* Extreme Networks’ latest switch aims at WLANs and voice
Extreme Networks last month introduced a Layer 3 switch that’s geared towards wireless LANs – particularly, WLANs carrying voice.
The Summit 300-24 is a slimmed-down version of the Summit 300-48, with 24 ports instead of 48. It supplies power over Ethernet, which could be used to support IP phones or WLAN access points (Extreme also suggests surveillance cameras and badge readers could be connected).
At the same time, Extreme says it is increasing its support for voice over WLANs by implementing the SpectraLink Voice Priority protocol and Inter-Access Point Protocol in its Summit and Alpine switches, as well as its Altitude access points. QoS controls are already supported, of course.
Extreme also touts its ability to manage wired and wireless networks together, with centralized policy and security management.
The Summit 300-24 is intended for remote offices and small businesses, places where 48 ports might seem like a bit of overkill. Still, it supports protocols for high availability, like Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol and Extreme’s Ethernet Automatic Protection Switching capability, which the company says delivers sub-50-millisecond service recovery if physical network connections are cut.
The 8.8G bit/sec switch fabric has the capability to carry traffic from all the 10/100M bit/sec Ethernet ports at line rate. There are also two copper and two fiber Gigabit Ethernet uplinks.
The power supplied over the Ethernet ports is the IEEE-specified maximum of 15.4 watts on every port. An optional redundant power supply is available.
The Summit 300-24 switch is available now and lists for $3,500.
