Not wanting to let them off so easy, we dug up a Net Optics tap to work into the mix. The Net Optics device is designed to tap into the data stream and reproduce it out another port for an analyzer without causing disruption. We put the Net Optics tap between the switches and successfully reran the throughput tests. This proved not only that the Foundry and Extreme switches could interoperate with another vendor's product, Net Optics' tap, but that the Net Optics box is able to tap into a 10-gigabit connection without interfering with performance. When an 802.3ae analyzer does become available, the tap will be ready for Foundry and Extreme.
While we were impressed with both products, we gave our Editor's Choice nod to Extreme because the BlackDiamond edged out Foundry's BigIron by offering slightly superior performance with QoS enabled and better pricing. However, we would not hesitate to recommend either device--the vendors comprise an elite group willing to subject their equipment to rigorous testing. Think of it this way: It's nice to win the Super Bowl, but it's also an accomplishment to make it to the game and more than hold your own.
Extreme Networks BlackDiamond 6808 | Foundry Networks BigIron
Extreme Networks BlackDiamond 6808
Extreme sent us a high-end BlackDiamond switch/ router with redundant CPU cards and eight slots for port cards. Our eight-slot BlackDiamond 6808 had a 128-gigabit backplane and was populated with two single-port 10-gigabit cards and an 8-port Gigabit Ethernet card. Extreme also has a 16-slot version with a 256-gigabit backplane.
We used the CLI (command-line interface) for all configuration. In spite of this, we found the setup straightforward. We appreciated the fact that we could start typing a command and hit a tab key to see the next set of options, and we were able to step through complex commands easily. We also liked being able to see running counters with the number of matches to all access-list conditions. The Extreme box has a full compliment of routing protocol and multicast routing support.
The BlackDiamond didn't drop a single packet, even in our most rigorous performance tests. It also came with very inexpensive 10-gigabit interfaces, though the numbers we were quoted were based on a "sale" price. We always find it a little suspect to see cut-rate network equipment, whose prices often have very short half-lives. Furthermore, actual prices of network hardware tends to be very negotiable, which is why we gave cost only a 5 percent weighting in our report card.
BlackDiamond 6808, $24,995. Extreme Networks, (800) 867-0429, (408) 579-2800. www.extremenetworks.com
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