Extreme takes Ethernet aggregation down-market

Extreme Networks today introduced a scaled-down version of its carrier Ethernet aggregation switch for low-density applications.

A complement to the Black Diamond 12804R, which serves high-density applications, the new 12802R is a better fit for suburban areas, for example, where it might serve the needs of, say, 200 subscribers rather than 1000.

At three rack-units in height, the 12802R includes one slot for switching and management and two slots for input and output modules. Each module contains either 20 1-Gb/s Ethernet ports or two 10-Gb/s Ethernet ports.

Like the other members of the Black Diamond 12000 family, the 12802R will feature a software upgrade early next year that allows migration to Provider Backbone Transport (PBT) technology.

Available this month, the 12802R starts at $30,000, including power supplies, fans and a chassis with 20 gigabit Ethernet ports. Extreme expects the new gear to compete with Alcatel’s 7450 ESS-2 and Cisco Systems’ ME 6524 in particular, both of which serve low-density applications. Extreme claims its product is less expensive than Alcatel’s and more advanced than Cisco’s.