BlackDiamond 20808 Metro Ethernet Transport Switch Boasts the ‘Highest’ Slot Capacity and Density

(Product News, 17 Jun 2009)

The BlackDiamond 20808 switch from Extreme Networks Inc. raises the bar for scaling metro Ethernet transport networks with the highest slot capacity in the industry – 120Gbps per slot in an 8-slot system delivering 2Tbps of switching capacity. This unmatched slot capacity results in outstanding 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) port-density, with up to 64 10 GE ports per chassis and 192 10 GE ports per rack. The BlackDiamond 20808 switch fabric provides ample capacity for future high density, line-rate 40 GE and 100 GE line-card upgrades.

“Extreme Networks Black Diamond 20808 switch is changing the game for Ethernet transport in the metro with the right combination of density and scale,” said Eve Griliches, Program Director for IDC’s telecom equipment group. "This is a terrific introduction for Extreme Networks.” IDC’s Product Flash on the announcement notes that they expect the Carrier Ethernet routing and switching market to reach well over $7.6 billion with a 5-year CAGR of 17.5 percent by 2012.

The BlackDiamond 20808 switch enables the lowest total cost of ownership for metro Ethernet transport by slashing capital expenditures while minimizing operational expenditures. With a list price of under $5,800 per 10 GE port the BlackDiamond 20808 switch provides a dramatic reduction in provider capital expenditures. And, unlike router-based metro architectures which require complex provisioning by highly trained engineers, operational expenses are reduced with the BlackDiamond 20808 switch thanks to the operational simplicity of Layer 2 solutions. With a scalable metro Ethernet transport network capable of carrying more services at a lower cost, the BlackDiamond 20808 switch enables increased carrier profitability.