its open and programmable network automation, and its being Microsoft Lync and AVB certified for converged infrastructures.
The Summit X460-G2 is shipping now.
The IdentiFi AP3805 wireless access point is aimed at a different market than the new switch. The 802.11ac AP offers all features and functionality within the IdentiFi portfolio but at half the price of higher end Extreme access points.
“The AP3805 rounds out our portfolio,” Leibovitz said. “It is aimed at more cost-conscious buyers, for coverage where you don’t need high-end performance.”
It features 2.5x performance improvement on 5GHz over 802.11n, and 1.2Gbps of aggregate bandwidth. It also enforces robust BYOD policies at the AP.
The AP3805 wireless access point can be ordered now, and is scheduled to ship the third week of November.
