SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Extreme Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR - News) today unveiled its Unified Access Architecture for seamless integration of wireless and wired data networking for the medium and large enterprise.Extreme's Unified Access Architecture is designed to meet the needs of enterprises that have been waiting to deploy a single, secure and seamless network for both wired and wireless network access, rather than operate two separate or parallel networks. Through this unified approach, enterprises have the freedom to extend their network edge for wireless access, LAN telephony, PDAs and other devices without compromising security, scalability, availability, mobility or management.Unlike the emerging approach to wireless local area networks (WLANs) -- a wireless switch placed in front of a Layer 2 or Layer 3 wired switch -- Extreme Networks' Unified Access Architecture centralizes the management and operation of wired and wireless networks into the wiring closet's Layer 3 access switches, on both fixed form factor and chassis-based products. The result: unified operation and management of both networks, seamless integration with distribution and core layers of an enterprise network and lowered TCO."It's not about wireless LANs or wireless enterprises; it's about a networked enterprise," said Gordon Stitt, president and CEO of Extreme Networks. "Extreme's Unified Access Architecture is the only viable strategy to enable businesses to manage the proliferation of devices being deployed on the network and still maintain the lowest total cost of ownership.""Enterprise-class wireless LAN products need to extend existing networks without adding new operating costs or security risks," said Abner Germanow, research manager, IDC. "Extreme's Unified Access Architecture is designed to achieve that goal and enable wireless LAN mobility and control using access points and a new wiring closet switch."In a separate release:Extreme Networks (Nasdaq: EXTR - News) today announced its first products for the new Unified Access Architecture for wired and wireless networks: the Summit® 300-48, the industry's only unified wired and wireless, Layer 2/3 stackable switch with Power over Ethernet, and the Altitude 300(TM) wireless ports.Additionally, Extreme has extended the capabilities of its award-winning ExtremeWare® and EPICenter(TM) management software to address the key requirements of enterprises, including security, scalability and manageability. The result is the industry's only single, scalable and integrated LAN solution for wired and wireless applications that can be managed from a single console.Unlike other products in the market, the Summit 300-48 switch is much more than simply a wireless controller, security switch or Power over Ethernet switch. The Summit 300-48 switch is a unified Layer 3 switching device that combines the intelligence to support wired and wireless applications into a single access device. Together with the Altitude 300 wireless ports, these new products enable enterprises to seamlessly and cost-effectively deploy and manage a unified network for both wired and wireless users."Enterprises have delayed embracing wireless networks because they have struggled with the burdens of deploying, securing, and operating separate networks for wired and wireless access," said Aaron Vance, WLAN industry analyst at the Synergy Research Group. "Therefore, a unified network approach will become the new standard for wired and wireless networking. Furthermore, companies that have waited for secure ways to deploy scalable wireless networks from an established LAN infrastructure provider now have a solution in Extreme."Extreme Networks Inc.