Extreme Networks has expanded its line of enterprise edge networking solutions with the launch of a new family of value-based Gigabit Ethernet fixed switching solutions.  The company’s Ethernet Access Switches (EAS) deliver cost effective Layer 2 connectivity for the access layer of the Enterprise network in environments where wired and wireless devices and users must co-exist.

IT managers face the challenge of dealing with the growth of network traffic, stemming from devices, users and applications, while containing their costs and minimizing disruption. They must have at their disposal a mix of both high end switches and cost optimized solutions that meet all the requirements of Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, sold and supported from an enterprise-class vendor. 

To help meet these needs, Extreme Networks has introduced the EAS family of Gigabit switches, available in both PoE Plus and non-PoE 24-port models, aimed at delivering versatility and cost effectiveness for network access. These purpose-built Layer 2 switches feature standards-based PoE Plus, Quality of Service and critical support for devices that require a wired connection such as VoIP phones, security cameras, and WLAN access points.  At the access layer, traffic from the EAS family of switches and Extreme Networks Altitude Wireless LAN access points is forwarded to the advanced ExtremeXOS edge, extending the benefits of sophisticated identity management for wired and wireless and complementing Extreme Networks end-to-end intelligence and automation portfolio.

The Extreme Networks EAS family of switches has an expected shipment date of July 2011.  The 24 port non-PoE EAS-100 begins at Rs. 43,994 ($995 USD), while the 24 port PoE+ EAS-200 begins at Rs. 88,225 ($1,995 USD).