LAS VEGAS -- Extreme Networks, Inc. (EXTR) today announced new 10 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) copper modules for its BlackDiamond® X8 core switch and new copper versions of its Summit® X670 Top-of-Rack fixed data center switches. The new products can be viewed at the Interop Las Vegas tradeshow, booth #1851.

The Dell'Oro Group predicts in its most recent 5 year market forecast that 10GBase-T copper switches, as a ratio of global ports shipped, will become the primary choice for cloud and data center network upgrades in the next two years. Extreme Networks new high density copper switches are optimized to take advantage of servers based on the Intel® Xeon® Processor E5 Family and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) LAN on motherboard (LOM) devices.

"Investment protection is critical to new data center operators," said Huy Nguyen, senior director of product management at Extreme Networks. "Data center operators are always looking for ways to reuse cabling infrastructure, when upgrading their networks to 10 GbE. Rip-and-replace is the last option for most data center operators. The new BlackDiamond X8 blade and Summit X670 copper switch allow data center customers to deploy the most cost-effective 10 GbE options using standard RJ45 copper jacks."

Extreme Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR)