Extreme Networks Introduces New Cloud-Managed Universal Wi-Fi 7 Access Point, Industry’s Easiest to Deploy/Provision Switches
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Insights
The introduction of the AP5020 Wi-Fi 7 Universal access point and the 4000 Series cloud-managed switches by Extreme Networks represents a significant advancement in the enterprise networking space. These new solutions are designed to cater to the needs of highly distributed organizations, providing enhanced connectivity, security and application performance.
The AP5020, operating on the 6 GHz spectrum, is particularly noteworthy for its ability to support high-bandwidth and latency-sensitive applications. The integration of dual IoT radios offers a streamlined approach to managing multiple IoT protocols, which is crucial for sectors like healthcare, manufacturing and education that rely on a diverse array of IoT devices. The mention of PoE failover and a dedicated security sensor underscores the company's commitment to continuous connectivity and heightened security measures, which are vital in mission-critical environments.
On the other hand, the 4000 Series switches boast features such as Instant Stacking and Instant Port, which simplify the deployment process, reducing setup time and manual configurations. This ease of use, coupled with the potential for reduced IT time to resolution through AIOps and machine learning capabilities, could lead to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies for businesses.
From a network technology perspective, the adoption of these solutions could enhance the competitive edge of enterprises by allowing them to rapidly adapt to evolving technological demands and security challenges.
The move towards a Zero Trust architecture is a critical trend in cybersecurity and Extreme Networks' integration of ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA with their new networking solutions aligns with this approach. Zero Trust is predicated on the principle of 'never trust, always verify,' which is essential in today's landscape where threats can originate both outside and within an organization's perimeter.
By automating onboarding, configuration and policy enforcement, Extreme Networks is addressing a fundamental challenge in network security management. The dedicated security sensor in the AP5020, when used with Extreme AirDefense, enhances wireless intrusion prevention capabilities, providing an additional layer of security against potential threats.
This focus on security is not only a response to the increasing sophistication of cyber threats but also a strategic move that could influence the purchasing decisions of IT leaders who prioritize secure and resilient network infrastructure. As organizations continue to support a growing number of remote users and distributed networks, such security features become indispensable.
The incorporation of AIOps into the ExtremeCloud IQ cloud management platform is a forward-thinking strategy that leverages artificial intelligence to optimize IT operations. By proactively identifying network issues and offering recommendations, AIOps can significantly reduce the time IT teams spend on troubleshooting, thereby increasing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
The machine learning features inherent to AIOps enable a more dynamic and anticipatory approach to network management. This can be particularly beneficial for organizations with extensive networks and a high volume of data traffic, where manual monitoring and maintenance would be impractical and cost-prohibitive.
Moreover, the ability of the AP5020 and 4000 Series switches to integrate seamlessly with AIOps suggests that Extreme Networks is positioning itself as a provider of comprehensive, intelligent networking solutions that can adapt to the changing needs of enterprises. The long-term implications for stakeholders include potential gains in productivity and a stronger alignment between IT infrastructure and business objectives.
Solutions enable Zero Trust networking foundation, leverage AI to easily support more distributed users, applications and devices
AP5020 Wi-Fi 7 Access Point (Photo: Business Wire)
Both the AP5020 and 4000 Series switches leverage AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) and machine learning features of the ExtremeCloud IQ cloud management platform to help proactively identify network issues and make recommendations that help reduce IT time to resolution.
Key Facts:
The AP5020: A Flexible, Cloud-Managed Wi-Fi 7 Access Point
- The AP5020 is built to support bandwidth-intensive, latency-sensitive applications and IoT devices, delivering improved user experiences and operational efficiency even in high-density environments.
- Built-in dual IoT radios deliver a lower total cost of ownership and remove complexity by supporting multiple IoT use cases simultaneously while elevating performance. Customers can now support multiple IoT devices such as sensors, electronic shelf labels, lighting or asset trackers across multiple IoT protocols from a single access point.
- The AP5020 also offers PoE failover to ensure continued connectivity for mission-critical use cases like healthcare, manufacturing and education environments.
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For added security, the AP offers a unique, dedicated 2x2 security sensor that can be paired with Extreme AirDefense for wireless intrusion prevention system capabilities. This combination gives customers unmatched flexibility, network security and wireless performance and integrates with ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA.
The 4000 Series Switches: Simple Cloud-Managed Switching
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The new 4000 Series includes the 4120 and 4220 families and extends Extreme’s innovative Universal Switching portfolio. By leveraging ExtremeCloud solutions, the 4000 Series dramatically reduces the time it takes to deploy and manage new switches and includes features such as:
- Instant Stacking, automating setup via a single button across multiple switches;
- Instant Port, eliminating the need for manual port configuration; and
- Instant Secure Port, offering integrated authentication and policy enforcement through ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA.
The Layer 2 Edge optimized 4120 is available in 24-port and 48-port models with 1/2.5 multi-gigabit and industry-leading 90W PoE support across all access ports, as well as 200Gb+ uplink capacity, making it an ideal wired and PoE power concentrator for high-density environments. The 4220 is a highly flexible enterprise Layer 2 wired edge solution and is available in 8, 12, 24 and 48-port models with gigabit and multi-gigabit (1/2.5/5Gb) access ports, up to 90W PoE and 4 x SFP+ uplink ports.
Executive Perspectives
Scott Day, Director of Network Services, Baylor University
“With cloud-managed Wi-Fi 7 from Extreme, we can continue delivering consistent, secure wireless across our campus while adding new educational resources for students like AR/VR, remote guest lecturers and live video streaming without buffering, lag or an impact on day-to-day operations. The security, bandwidth and lower latency aspects of Wi-Fi 7 give us the peace of mind that when we add new devices to the network, they won’t compromise performance or security. When paired with Extreme AIOps, we get the extra boost of rapid deployment, simple management and reduced IT tasks. The simplicity and flexibility allow us to focus on the experience and not worry about the deployment.”
Bob Laliberte, Principal Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group
“The combination of return-to-office and IoT initiatives is creating demand for robust, reliable and performant Wi-Fi environments. Fortunately, Wi-Fi 7 delivers the requisite speed, density, reliability and low latency to improve the performance of applications and devices, while also enhancing network security. Extreme’s new Wi-Fi 7 access point is another extension of its cloud-led wireless portfolio and will have a significant impact on throughput, particularly in high-density environments. Leveraging Extreme’s cloud-based management will drive greater operational efficiency, and the improved connectivity, reliability and responsiveness of the Wi-Fi 7 access point will ensure better end-user experiences, as well as boost overall productivity across the organization.”
Alan Weckel, Co-Founder and Technology Analyst, 650 Group
“Extreme's Universal portfolio is centered on simplicity and flexibility, and the new 4000 Series extends that value for both existing customers and new market opportunities. When paired with ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA, these new cloud-managed switches provide an additional layer of network security and peace of mind when it comes to managing security in a complex, distributed environment. Removing friction and complexity for customers is a key pillar of Extreme’s One Network, One Cloud strategy.”
Nabil Bukhari, Chief Technology and Product Officer and General Manager, Subscription Business at Extreme Networks
“Extreme takes the power of cloud and AI to make secure connectivity simple. Enterprises are more distributed than ever and need the flexibility to add users, devices and applications across their environment without sacrificing time, security or performance. Our new solutions further expand the flexibility of our portfolio and work in concert with our Universal ZTNA solution for a frictionless user experience applied to hybrid work. AIOps in ExtremeCloud IQ leverages explainable ML to further save IT time and money. In the Infinite Enterprise, we’re making it easier than ever to manage, scale and secure the network to drive success.”
Did You Know?
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The AP5020 and 4000 Series switches are eligible under E-Rate, giving
U.S. K-12 schools and public libraries access to the next generation of network solutions. - Extreme recently introduced ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA, the first network security offering to integrate network, application and device access security within a single solution.
About Extreme Networks
Extreme Networks, Inc. (EXTR) is a leader in cloud networking focused on delivering services that connect devices, applications, and people in new ways. We push the boundaries of technology by leveraging the powers of machine learning, artificial intelligence, analytics, and automation. 50,000 customers globally trust our end-to-end, cloud-driven networking solutions and rely on our top-rated services and support to accelerate their digital transformation efforts and deliver progress like never before. For more information, visit Extreme's website at https://www.extremenetworks.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, X/Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Extreme Networks, ExtremeCloud and the Extreme Networks logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240130533683/en/
Blair Donald
(603) 952-5662
PR@extremenetworks.com
Source: Extreme Networks, Inc.
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