Extended Edge Switches

Extended Edge Switching utilizes ExtremeXOS switch models that are capable of acting as a controlling bridge to other switches. ExtremeCloud supports some of the X465, X590, and X690 models that can be used in an Extended Edge architecture.

Extended Edge Switching simplifies the deployment of and operation of edge switches, especially across a campus switched network. Based on the IEEE 80 2.1BR specification, Extended Edge Switching collapses multiple network layers into a single-tier unified services architecture that can greatly reduce the complexity of the traditional two and three-tier switch architectures.

Note

For information about which switch models are supported, see the ExtremeCloud Release Notes or the ExtremeCloud Hardware/Software Compatibility Matrices.

10GB licensing is available.

Switches are typically managed using the graphical user interface. Individual switches can also be managed using ExtremeCloud CLI mode.

Extended Edge Switching uses Virtual Port Extender (VPEX) architecture, comprising one or two controlling bridges (CBs), and one or more bridge port extenders (BPEs). For more information, see VPEX Switching Architecture.

Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) performs the following tasks automatically:

• Determines if the switch is capable of being a CB.
• Detects if any BPE are attached.
• Enables VPEX mode on the CB.
• Assigns the next available slot number to each BPE.
• Configures the CB port(s) where the BPE(s) are connected to be LAGs.
• Upgrades the CB and VPEX, when upgrades are available.