Extreme aims new switch at Cisco, HP gear

Extreme Networks this week will unveil a new edge switch as well as software enhancements to help users deploy, operate and optimize the vendor’s gear.

Exteme’s Summit X150 switch line features three models equipped with 10/100Mbps Ethernet ports – one of which has Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports. The models are configured with either 24 Ethernet, 24 PoE or 48 ports, and are targeted at remote sites and midmarket companies with limited IT staffs and infrequent moves, adds and changes.

Extreme is aiming the Summit X150 at edge switches from Cisco and HP, specifically Cisco’s Catalyst 2960 with IOS Lite – which was introduced just two weeks ago – and HP ProCurve’s 2600. Extreme is claiming PoE, monitoring instrumentation and price advantages over the Catalyst 2960, and instrumentation and core-to-edge benefits over HP.

Another feature of the Summit X150 is that it runs the new software enhancements for the ExtremeXOS operating system. Extreme’s Automation Framework software modules for ExtremeXOS are designed to help users install and configure new equipment, ease change management of VoIP implementations, conserve power and improve network performance.

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Extreme Networks this week will unveil a new edge switch as well as software enhancements to help users deploy, operate and optimize the vendor’s gear.

Exteme’s Summit X150 switch line features three models equipped with 10/100Mbps Ethernet ports – one of which has Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports. The models are configured with either 24 Ethernet, 24 PoE or 48 ports, and are targeted at remote sites and midmarket companies with limited IT staffs and infrequent moves, adds and changes.

Extreme is aiming the Summit X150 at edge switches from Cisco and HP, specifically Cisco’s Catalyst 2960 with IOS Lite – which was introduced just two weeks ago – and HP ProCurve’s 2600. Extreme is claiming PoE, monitoring instrumentation and price advantages over the Catalyst 2960, and instrumentation and core-to-edge benefits over HP.

Another feature of the Summit X150 is that it runs the new software enhancements for the ExtremeXOS operating system. Extreme’s Automation Framework software modules for ExtremeXOS are designed to help users install and configure new equipment, ease change management of VoIP implementations, conserve power and improve network performance.

The Deployment Automation modules, for example, help users configure management interfaces, basic QoS and baseline VLANs. It also includes a Voice Grade Network Module for configuring voice QoS and endpoint detection.

The Operational Automation modules include a package for provisioning IP telephony handsets from Avaya, Cisco, Mitel, Nortel and ShoreTel. It also turns off PoE endpoints when they are not in use, Extreme says.

The Optimization Automation module is designed to enhance performance by protecting the network against broadcast storms, spot route-down problems, and improve IP and TCP network insight and control.

The three Summit X150 switches are priced from $995 to $2,195. They are available.

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