Extreme Networks Adds New WLAN Solutions to its Portfolio

In late October, Extreme Networks announced some new additions to its wireless network solutions product line. Specifically, Extreme is now selling the Summit X460-G2 Fixed Switch and the 802.11ac capable IdentiFi Wireless 3805 Access Point as part of the company’s Unified Edge portfolio.

In explaining the purpose of the new product items within Extreme Networks’ broader solution set, Mike Leibovitz, Director of Mobility and Applications had the following to say according to a company press release:

“In today’s experience economy, users have come to expect connectivity anywhere and everywhere. As a result, high performing networks must be ready and able to scale. Meeting customers’ needs today is no longer enough; rather, businesses must be prepared to support the needs of tomorrow. With our new Unified Edge products, we’re enabling them to do just that, combining a future-proofed edge switching series with an affordable 802.11ac access point that can be deployed anywhere. The most recent additions to the Unified Edge demonstrate our commitment to helping make our customers successful today, tomorrow and for years down the road.”

The same press release has a list of benefits end users can expect to see from the Network and WLAN technology:

• The Summit X460-G2 and IdentiFi AP 3805 are optimized to work with Extreme Networks’ NetSight management and Purview analytics platforms.
• The Summit X460-G2 is a high-performance Gigabit edge switch, providing a fixed switching solution that scales for the demands of edge applications and convergence.
• The Summit X460-G2 includes 10 models, with options including 1/10/40GbE uplinks.
• The Summit X460-G2 features cross-platform stacking across all Summit switch models.
• The Summit X460-G2 delivers more PoE+ power than any previous Extreme edge switch driving 30W of 802.3at-compliant PoE+ to every port.
• The IdentiFi AP3805 delivers 2×2:2 802.11ac performance in a discrete form factor.
• The IdentiFi AP 3805 offers all features and functionality within the IdentiFi portfolio at a lower entry price.

Over at The VAR Guy, a website dedicated to tracking channel and corporate IT, writer Michael Cusanelli said he expects the new access point and switch to “provide users with increased performance, manageability and BYOD security,” as well as also “give users a simpler and smarter architecture.” The announcement comes after the May 2014 release of the 802.11ac capable, outdoor WLAN IdentiFi 3865 access point, which “which allows users to utilize their Wi-Fi-connected devices outside of their homes and workplaces” according to Cusanelli.

My take is that the 3805 AP is designed to help Extreme Networks gain a bit more market share through its lower price point. As many other 802.11ac wireless network solutions providers are trying to compete in the same way, it will be interesting to see if this strategy will help Extreme Networks to differentiate itself from the field. The outdoor AP strategy certainly has helped, as Extreme Networks just won a contract from the Seattle Seahawks to equip Seattle’s Centurylink Field with high density 802.11ac WiFi for thousands of fans. Extreme Networks must be doing something right.

For the press release by Extreme Networks, click here.

For Cusanelli’s piece at The VAR Guy, click here.

For an article by MarketWatch on Extreme Networks’ win with the Seattle Seahawks, click here.