EXTREME NETWORKS INTRODUCES VDSL AND T-1WAN MODULES FOR ETHERNET IN THE FIRST MILE.

Delivering on its strategy to extend Ethernet metro networks to include the first mile, Extreme Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR), has introduced two new WAN and VDSL modules for the Alpine platform that allow for high speed Ethernet Layer 3 switching and IP services over wide area networks and VDSL modules over voice grade cabling. (ComNet, booth 675.)

Built on technology from recently acquired Optranet, the new modules offer service providers and large enterprises an advanced Ethernet Service Provisioning platform for Ethernet over multiple transport systems. This helps address today's problem of slow performing and costly legacy technologies that are the hurdle to providing users with fast, direct access.

"We believe that our vision of 'Ethernet Everywhere' is the revolution that will make broadband services ubiquitous," said Gordon Stitt, president and CEO of Extreme Networks. "Ethernet is low-cost, highly scalable and most importantly, a well understood, universal technology. Extreme Networks has moved Ethernet from the corporate network and corporate campus to the metro network and now is taking it beyond the metro to the access point, the basement and the remote desktop. We're closing the loop."

The new WM-4T1 module provides Ethernet access over legacy T-1/E-1/J-1 infrastructure where metro fiber cabling is not available. The module has four T1/E-1/J-1 and two 10/100 BASE-T ports, allowing for up to 32 T-1/E-1/J-1 ports per Alpine chassis. The WM-4T1 also includes an RJ-45 interface for both the T-1/E-1/J-1 and 10/100BASET-T ports and supports the Multi Link Point-to-Point (PPP) protocol enabling bonding of multiple channels to provide scalable WAN bandwidth from 1.5 to 6 Mbps.

With the WM-4T1 module, enterprises can reduce the number of devices required to connect remote sites over a private WAN, by simply adding the WM-T1 to their Alpine switching system and eliminating the need for a stand alone router.

The WM-4T1 module with four T-1 ports will be available the first half of the year at $5995.

VDSL lends itself well to providing long-range Ethernet connections with up to 10Mbps symmetric bandwidth over voice-grade in-building infrastructure cabling as well as short-run phone cabling in the first mile. It is also an ideal technology for use in buildings that do not contain Category 5 or fiber cable. By using Extreme Networks link aggregation technology, multiple links can be trunked to increase bandwidth, making it a technology to meet customer demands far into the future.

The new FM-8Vi delivers Ethernet over VDSL transport. The new module includes 8 Ethernet VDSL ports, and can accommodate up to 64 Ethernet VDSL ports per chassis. The FM-8Vi will be available in the first half of the year at $6995 for the eight-port module.

"Allowing for Ethernet over first mile technologies is critical for service providers and large enterprises as they build networks to handle the growing number of broadband applications needed to maintain a competitive edge," said Darrell Scherbarth, vice president and general manager of Extreme Networks' newly formed Access Business Unit. "This is the future."

One Ethernet platform enables service providers to reach profitability sooner since they can provision numerous services over existing T-1 lines or low-grade twisted pair wiring with VDSL. This allows for reduced costs while increasing the number of customers that can be served.

Today's large enterprises can utilize the new Alpine modules to integrate legacy WAN links into the Extreme Networks architecture and achieve easier connectivity of remote offices while preserving the wire-speed performance, extensive Quality of Service and IP services associated with an Extreme Networks solution.

Extreme Networks, Inc., delivers a simplified approach for building the network infrastructure that facilitates today's digital communication. Based on Ethernet and IP technologies, the Company's family of BlackDiamond, Alpine, and Summit switching solutions incorporate a unique combination of ExtremeWare management software and an ASIC-based common architecture. n