Abstract

Extreme Networks, Inc. commissioned The Tolly Group to evaluate the Layer 2 and Layer 3 interoperability of three of its switches: an Alpine 3808 edge switch; a BlackDiamond 6808 core/backbone switch; and a Summit48i work group/departmental switch. The Tolly Group engineers put each of these switches through a battery of tests designed to reveal the depth of interoperability each switch provides. The Alpine 3808, the BlackDiamond 6808 and the Summit48i were tested individually for interoperability with switches from six other network infrastructure vendors.

The switches were tested for interoperability with switches from Alcatel, Anritsu, Enterasys, Foundry Networks, Marconi, and NEC. 

Tests included: Auto-negotiation, IP RIP (v1 and v2), OSPF, link aggregation, IPX RIP, VRRP, 802.1p/Q, Gigabit Ethernet uplinks. The Extreme switches passed all tests attempted.