Abstract

Extreme Networks Inc. commissioned The Tolly Group to evaluate its BlackDiamond 8810 modular switch, a versatile Layer 2-4 switch that delivers a 10-Gigabit Ethernet module, as well as Power over Ethernet in Gigabit Ethernet modules. The BlackDiamond 8810 can be deployed as a universal edge switch to provide data, voice, and wireless connectivity with its high density PoE support, as an aggregation switch between the edge and the core, or as a core switch for small to medium enterprises with its high-density 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Tolly Group engineers measured the performance of the BlackDiamond 8810 outfitted with three different switching modules — 10G4X, a four-port 10GBASE-X module supporting 10-Gigabit Ethernet; G48P a 48-port 10/100/1000BASE-T module supporting Power over Ethernet and the G24X, a 24-port 1000BASE-X module supporting fiber Gigabit Ethernet.

All three configurations were subjected to rigorous throughput and latency testing across various frame sizes ranging from the demanding 64-byte frame size to 9,000-byte Jumbo Frames. The BlackDiamond 8810 was also subjected to a battery of Tolly Verified tests to certify a range of features and functions. Testing was conducted at Extreme Networks facilities in Santa Clara, Calif. during March 2005.

Performance tests show that the BlackDiamond 8810 delivers 100 percent of the maximum theoretical Layer 2 throughput across the various modules tested, while simultaneously offering low latencies across a range of frame sizes when tested on a fully loaded module. Tolly Verified tests earned the BlackDiamond 8810 certifications for numerous Voice over IP (VoIP), Quality of Service (QoS), security, management and high availability features and functions.