Extreme Networks 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.