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Second-largest German internet exchange upgrades to Extreme Networks BlackDiamond X8 10/40GbE modular switches.

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 11, 2012 -- Extreme Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR) today announced that ECIX, the second-largest German Internet exchange, is offering upgraded network access featuring 40 GbE bandwidth and has chosen to support its network with Extreme Networks' award-winning BlackDiamond X8 switch. With its new technology, ECIX expects lower port costs for registered members as well as a reduction in operating and support costs.

The European Commercial Internet Exchange (ECIX), with locations in Dusseldorf, Berlin and Hamburg, serves more than 120 carriers and Internet service providers. The Exchange is operated by Berliner Peering GmbH. Due to the rapid growth in data volume ECIX decided to replace its current switch infrastructure with new systems better suited to meeting future demands with a modernized, scalable resilient Ethernet architecture. The BlackDiamond X8 switching systems will be implemented in all of its locations.

Extreme Networks BlackDiamond X8 switch is purpose built for use in large virtual data computing centres as well as in cloud environments and features a high port density and great expandability. The system offers 20-Terabit non-blocking with up to 768 ports for 10 GbE or 192 ports for 40 GbE in a 14.5 RU chassis or 1/3 rack.

ECIX currently operates 204 active physical ports, 52 of which are 10 gigabit ports. Its peak bandwidth is greater than 100 Gbps. At the moment 191 autonomous systems from carriers and internet service providers are connected.

"Availability of the BlackDiamond X8 came for us at precisely the right time as we are upgrading our performance," said Stefan Wahl, CEO of Peering GmbH and Managing Director of ECIX. "For our members, price and availability are very important factors. With its high port density, extremely competitive price and the low energy consumption, the system offers comparatively reasonable costs per port which we can then pass on to our customers."

In addition to cost factors other aspects also influenced the decision to change to Extreme Networks switching solutions. These included the support of NGN architectures and SDN, the planned future availability of 100 GbE and the modular Extreme XOS operating system.

"Software is becoming increasingly significant, even in this area," Stefan Wahl explains. "In the future, our members will have the possibility to access specific services directly using the 'Customer Self Care' gateway. The powerful interfaces featured with Extreme Networks solutions allow for a greater degree of automation using technologies such as XML and SOAP interfaces, is already available with ExtremeXOS®."