The Extreme Networks 8520‑48Y‑8C is a high-performance, fixed-form-factor leaf switch engineered for modern data centers, service providers, and mobile-edge infrastructure. This 1U switch chassis offers a combination of flexibility, power, and security to meet demanding enterprise network requirements.
It features 48 SFP28 ports supporting 1/10/25 GbE and 8 QSFP28 uplinks for 40/100 GbE connectivity, delivering non-blocking 2 Tbps throughput with ultra-low latency and high buffering. The modular design includes dual PSU bays and six fan slots, enabling customized deployment based on airflow direction (front-to-back or back-to-front) and power supply type (AC or DC).
Built on Extreme’s Universal hardware platform, the 8520-48Y-8C supports Trusted Delivery with hardware-based Secure Boot and Measured Boot with remote attestation—providing end-to-end protection from supply chain to deployment. This ensures only authenticated software and firmware operate on the device, mitigating the risk of tampering.
It runs SLX-OS, a feature-rich, Linux-based network operating system with advanced Layer 2/3 capabilities, VXLAN EVPN, BGP, and full control/data plane separation. The switch is programmable, supporting REST APIs, NETCONF, Python scripting, and on-box application hosting for microservices like monitoring, automation, or telemetry.
With baseboard management controller (BMC) for out-of-band management, console/USB/OOB ports, SNMP, sFlow, and integration with ExtremeCloud IQ, this switch ensures operational visibility and centralized control. The 8520‑48Y‑8C is rack-ready, comes with a 4-post mounting kit, and supports reliable ground connectivity, making it ideal for secure, scalable leaf deployments across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.