Extreme Networks Wired Access - Switches vs. Lumen Ethernet

If you have a big environment with a lot of edge switch needs and department groups, then Extreme's fabric connect can save a lot of management time. If your environment is small then you may want to stick with the traditional model since fabric connect costs more. Also if you make lots of configuration changes all the time then fabric connect will be helpful. Otherwise, making an occasional change you don't need fabric connect.

Incentivized

It is well suited based on our experience for small-scale projects where there are not very critical production-related activities happening. It will be easy to control and handle within a small set of deployments or platforms such as mobile-related activities. I don't recommend it for large server-scale deployment because we have seen inconsistencies with the connectivity of services.

Incentivized

• Cloud management
• SFP+ uplinks
• Stacking capability
• Robust CLI

Incentivized

• Speed has been consistent.
• Reliability of uptime.
• Hardware has been solid.

Incentivized

• Improved Extreme Management Console UI.
• More robust CLI auditing/logging.
• Easier log harvesting for adverse events.

Incentivized

• Offer better line location for construction
• Available in more states
• Quality of service reports monthly

Incentivized

There hasn't been a single problem with the code or hardware that hasn't been resolved in a timely fashion. You get technicians who know the product and who will work with you to get things fixed. That being said, I never ran into a problem with Cisco tech support either. I love that both groups were willing to teach me as they fixed things.

Incentivized

Foundry, HP, Cisco, Brocade. Extreme performance is equivalent or better without the price tag added just for their name

Incentivized

AT&T I would say is the leader within this area in terms of handling any large-scale deployments and their services are awesome. No connectivity issues at all and no latency in feedback. Server deployments are handled very effectively, that's not the case with century link. Of course, security is second to none with AT&T.

Incentivized

• Extreme [Ethernet Switches] have a long-life. You can easily get 7 years in main production life depending on when you buy in the product life-cycle.
• Extreme [Ethernet Switches] are expensive, no doubt, but we also don't have "weird" network problems or other issues with the network randomly going down.
• If you use fabric connect switches then the ease of managing many switches is of no concern.

Incentivized

• Positive: After configuration and initial setup service has been great. We have a call center running off the service and calls have much less jitter now.
• Positive: Fiber speeds have helped us execute daily tasks quicker.
• Negative: Much time and money wasted on the initial configuration and setup.

Incentivized