Universal Edge Switch Platform
The 5420 Series are high-performance, feature-rich edge switches designed for the next-generation digital enterprise. The 5420 Series universal hardware design provides end-to-end secure network segmentation, in addition to advanced policy capabilities, and offers a user-selectable choice of Extreme’s flagship switch operating systems. This makes the 5420 a uniquely flexible platform that can be deployed across a range of edge and wiring-closet environments.

The 5420 Series consists of 14 models split across 5420M and 5420F families to address a variety of end-user needs and price points. 5420M models offer field-replaceable power supplies and fans, and 4 x 1/10/25Gb built-in uplink ports. 5420F models come with fixed power supply, fixed fan(s), 4 x 1/10Gb built-in uplink ports, with support for a second optional field-replaceable power supply.

Both 5420M and 5420F families include 24 and 48-port 1 Gigabit models, as well as 1/2.5 Gigabit multi-rate models. Both also provide 30/60/90W PoE capabilities making them an ideal wired backend for wireless APs or in support of next gen power Ethernet devices, such as digital signage, pantilt-zoom cameras, smart lighting, or point-of-sale terminals.

Universal Hardware Platform
The 5420 Series as a universal hardware platform comes with a dual-persona capability allowing user choice of the switch operating system (OS). Either the Switch Engine1 or Fabric Engine2 persona can be enabled on 5420 hardware models. The desired persona can be selected at start-up or changed at a later stage. Once selected, the 5420 assumes the features/capabilities of the selected OS.

5420 persona activation can be done manually at bootup, including via the system CLI. Or, it can be automated by pre-provisioning the 5420 persona in ExtremeCloud IQ. When first booted, the 5420 automatically connects to ExtremeCloud IQ to find its persona. The pre-provisioned OS persona is then remotely enabled on the 5420 system – eliminating the need for manual selection.

Ethernet Fabric Services
The 5420 supports a variety of Ethernet Fabric services, including Extreme’s Fabric Connect when running Fabric Engine and Extreme’s IP Fabric when running Switch Engine. It also supports Fabric Attach for automated connection to either Layer 2 or Layer 3 fabric services. Extreme’s Fabric Connect and IP Fabric on the 5420 enable the creation of virtualized networks that automate network operations, simplify network provisioning and enhance security, all while reducing the strain on network and IT personnel.

Audio Video Bridging
The 5420 series supports IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging when running Switch Engine for reliable, real-time audio/ video transmission over Ethernet. AVB technology delivers the quality of service required for today’s high-definition and time-sensitive multimedia streams.

MACsec Link Encryption
IEEE 802.1AE MACsec* is supported on the 5420 access ports, as well as on its built-in uplink ports. MACsec is a hop-by-hop security capability which encrypts/decrypts packets between connected switches or devices. As a linkonly encryption, the switches can still apply services to the packet, such as policy or QoS, without compromising the security of packets across the link. With 128-bit and 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) support, the 5420 provides the most secure link encryption.
* Supported on specific hardware revisions; please refer to the
ExtremeSwitching 5420 Hardware Installation Guide for details.

High-Performance Stacking
The 5420 series also supports high-speed stacking when running Switch Engine via its two built-in SFP-DD stacking ports. Up to eight systems can be stacked using qualified SFP+/SFP-DD direct attach cables and optical transceivers.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)
The 5420 Series includes Power over Ethernet models supporting standards-based IEEE 802.3bt (30/60/90W) PoE capabilities. This enables the 5420 to address the needs of powered edge devices, while eliminating the need for additional electrical cabling and circuits. In addition, 5420 PoE models also support perpetual and fast PoE for even more efficient and reliable powered edge device peration.

Management
The 5420 can be managed by ExtremeCloud™ IQ or ExtremeCloud IQ – Site Engine for omprehensive unified management with a consolidated view of users, devices and applications across wired and wireless networks. (NOTE: Each 5420 unit also includes a 1-year ExtremeCloudIQ Pilot subscription.)

Zero-touch provisioning from ExtremeCloud IQ lets one quickly bring new 5420 switches online as well as enable the selection of the operating system (OS) persona. Alternatively, 5420 on-box management can be done manually via a web-based GUI or generic CLI.