Extreme Networks BD8500 edge switch modules

Extreme Networks has launched a series of switch modules for its Black Diamond chassis. Aimed at the edge of the network in the wiring closet rather than the datacentre or at the core/aggregation market, the three-strong BD8500 series includes a management module and two switch port modules.

The management module, the 8500-MSM24 is designed to increase hardware uptime by delivering automatic failover in the event of hardware failure. It offers optional eight 1 Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit ports for connection to a second, redundant management module.

A Gigabit fibre module, the BlackDiamond 8500-G24X-e, offers 24 ports in the form of small form-factor pluggable transceivers. The 48-port Gigabit Base-T module, the BlackDiamond 8500-G48T-e, offers 48 1Gbps Ethernet ports.

The series competes with Cisco’s Catalyst 4506 and 4506E switches, and HP’s ProCurve 5400zl. Extreme Networks claims a complete system is cheaper than either of its competitors' equivalent products, and that its per-port prices is $180 against HP's $182, and Cisco's $231 or $277, depending on product chosen.

"We want to design a scalable network at an affordable price," said senior product manager Harpreet Chadha. He said that the lower price point was attained by including lower density modules and smaller MAC address tables.

Prices: the BlackDiamond 8500-MSM24 costs £7,492; the BlackDiamond 8500-G24X-e costs £10,492; the BlackDiamond 8500-G48T-e costs £5,992. The modules will be available this quarter.

Manek Dubash