Summit 48si
| USABILITY |
B |
| CAPABILITY |
A |
| PERFORMANCE |
B |
| INTEROPERABILITY |
B |
| MANAGEABILITY |
C |
Extreme Networks has pushed 10/100M-bps switching forward by cramming 48 ports into a 1U form factor, along with advanced security and traffic management features including ACLs and QOS. This is a good switch for the wiring closet, especially for shops that already have Extreme in the core of the network, because the "i" chip set uses the same operating system and extends future-proofing capacity with eight hardware queues for granular traffic management.
SHORT-TERM BUSINESS IMPACT // The Summit 48si should immediately provide greater control over access to the network while also putting more port density into the wiring closet, thereby improving security while saving valuable rack space.
LONG-TERM BUSINESS IMPACT // Over time, the Summit 48si should enable IT managers to ration bandwidth in such a way that high-priority traffic consistently receives the most attention.
PROS // High port density; 1U form; hot-swappable, dual power supply; advanced QOS and security features.
CONS // Multiple units can be daisy-chained together but not as one stackable unit.
Extreme Networks Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.; (888) 257-3000; www.extremenetworks.com
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LONG-TERM BUSINESS IMPACT // Over time, the Summit 48si should enable IT managers to ration bandwidth in such a way that high-priority traffic consistently receives the most attention.
PROS // High port density; 1U form; hot-swappable, dual power supply; advanced QOS and security features.
CONS // Multiple units can be daisy-chained together but not as one stackable unit.
Extreme Networks Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.; (888) 257-3000; www.extremenetworks.com 
Cameron Sturdevant has been with the Labs since 1997, and before that paid his IT management dues at a software publishing firm working with several Fortune 100 companies. Cameron also spent two years with a database development firm, integrating applications with mainframe legacy programs. Cameron's areas of expertise include virtual and physical IT infrastructure, cloud computing, enterprise networking and mobility, with a focus on Android in the enterprise. In addition to reviews, Cameron has covered monolithic enterprise management systems throughout their lifecycles, providing the eWEEK reader with all-important history and context. Cameron takes special care in cultivating his IT manager contacts, to ensure that his reviews and analysis are grounded in real-world concern. Cameron is a regular speaker at Ziff-Davis Enterprise online and face-to-face events. Follow Cameron on Twitter at csturdevant, or reach him by email at csturdevant@eweek.com.
