It’s time to take a look at the Extreme 5520 series of switches. These edge and aggregation switches come with both 24 and 48-port options.
Specifically, it includes 24-and 48-port 1 Gigabit models. There’s also 1/2.5/5 Gigabit multi-rate models, and a 24-port 10 Gigabit model. The family also offers 30/60/90W PoE. This makes it an ideal wired backend for wireless APs or in support of next-gen powered Ethernet devices. This could be things like digital signage, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, smart lighting or point-of-sale terminals. These switches are easily manageable by ExtremeCloud IQ for simple, secure public or private cloud deployment.
Switches 101
In it’s simplest form, a switch is a device that takes in packets (of data) from other devices that are connected to its physical ports and sends them out again. In other words, they connect Ethernet IP devices and forward information between them. An unmanaged switch is a glorified ethernet hub, and can be had quite cheaply. It requires no configuration; they’re typically for basic connectivity. You’ll often see them used in home networks.
By contrast, a managed switch like the 5520 gives you the ability to manually configure, monitor, and manage the devices on your network.
The reason an organization would spend more money on a managed switch with all these heavy-duty features is simply this: managed switches give you greater security, more features, and flexibility. Consequently, you can configure them to custom-fit your network. With this greater control, you can better protect your network and improve the quality of service for those who access the network.
Plus, a managed switch has more software on it that allows the user to have more control over their network. For example, you can use a managed switch to control the LAN to create VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks).
In addition, managed switches provide network status, diagnostics, and data prioritization. With a managed switch, unauthorized devices cannot be connected to the network, thus preventing malicious threats.
How do I manage all these functions?
A good switch should be simple to set up and manage. And the Extreme 5520 series switches are certainly no exception. Extreme CloudIQ sees to that quite nicely. If you prefer, you can manage via the Extreme Management Center. Both of these give you a unified view and consolidated cloud management. Both are secure, comprehensive, and offer zero-touch provisioning. And the cool thing is users of the new systems can pick and choose the Extreme operating system they need to support their particular infrastructure needs. Those include ExtremeXOS and VSP Operating System with future support for the SLX Operating System under the 5520 switch.
You can bring 5520 switches online fast and easy. Of course, they support high-speed 160Gb stacking running ExtremeOS, through its two QSFP28 ports. You can stack up to eight systems using QSFP+ cables and optical transceivers.
It’s worth mentioning that the technical support for Extreme Networks is very good, and generally quite highly thought of.
The Extreme 5520 series consists of 24, 36, and 48-port models. They range in aggregated bandwidth from 648 Gbps to 1080 Gbps. Frame forwarding rate goes from 482.1 mpps to 803.5 mpps.
Who is the Extreme 5520 designed for?
The Extreme 5520 is ideal in converged network environments. Specifically it will suit threat conscious mid-sized to large businesses and branch offices.
Networks today are essential for supporting businesses, providing communication, delivering entertainment—the list goes on and on. And building a business network is not possible without switches to tie devices together. It unites the computers, printers, and servers in a small business network seamlessly and safely. So if you have any questions, give Corporate Armor a call at 877-449-0458 or email us at [email protected].
Highlights of the Extreme 5520 series
| Universal hardware platform offering a choice of ExtremeXOS or VOSS operating systems | |
| Available with 90W PoE, MACsec and Fabric support | |
| Extreme Management Center gives centralized, unified management | |
| 10Gb and25Gb modular uplink options |