The ExtremeSwitching 5520 Series is a family of high-performance, feature-rich edge and aggregation switches designed for the nextgeneration digital enterprise. The 5520 Series universal hardware provides end-to-end secure network segmentation, in addition to advanced policy capabilities, and offers a user-selectable choice of Extreme’s flagship switch operating systems. This makes the 5520 a uniquely flexible platform that can be deployed across a range of edge, aggregation and wiring-closet environments.

The 5520 Series includes 24- and 48-port 1 Gigabit models, 1/2.5/5 Gigabit multi-rate models, as well as a 24-port 10 Gigabit model. The family also offers 30/60/90W PoE making it an ideal wired backend for wireless APs or in support of next-gen powered Ethernet devices, such as digital signage, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, smart lighting or point-of-sale terminals. The 5520 further supports 10Gb and 25Gb modular uplinks for flexible linkage to other switches or devices over a range of media.

Universal Hardware Platform
The 5520 Series as a universal hardware platform comes with a dual-persona capability allowing user choice of the switch operating system (OS). Either the ExtremeXOS or VSP Operating System (VOSS) persona can be enabled on 5520 hardware models. The desired persona can be selected at start-up or changed at a later stage. Once selected, the 5520 assumes the features/capabilities of the selected OS.

The 5520 persona activation can be done manually at bootup, including via the system CLI. Or, it can be automated by pre-provisioning the 5520 persona in ExtremeCloud IQ. When first booted, the 5520 automatically connects to ExtremeCloud IQ to find its persona. The pre-provisioned OS persona is then remotely enabled on the 5520 system – eliminating the need for manual selection

Power over Ethernet (PoE)
The 5520 Series includes Power over Ethernet (PoE) models with standards-based IEEE 802.3bt (30/60/90W) PoE support. This enables the 5520 to address the needs of powered edge devices, while eliminating the need for additional electrical cabling and circuits. 5520 PoE models also support perpetual and fast PoE for even more efficient and reliable powered edge device operation

VIM Options for Flexible Uplinks
Versatile Interface Modules (VIMs) on the 5520 provide flexible uplink capabilities – with 5520 models offering a single VIM slot for this purpose. VIM options include 4-port 10Gb or 25Gb modules that include LRM and 256-bit MACsec support.

Ethernet Fabric Services
The 5520 supports a variety of Ethernet Fabric services, including Extreme’s Fabric Connect when running VOSS and Extreme’s IP Fabric when running ExtremeXOS. It also supports Fabric Attach for automated connection to either Layer 2 or Layer 3 fabric services. Extreme’s Fabric Connect and IP Fabric on the 5520 enable the creation of virtualized networks that automate network operations, simplify network provisioning and enhance security, all while reducing the strain on network and IT personnel.

High-Performance Stacking
The 5520 also supports high-speed 160Gb stacking when running ExtremeXOS via its two built-in QSFP28 ports. Up to eight systems can be stacked using qualified QSFP+ direct attach cables and optical transceivers.

Extended Edge Switching
The 5520 models support Extended Edge Switching, an innovative solution that simplifies the deployment and operation of edge switches. As the controlling bridge of an Extended Edge Switching solution, the 5520, when running EXOS, can be combined with Extreme’s V300 and V400 Series access devices to create a single logical switch architecture. The result is a simplified operational model that reduces costs.

Management
The 5520 can be managed by ExtremeCloud IQ or ExtremeCloud IQ – Site Engine for comprehensive unified management with a consolidated view of users, devices and applications across wired and wireless networks. (NOTE: Each 5520 unit also includes a 1-year ExtremeCloud IQ Pilot subscription.)

Zero-touch provisioning from ExtremeCloud IQ lets one quickly bring new 5520 switches online as well as enable the selection of the operating system (OS) persona. Alternatively, 5520 on-box management can be done manually via a webbased GUI or generic CLI.