Extreme Networks Debuts New Architecture For Converged Networks, VoIP

Extreme Networks has released a new two-tier architecture for building converged voice and data networks, designed to deliver voice-class availability at the edge of the network. The company claims its new Unified Access Architecture requires fewer network layers and switching elements than competing architectures, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership.

The architecture enables enterprises to build an open converged network that can easily accommodate new applications, such as voice, while achieving high availability and better levels of security, say company officials.

The two tiers of the new architecture are a Unified Access tier and an Intelligent Core tier. The Intelligent Core runs on the company's BlackDiamond 10K switch. Unified Access Architecture, which now includes a new switching solution, the Aspen 8800 series, runs at the edge of the network.

The new Aspen 8800 series of switches offers 10/100/1000 Power over Ethernet (PoE). It also reduces the number of switching elements and eliminates the middle-tier of a traditional three-tier network. It is designed to allow enterprises to more easily add PoE ports with new blades or power modules, instead of having to add entire new switches.