Short Take: Extreme Networks offers chassis for Ethernet backbones

announced a new network switching chassis called BlackDiamond this week intended for local backbones based on Ethernet. Capable of supporting 256 10/100 mbps or 32 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the new device can speed packets at up to 48 million packets-per-second, according to the company. Modules for the chassis are available now and will continue to roll out through the first quarter of next year, with prices starting at less than $300 per 10/100 port and $2,200 per gigabit-speed port.