Provider Backbone Transport spans network edge to core.
Press Release Summary:
Comprised of software and hardware, Provider Backbone Bridging - Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE) solution supplies service providers with carrier-grade Ethernet transport featuring deterministic network performance. Benefits include lower CAPEX and OPEX, carrier class resiliency, facilitated provisioning and troubleshooting, and familiar operating model. Hardware modules for BlackDiamond® 12800 series switches include one focused on core and other on edge.
Original Press Release:
Extreme Networks Debuts Edge-to-Core Provider Backbone Transport (PBT) Solution
Cost-effective Network Transport Solution for Service Providers uses Deterministic and Easy to Deploy Carrier Ethernet Technology
SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 10 -- For service providers in need of cost-effective, carrier-grade Ethernet transport with deterministic network performance, Extreme Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXTR) today announced the general availability of its complete Provider Backbone Bridging - Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE) solution that spans from the edge of the network through the metro core. The solution is comprised of new software and hardware, as well as a strategic relationship with control plane partner Soapstone Networks to address the needs of this growing market.
"We found four of ten service providers either trialing or planning trials for PBT in 2006," said Tom Nolle, President, CIMI Corporation. "By January 2007, that went to six of ten, and in May to eight of ten. By the end of 2007, it was ten of ten. Extreme Networks (R) PBB-TE solution positions them well to take advantage of this dramatic shift in carrier mindset."
"Our new PBB-TE solution provides the key building blocks that allow service providers to choose a path towards an economical network infrastructure that is both deterministic and simple to deploy," said Peter Lunk, director of service provider marketing for Extreme Networks. "After listening to our customers' needs, we developed a PBB-TE solution that addresses the metro market from edge to core."
PBT-TE Solution Components
The benefits of PBB-TE include lower CAPEX and OPEX, carrier class resiliency, simplified provisioning and troubleshooting with deterministic network performance and a familiar operating model. In order to take advantage of these benefits a PBB-TE solution needs to fit the typical service provider deployment model, which requires software to support interconnection to the MPLS core, PBB-TE capable hardware from the edge to the core and a management and provisioning system to enable automated service creation.
-- Software: The Extreme Networks software component which enables service providers to take advantage of the determinism and simplicity of PBB-TE while protecting the investment they have made in their existing MPLS core is found in ExtremeXOS(R) 12.1. This software supports PBB-TE functionality as well as a PBB-TE to VPLS gateway capability that allows the inter-connection of PBB-TE tunnels to a VPLS core network.
-- Hardware: Extreme Networks hardware release is comprised of two new modules for the BlackDiamond(R) 12800 series switches, one focused on the core and the other on the edge. For the core, a new management module, the MSM-6R, provides enhanced scalability for the VPLS network inter-connections, while at the edge the new XM-2HR interface module reduces costs by combining a 10GE port and 10 GE ports onto a single board, bringing the benefits of PBB-TE to a platform suitable for the network edge.
-- Control Plane: The third piece of the solution is a strategic relationship with Soapstone Networks to provide external control plane software. Soapstone has completed integration of the new ExtremeXOS 12.1 release supporting PBB-TE in their Provider Network Controller (PNC) software package. This package helps automate the entire service lifecycle by providing state of the art provisioning, monitoring, optimization, and planning software for PBB-TE networks. Combined with Extreme Networks new software and hardware, the control plane component completes the solution.
Pricing and Availability
The BlackDiamond 12804R switch with the ExtremeXOS release 12.1 supporting both PBB-TE and the PBB-TE to VPLS gateway functionality is available now. Including the new MSM-6R, pricing for a complete system starts at US $80,000 List Price. The BlackDiamond 12802R PBB-TE edge switch is also available now with list pricing that starts at US $30,000 for a system including chassis, power supplies, fans, ten ports of gigabit Ethernet, and one 10 gigabit Ethernet port.
For more information on Extreme Networks carrier grade Ethernet solutions, please, visit: http://www.multidimensionalethernet.com/
Extreme Networks, Inc.
Extreme Networks designs, builds, and installs Ethernet infrastructure solutions that solve the toughest business communications challenges. The Company's commitment to open networking sets us apart from the alternatives by delivering meaningful insight and unprecedented control to applications and services. Extreme Networks believes openness is the best foundation for growth, freedom, flexibility, and choice. Extreme Networks focuses on enterprises and service providers who demand high performance, converged networks that support voice, video and data, over a wired and wireless infrastructure.
Extreme Networks, ExtremeXOS and BlackDiamond are registered trademark of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
CONTACT: Greg Cross, Public Relations of Extreme Networks, Inc., +1-408-579-3483, gcross@extremenetworks.com
